Thomas Gath, managing director at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, got his start in real estate after 25 years with UPS management. With a desire to work for himself, create his own hours and enjoy time off during the holidays, Gath explained he was ready to start his career in commercial real estate.
But those aren’t the only reasons why he’s remained in the industry. He said that every year brings new experiences and new clients, and all of that, he said, increases his passion and perseverance.
He added that he has a bright outlook on the market for the rest of the year. He expects continued growth, and a slight increase in lease rates with more spec product planned.
As managing director, Gath’s daily responsibilities are to stay informed of market conditions, which he said enables him to keep clients on top, as well as being available to clients through all forms of communication and continually following up with them, too.
He explained that building long-term client relationships are the most rewarding part of his job and he does so by achieving goals, keeping occupancy up and closing deals efficiently for his clients.
And as for how NGKF set itself apart from the other firms? Gath explained it’s the company’s fully-integrated, best-in-class real estate and financial services platform, along with its depth of resources, global reach and access to capital.
“All together with our focus, drive, momentum and ‘entrepreneurial scrappiness,’ makes us pretty tough to beat,” Gath said.
His most memorable project was when he completed a 1,500-square-foot lease. He said that it lead to a two-and-a-half-year relationship that resulted in selling the client a 57,000-square-foot building in Chicago.
But outside the industry, Gath said his greatest accomplishment is his marriage of 38 years to his high school sweetheart and having been able to watch his three children grow-up and become successful.
He said that now, he’s enjoying time with his twin grandsons.
Gath enjoys spending time with his family and watching sports when’s he’s not working, and on weekends, he enjoys making trips out to his home in Michigan.
But in an ideal world, Gath explained that he’d like to take a month-long vacation with his wife and travel to many different parts of the world.
