Gigliotti of HFF takes a throwback approach with social media

Name: Michael Gigliotti Title: Managing Director Company/firm: HFF Year company was founded: 1998 (predecessor companies dating to the 1970s) Years with company/firm: 8 years Years in field: 8 years Years in real estate industry: 12 years Address: 50 Rockefeller Plaza, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10020 Telephone: 212-632-1811 Email: [email protected] URL: www.hfflp.com Which project, deal or transaction was the "game changer" in the advancement of your career? The equity raise and construction financing for 215 Sullivan St. in Greenwich Village. Our team started working on this transaction for one of our top clients, Broad Street Development, in early 2011, a time which was ahead of the cycle for luxury condominium development in Manhattan. The closing of the construction loan was a game changer because it was the first of twelve construction assignments I have been a part of since. Where would you like to be 10 years from today? I would like to be right where I am, in the NY office of HFF. I have such unbelievable mentors at HFF that I couldn't imagine working for a different firm. The team approach that the company preaches is not only the best for clients, but for the employees as well. And perhaps in 10 years, on a personal level, I will have a few more opportunities to go fishing and golfing with my wife and sons. My two boys will be 14 and 11 at that time. How has the increase in social media changed the way you are doing business? I have taken somewhat of a throwback approach with respect to social media in that I try to do the opposite. I believe that in this era, it is a real accomplishment to create a true personal relationship with a client. I focus on one-on-one meetings and phone calls. Even emails, which you can't avoid, are a lot less personal. Social media has influenced the industry in a way that immediate responses are expected. Therefore, I focus on being available 24/7, responding as fast as possible, but using the phone or personal meetings in order to create a real connection.