Commercial real estate continues to evolve, but one part of the industry remains just as important as ever: relationships.
Even as communication becomes more digital, strong personal connections continue to play an important role in creating opportunities, solving problems, and building long-term success. “You just don’t know who knows who,” said David Strusiner of Craig/Steven Development Corporation. A relationship with one person can lead to an introduction, a new idea, or an opportunity that may not have existed otherwise.
Throughout his career, David has seen the value of these connections firsthand. Relationships with experienced people in the industry have provided mentorship, guidance, and a trusted sounding board. Those conversations are not always limited to business either. Over time, professional relationships can grow into genuine friendships.
At the center of a strong business relationship are trust, honesty, sincerity, and consistent communication. While the industry has adapted to emails, texts, and other digital tools, David still believes face-to-face conversations and phone calls have tremendous value.
For Craig/Steven, being a family-owned business also influences how relationships are approached. The company places an emphasis on caring for its tenants, remaining flexible, and creating an environment where tenants have the opportunity to succeed. That same relationship-first mindset applies to people entering the industry.
David’s advice is simple: be real, genuine, authentic, and professional. Get in front of people, make phone calls, stay in communication, and focus on developing meaningful connections rather than simply collecting as many contacts as possible. The impact of those relationships may not always be immediate, but staying connected can open unexpected doors years later.
Ultimately, Craig/Steven wants tenants and industry partners to remember a team that is approachable, caring, and invested in their success. As Rick Strusiner has said for decades, “Your success is our success.”