Why They Attend
Tim Sullivan
Principal
John Burns Real Estate Consulting
www.realestateconsulting.com
Why I Attend IBS?
I’ve been a speaker at the show for many years — I first attended in the early 1980s. The networking opportunities are fantastic, and I’m always fascinated to see if there is something new I can learn. At IBS you can get an education, learn about new products and technology and identify trends — all in one place. Where else can you do that?
How I Got My Start?
Years ago, when I was an economics major at University of California, San Diego, I wondered how I was going to translate my degree into a real job. I had the good fortune of getting a job with Sanford Goodkin, one of the cutting-edge real estate researchers of the sixties, seventies and eighties. I’ve been doing industry research ever since. I always thought I’d get a real job some day, but here I am 29 years later! I have absolutely no regrets.
Best Business Advice I’ve Received?
Be practical, be realistic and be consistent.
What I Do in My Free Time?
I love food and wine, traveling and hanging out with my family. So my best experiences are those where I get to mix my passions. We’ve taken some incredible trips to France, Italy, Ireland and Mexico.
Advice for Builders in Today’s Marketplace?
Make sure you understand your market and your buyer. Building is very market-specific and opportunistic. Also, think about how a site may be used in the future.
Back to top
Mary Jo Peterson
Principal
Mary Jo Peterson, Inc.
www.mjpdesign.com
Why I Attend IBS?
I’m really excited about the 50+ Housing Council’s Universal Design Power Day. This year there’s also going to be terrific education sessions, roundtable discussions, tours and product demos. We’ll also be talking about sustainability and how home designs are changing. To get the most out of IBS, I encourage people to really get involved; you have so many more opportunities to meet and learn from great people.
How I Got My Start?
I’ve been a kitchen and bath designer for some time. I was interested in Universal Design when it wasn’t fashionable, and when I was starting out I had the good fortune of attracting the notice of GE’s Appliances Division. They introduced me to builders, designers and architects across the country. Today, Universal Design is a passion, and I incorporate it into everything we do, not just for the 50+ market.
Most Important Industry Mentor?
When I first learned about Universal Design, I asked architect friends how I could learn more. They suggested I call Ron Mace — an architect and the father of Universal Design. To my great surprise, he not only took my call, but helped me with my first Universal Design project. Although he passed in 1998, his legacy continues on.
My Life Outside Work?
My husband and I are avid bicyclists. We particularly enjoy bike tours — this year, for instance, we’ll be touring Brittany by bicycle. We also scuba dive, and we’re planning a diving trip in New Guinea next spring.
Back to top
Mike McGowan
President
The McGowan Corporation
Chair, NAHB 50+ Council
www.mcgowanbuilding.com
Why I Attend IBS?
My father urged me to attend in the early 1980s. He taught me the value of the educational programs. And IBS is the best place to learn about new products. I remember coming home from my first show with a suitcase full of brochures. It was such an eye-opening experience. I’ve never attended an IBS where I didn’t at least triple my return on investment.
How I Got My Start?
My father started the business back in 1959, and when I was a teenager I worked for him every summer. Then in 2000, I took over the business myself. We’re a small single-family builder, completing three to five houses each year.
Most Important Industry Mentors?
My father was always active with the Remodelers Council. So you might say I’ve had a cabinet of advisors who have guided me throughout my career.
How I Got Involved with the 50+ Marketplace?
I didn’t plan to get involved at first, but a lot of our clientele were part of that market, and at some point I was appointed to the NAHB 50+ Housing Council’s Board of Trustees. Soon I became known as the 50+ expert in my local community. I developed this reputation in large part because I can draw on the experience of the many 50+ experts in the 50+ Housing Council. Without a doubt, I’ve generated a considerable amount of business as result of my involvement.
My Life Outside Work?
I played lacrosse in college, and it’s always been a passion of mine. I don’t have the time today to coach a team, so instead I referee lacrosse games. I also like to golf and hunt. And I’ve become a grandfather, so I enjoy spending plenty of time with my family.
Back to top
