Get to Know Forte: Five Questions with John Young

1. Your accounting degree is somewhat unique for a real estate advisor, isn’t it? How would you say it helps you with your clients?

Yes, it isn’t a very common background for real estate advisor, though it helps me nearly every day in my role. Providing my clients with detailed financial analyses allows them to make the best real estate decisions whether they are buying, leasing, or selling industrial buildings. And that same accounting degree helps me devise the best negotiation strategies.

2. There is a lot that goes into advising a client in a real estate transaction. What’s your favorite part/aspect of the real estate advisory process?

My favorite part of the process is working with my clients to create a plan and set goals. I enjoy helping them map out a strategy that achieves their business goals and hopefully, positively impacts their family goals, too. On second thought, maybe the best part is seeing them actually achieve their goals. Either way, my enjoyment comes from working strategically with clients throughout the entire process.

3. Any great books that you’ve read lately?

The Emerald Mile. It’s a true story about the fastest, non-powered boat ride down the Colorado River through the entire length of the Grand Canyon. It is full of history about the Glen Canyon Dam, which created Lake Powell, and the fight to keep the Grand Canyon from being flooded by another dam downstream. I have a goal to do that same boat ride down the Grand Canyon, but probably a bit slower.

4. What are your hobbies?

I enjoy cooking, traveling and reading, but by far, my favorite hobby is riding my bike. I ride both mountain and road bike. Over the last ten years, I have competed in dozens of races in a variety of locations. Unfortunately, I have never won any of these races. I am committed to riding and racing for many more years to come, and who knows, maybe someday I will place in my age category!

5. If I gave you an airplane voucher to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

My first choice would be to go to Bellagio, Italy. The town is situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Como. I’m sure it would be a great place for my wife and I to vacation, and by coincidence, one of my favorite professional bike races – Il Lombardia –  is held there every fall. What could be better than a great vacation with my wife, Italian food, red wine, and a 100-year old classic bike race?

Learn more about John Young‘s Real Estate Advisory expertise here.

This article was featured in our Q4 Newsletter. Click here to view.