He founded CREOPoint.com, a global online community for the commercial real estate industry. Goldenstein describes it as a group project, driven by the insight of about 20 CRE pros. He predicts the network "will make many milestones happen by inviting friends and useful business conversations." In the first of a two-part series, GlobeSt.com caught up with Goldenstein to find out more about the online community and its founders.
GlobeSt.com: Where did the idea for CREOPoint originate?
Goldenstein: During my second around the world trip last year. Doing business in 10 countries in a row reinforced the idea that "Friends do business with friends" and "a friend of a friend is a friend." In addition:
- There was no single, simple and safe 24/7 platform to collaborate globally on key industry issues and find best practices, experts in unfamiliar markets, deal flow, regulatory updates, market data, job openings and many more;
- Executives have to go through a lot of clutter to make sure they don't miss out on latest industry news and insights as well as changes in the career and life of their clients, prospects and referral sources;
- Faster global intelligence flows, lower risks, quality services and trusted relationships would become even more important.
GlobeSt.com: Who are the founders? Were they friends or associates? Or did you meet in the process of creating the site?
Goldenstein: It was really a team effort from seasoned executives with a track record of success in CRE, IT, professional services, customer service, membership development and publishing, including:
- James Searing: former senior partner in charge of new services, strategy and international business services for Ernst & Young;
- Ted Fine: former VP IT for Citibank Consumer Business Worldwide--responsible for the development of ATMs and started NASDAQ-quoted Level 8;
- Brian French: formerly managing director NAI Global in Canada and founder first international chapter of CoreNet.
GlobeSt.com: What's your objective?
Goldenstein: Our goals are focused on our members. We plan to be the premier online meeting place for the CRE industry. Like a building, a professional network needs a solid foundation. It requires a focus on member's interests and a deep commitment to creating win-win relationships for the long term with all the people in the community. It is much more than technology or heavy 'push' marketing--it is about building relationships and trust person-to-person over time, just like in the conventional business world. This is our edge and driving force for being world-class and the go-to global CRE meeting place.
Next week: The members and the money--who is joining and how the founders will monetize the site.
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