Investor Interview with Steve Collins

Steve Collins Investor

Investing is for all types of people, from many backgrounds and schools of thought. You may find similarities among other investors, or learn something new!

Herewith tips and insight, is Steve Collins, Investor

Q: Who was your first mentor in real estate? 

A: Vic Mills, Mark Senn, and Mike Graybill. They were the partners at what was the. Blanchard and Calhoun Commercial, now Southeastern Development. Working with them was my first job in Commercial real estate. Mike has retired, but Vic and Mark still run Southeastern. What they’ve been able to do is extremely impressive. They’ve grown to one of the largest developers in the southeast and probably the largest Kroger developer in the country.

Q: What is your favorite book? 

A: Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. So much good points to take from that book. My favorite quote from it is “when you know your why, you can endure any how” that book puts a lot of things in perspective. Real Estate Titans by Erez Cohen is a good one on real estate investing. Biggest take away from that one is, don’t get over leveraged.

Q: What is the best lesson you have learned in real estate? 

A: You’re not working for this deal. You’re working for the fifth deal. Real estate is a relationship business. You don’t want to do just one deal with someone. You want to do many deals with them so treat everyone fair and don’t burn bridges.

Q: How many properties do you own? 

A: Right now I own 5 investment properties. Mostly commercial.

Q: What is your favorite podcast?

A: I’ve only recently gotten in to podcasts. One of my favorites is Business Wars. Good series that details battles between various businesses over the years. They’ve done Walmart vs Amazon, Dunkin’ Donuts vs Starbucks, Coke vs Pepsi and a lot more. The Macy’ vs Him all’s was one that I really liked. Interesting to see what retail was like in the 1800’s compared to what it is now. Surprising to see the big similarities, give customers a reason to shop at your store. The experience was as important then as it is now.

Q: When did you start investing? 

A: About 10 years ago.

Q: Do you have any hobbies? 

A: I like to read and workout. I usually workout in the mornings. Gets my day started off by accomplishing something and gets me some time to myself before the day starts.

Q: Why do you Invest?

A: Investing in real estate is a great way to accumulate wealth. I’m investing, not so much for today but for 20 years from now.

Q: What is the best advice you have received?  

A: Be kind to people. You have no idea what someone else is going through.

Q: What is the best advice you could give someone else? 

A: Treat people with respect.

Q: Is there a place for you where time slows down? 

A: Anywhere when me and my wife can sit down and watch our 2 girls having fun.

Q: If you could be a member of any music group, you would be?

A: Pearl Jam is probably my favorite band. Being a member would be cool, but I feel like things could get really serious sometimes. From a purely fun perspective, being with Post Malone’s band. That guy looks like he has a lot of fun and enjoys doing what he does. Probably couldn’t do it for long though. Would be too much fun.

Q: When were you introduced to Auben?

A: I don’t remember the date but I first met Tyson probably about 15 years ago not long after I moved to Augusta. I believe we met at Helga’s when that was the bar we went to all the time. And Natalie used to live next door to me when she first moved to Augusta.

Q: If you weren’t investing in real estate you would be_______.

A: Growing up I wanted to be a sports agent. Glad I’m not though. I know some guys that do it and it seems exhausting.

Q: If you were to start over_______.

A: I wouldn’t. I’m glad I am where I am and look forward to the future. No sense in looking back With regret on things that can’t be changed.

Q: I am happy I chose Auben because _______.

A: I first went with Auben because of my relationship with Tyson and Natalie. I continue to go with them because they do a great job. Problems inevitably come up, but they always do their best to fix them and fix them in a way that has heir client’s best interest in mind.