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Insights Into Leadership: Model Behavior
by Scott L. Leventhal, founder, president and CEO, Tivoli Properties Inc.
August 25, 2008
S
omeone once said that the best example of leadership is leadership by example.
As a fourth-generation developer, I have been fortunate to apply some of my family members’
best practices to my own career. This wisdom has been the cornerstone to my success.
The most valuable lessons were the ones I learned from my father. As a successful developer
of single family real estate for more than 20 years, my father suddenly was faced with challenge
upon challenge. The U.S. real estate market and economy were in the doldrums (sound familiar?) and
each decision he made was critical not only to the future of his company but to our family’s
livelihood.
As a 19-year-old “invincible” teenager at the time, I elected not to proceed with a college
education (much to the dismay of my mother) and dove right into the family business to assist my
father. Throughout this partnership, particularly during those trying times when we would
bang our heads on the kitchen table to come up with a solution, I learned that the only way to
succeed in life is to fight and never quit … even if it is 4:30 in the morning and you’re on your
12th cup of coffee.
Aqua Midtown, located in Midtown, is one of Tivoli's properties.
Based on this strong foundation, I was not afraid to proceed on my own. And I was not afraid to take a risk. At the age of 23, I had a vision for an unproven sector of land in my hometown’s city center where many people were reluctant to drive. After much convincing, I was able to gain control of this parcel, which, in turn, gave me opportunities to learn my way through the business through the “trial by fire” method. During this process, I encountered my own obstacles and ultimately lost control of the properties.
However, my father’s words kept playing over and over in my mind. Never give up. Never give up. And thank goodness, I did not.
Shortly thereafter, another piece of land near the same location presented itself. Acquiring it and creating a successful development there became the springboard to where I am today. This time, instead of facing the same issues as before, I was charged with the difficult task of proving my “on the job training” abilities to lenders, partners and financiers. There was plenty of rejection.
But after each meeting, I tweaked my presentation and honed my skills and sooner than later, I began to hear more “yeses” than “nos.”
Had it not been for my father and the lessons I learned from him, which he learned from his parents and grandparents in the same business, I would not be where I am today. People say that building buildings is in my blood.
While the passion for construction may flow through my veins, sheer will and determination were taught at an early age.
As a leader at my own company, it is my job to set an example for my own team as well as in the community. Although it may sound elemental, sometimes the only traits that set you apart from your competitors are perseverance and tenacity. You have to believe in yourself and your mission, roll up your sleeves and give it your all in order to succeed.
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