President, Keegan & Coppin Inc.
Company address: 1335 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa 95401
Phone: 707-528-1400
Website: www.keegancoppin.com
Staff: 80
Residence: Santa Rosa
Professional background: 39 years in commercial real estate
Education: B.S., MBA, U.C. Berkeley
Age: 66
What do you see as the essential role of a leader in the current environment? Providing accurate forecasts of the economy for our markets and providing focus for the company on new opportunities; motivating and coaching our agents and employees
What are the biggest changes you've seen in your industry? Information, technology trumps wisdom, insight, track record, the biggest bubble collapse in 39 years
What advice would you give to young emerging leaders? Stay flexible, continue to learn, stay connected to center of influence. Know your client’s need.
What's the best advice for weathering today's economic environment? Focus on areas of comparative advantage. Reinvent yourself to meet needs of the market. Brand yourself for specialized areas.
How do you think your business will change in the next five years? I think it will be a slow rebound. We are going through a rebalancing of Wall Street versus Main Street and of profit maximizing versus balanced social and economic objectives.
What is a decision you wish you hadn't made? What did you learn from it? Opening an office in Sacramento in 1980 and San Diego in 1990 and starting a kids furniture store in San Diego
What is your most memorable business experience? Developing Oakmead Northbay Business Park
What is your greatest business success? Oakmead Northbay Business Park, hooking up with Jim Keegan
What was your toughest business decision? To stop being a developer
What would your friends be surprised to find out about you? I enjoy riding motorcycles and for years was a road cyclist.
First job: Industrial process systems technician
Most admired businessperson outside the company: Carl Panattoni
Current reading: "South of Broad," Pat Conroy
Most want to meet: President Obama
Stress relievers: Running three miles a day
Favorite activities outside work: Golf, motorcycles, the beach
Additional comments: I have three grown children and two grandchildren that I’m very proud of. My daughter is production manager in Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, and my two sons are in real estate, and all live in Southern California.
