Why They Attend
Mark Humphreys, AIA, NCARB
CEO
Humphreys & Partners Architects, L.P.
www.humphreys.com
Why I Attend IBS?
IBS is the largest industry show in the U.S., maybe the world. It's a great place to meet old friends and make new contacts. The seminars are great, and I always check out the new products on the showroom floor. I have a special interest in green products. As a kid, I won an award for solar design, and I've been hooked ever since.
How I Got My Start?
In high school, I took an architectural class. Somehow, my design won first place from the Dallas HBA. After getting my degree in architecture, I worked for a firm and became a partner. And in 1991, I started my own firm. Its success has given me a lot of great opportunities. Just recently, for instance, I met with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to discuss funding for multifamily housing.
Best Business Advice?
Never give up. Those who work hardest reap the rewards.
State of Multifamily Development?
Multifamily construction – apartments in particular – has fared better than the rest of the industry. We predict a lot of growth in this area over the next few years.
What I Do Outside Work?
I'm a pilot, and I fly for recreation and business. Just yesterday, I flew my all-carbon-fiber Cirrus SR22 from a meeting in Omaha back to Dallas. I come from an aviation family; my father designed airplanes, so I've always had the bug.
Back to top
Spencer Stuart, Jr.
Senior Managing Director
Legacy Partners Residential Development, Inc.
www.legacypartners.com
Why I Attend IBS?
I like to see all the innovative products that can make multifamily buildings more efficient and environmentally friendly.
How I Got My Start?
In 1976, I started working in Salt Lake City with a condo developer. Condominiums were new back then, and I became excited about building multifamily housing. Later, I moved to Dallas, where I worked in the syndication business, financing multifamily and other projects. In 1994, I left the acquisitions side of the business and got back to my roots in multifamily development.
Most Important Industry Mentors?
Three men influenced my career in real estate development. Marshall Edwards, an EVP at Walden Properties, taught me a great deal about real estate and operating properties. Preston Butcher, Legacy Partners' chairman, is an industry legend and has been an inspiration. And Dean Henry, president of our residential division, has given me great advice. These gentlemen taught me that success comes from being persistent and creative.
Multifamily Construction in a Challenging Economy?
Multifamily construction is at its lowest ebb in memory. But the market is about to change. We've seen a huge spike in demand for apartments. This is driven in part by declining home ownership — people who used to own homes are moving into apartments. In addition, the demand from 20- to 30-year-olds is growing rapidly. As apartment buildings fill up, there will be demand for new construction as early as 2011.
What I Do Outside Work?
I'm an avid golfer. If I'm going to an out-of-town meeting, I'll often bring my clubs.
Back to top
Garry Benson
CEO & President
Garrison Partners
www.garrisonpartners.com
Why I Attend IBS?
I’ve been attending for over 20 years because it gives me the opportunity to take the industry’s temperature and get a much broader perspective than I get from my office in Chicago. I also look at the show’s attendees and try to gauge the general mood. Last year it was cautiously optimistic; I’ll be interested to see how people are feeling today.
How I Got My Start?
I got started in 1976 by getting fired from my job in insurance. I had grown up with a friend whose father had built the first condominiums in Illinois in 1964. His company offered me a job selling properties. It’s been a great run ever since. In 1994, I founded Garrison Partners, and we grew to over 100 people in 13 states. Today, we’re about 25 people and are rebuilding the company to fit the times.
Best Business Advice I've Received?
I’ve had the good fortune of working for a lot of people who are smarter than myself. They taught me never to go into a room if you don’t know where the back door is. I also learned the three Bs: be brief, be brilliant and be gone. And a guy name Dan McLean taught me that if you can’t figure out a deal on the back of a napkin, it’s probably not worth pursuing.
Should My Kids Go Into the Business?
It would be great if my 19-year-old son and 22-year-old daughter wanted to enter the industry, but ultimately I leave the decision to them. I just want them to find something that makes them happy.
My Life Outside Work?
I have a boat. It’s my retreat from the world — I like to take it out, sit down and relax.
Back to top
