2023 Ones to Watch Industry Leaders: Stuart Saft, Holland & Knight

Number of years in CURRENT position: 11

3 skills that you use every day in your position: Lead by example; Recognize that no one knows everything so listen to what others say; Protect my subordinates, if they made a mistake then it means that I was wrong in giving them a task.

Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: James Flexner’s Biography of George Washington

Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: Anything that can go wrong will, at the worst moment.

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Converted the Crown Building, 730 Fifth Ave., from an office building to a building containing retail, an Aman Resort, a Jazz Club, and residential apartments. This included advising the purchasers on the acquisition, negotiated their JV Agreement, financing the transaction, formed the initial two unit condominium, structured the relationship between the sections, developed the upper portion, prepared the offering plan, handled the sale of the apartments, the operation of the hotel, and amended the Declaration to reflect the new use.

What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? “Stuart Saft is the definition of an industry leader. The deals that Stuart cultivates are innovative and cutting edge. He is also heavily involved in the State’s legislature and works tirelessly to improve the State’s bills affecting NYC real estate. In addition, he is the author or over 32 real estate books and is frequently quoted in the media.”- Renee Covitt, Partner at Holland & Knight.