Michael Glimcher, CEO of WP Glimcher, shared personal and professional insights with more than 40 young professionals at the 2015 ULI Columbus Young Leaders’ Group YL Studio event.

In a discussion led by Grace Schmidt, WP Glimcher’s SVP of human resources, Glimcher explained his decision to focus on real estate in Columbus. “It’s big enough to matter and small enough to care,” he said, noting that the region provides great opportunities for young professionals to get involved professionally.

Glimcher also advised the group to develop an understanding of the financial side of real estate regardless of their specific role in the industry. He also suggested working for a larger real estate company or well capitalized smaller company as a safeguard for their careers, predicting that the current merger and acquisitions climate in the industry will continue.

He expressed the importance of learning by listening and observing in one’s professional and personal life. Quoting an early mentor, he said, “You have two ears and one mouth. You should use them in that proportion.”

According to Glimcher, his personal hobby of running has benefited him professionally as well by enabling him to explore and experience cities at the street level providing a stronger perspective of a community’s culture and personality.

Glimcher formerly served as Chairman and CEO of Glimcher Realty Trust. The premier mall real estate investment trust was acquired by Washington Prime Group Inc. in January. He serves on the Board of Directors for M/I Homes, Inc., is a member of the Board of Governors for the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and the Real Estate Roundtable in Washington, D.C. He is a trustee of the Arizona State University Foundation and the Wexner Center for the Arts as well a member of the Columbus Partnership and the Governing Committee of The Columbus Foundation.

Written By: Allison Srail, Young Leaders Chair, ULI Columbus

Allison is the ULI Young Leaders Group Chair and works for Cushman & Wakefield. She is a commercial real estate appraiser of a variety of property types throughout Ohio.

This event was sponsored by: