ROCK Employee Spotlight: Mike Katz, Director of Operations

Mike and his family

WHAT LED YOU TO ROCK?  Near the end of college, I was at a gathering where Dave Bode happened to be. Fortunately for me, he asked if I ever considered commercial real estate (which I hadn’t) and if I would like to shadow him for a few days. I spent some time with Dave and, nearly 22 years later, I’m still here.

WHAT IS THE MOST SATISFYING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?  Trying to help other people.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AS A CAREER?  Go for it! Commercial real estate is a great business to be involved with. There are lots of interesting commercial buildings out there and it’s exciting because each transaction is a little different. Specifically for salespeople, be patient with yourself and learn as much as you can early on. It will take time to build a long lasting book of business.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT ROCK?  The people. It’s nice to go to work each day knowing that you enjoy being around the people you work with.

WHAT BEHAVIOR OR PERSONALITY TRAIT DO YOU MOST ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS?  Attention to detail. The details matter and help ensure that our clients’ best interests are being met.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CAREER?  My dad. He has always demonstrated a great work ethic. He showed me the importance of letting your hard work speak for itself.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF PROFESSIONAL ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?  Double check your work.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?  A tennis player. Even though it’s just for fun, I’m very glad that I still play almost every week.

TELL US ONE THING THAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST.  I’d like to go to the French Open and see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal play tennis against each other. Since they are both now retired and I missed my chance, it would still be amazing to watch anyone play there.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WOULD SURPRISE US.  I listen to rock/heavy metal music. For some reason, nobody ever seems to believe this. What other kind of music would I listen to?!