Design Development

In this podcast episode, the host sits down with Jim Grossman, one of the founders of RISE Construction + Development, a full-service construction management and development firm focusing on the middle market in Boston, Massachusetts. Jim shares his journey into the construction industry, growing up in a Boston Housing Authority development, and how he started through a program that recruited low-income workers. He worked his way up through the ranks to become the National COO of Suffolk Construction, one of the largest construction companies in the country.

Jim shares his unique perspective on the industry, given his experience starting from the bottom and working his way up to a leadership position. He discusses his new venture, Rise Rises, and its focus on serving the middle market in Boston. The company was started three years ago with three partners, including Herby Devenir and Brian Anderson. They are vertically integrated, providing full-service construction management and development services.

In addition to discussing his new venture, Jim also shares insights into the challenges of the Boston real estate market, particularly in the middle-market multi-family sector. He talks about the high demand for housing in this market, the challenges of winning a title, and the importance of community engagement in the development process.

The episode also delves into the importance of understanding risk and managing large, complex contracts in the construction industry. Jim talks about how his experiences in high-rise construction have helped him scale his businesses, building efficient organizations that thrive in underserved middle markets.

Finally, the conversation shifts to the importance of equity and debt in deals, particularly in ongoing development projects. Jim and the host emphasize the importance of thinking long-term, investing in people, seeking feedback, and preparing for future growth periods. They conclude the episode with a recommendation for listeners to read "Athena" by General McChrystal and to try the app "Pep Talk" for motivational speeches.

Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look into the world of construction and real estate development, offering insights and advice from a seasoned industry professional.

Thank you so much for listening. If you found any value in this conversation, please like, share, and comment so we can get the word out to more people. It's one of the ways these communities grow. We're going to change the industry. We're a growing community. I would love you to be a part of it.

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