2020 Year in Review: William O’Brien, M.C. O’Brien, Inc.

Name: William O’Brien

Job Title: President

Company Name: M.C. O’Brien, Inc.

What aspects of working from home did you enjoy most?
I spent more time with my core family, exercised and ate better than I typically do, no COVID 15 lbs for me.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2020?
Maintaining our business, while keeping the interest of my staff and clients as well as their respective families’ welfare balanced has been tough but we have managed to date. Looking forward to the vaccine ameliorating the effects of this horrible pandemic.

What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2020?
No one event, but since August, we still closed almost 70,000 s/f of transactions on behalf of our clients.

What was the most challenging part of working during the pandemic?
Obviously, not being able to meet clients or tour space easily was a major deterrent to business. The city has also proven to be more of detriment then an ally for businesses during the pandemic. Garbage, limited police action and aggressive fines have really made it an extremely unfriendly environment that was already challenging.

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021?
Commercial real estate will be impacted across the board with valuations and rent values significantly impacted. Some market segments will take years to recover, if they ever do.