OPINION:
As I watched Donald Trump’s inauguration and listened to his informal comments while signing executive orders in the Oval Office, I couldn’t help but recall his many successful real estate projects and consider what it takes to develop real estate successfully (“Trump reverses Biden’s woke policies, bolsters energy production, pardons Jan. 6 defendants,” Web, Jan. 20)
Having spent 44 years in that business (15 as a licensed architect in private practice and 29 working with a real estate development firm as a member of its project development team), I can offer a few observations. First, a successful real estate developer must have a vision, an imagination of buildings and structures that do not yet exist, but when built will draw people to them. The person must be a risk taker who is able to convince themselves and others to invest time and large sums of money in something that only exists in their mind. They also must have a thorough knowledge of real estate markets and details such as architectural design, zoning regulations and building codes.
They must also know the appropriate architectural, engineering and construction firms for the imagined project, which requires an understanding of many different people and how best to work with them all to complete the project.
One needs to understand that reputation is everything in real estate — so developers who fail to deliver successful projects as promised don’t typically achieve long-term success.
Upon reflection, it seems the above traits may also be associated with successful politicians. Perhaps this speaks to President Trump’s success in both endeavors.
DANIEL P. MCKIM
Springfield, Virginia
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