Have you ever faced a challenge so significant that success would benefit many but failure would harm just as many? Twenty months ago, I took on exactly that kind of high-wire act when tasked with either renegotiating our ten-year office lease or finding entirely new space. Our rent had quadrupled over the previous decade, making this decision critical for our organization’s future.
The weight of this responsibility was immense. This wasn’t just about finding four walls and a roof—it was about creating a space where our team could thrive while managing costs that had spiraled out of control. The decisions I made would affect everyone in our organization, from budget allocations to daily work experience.
Building the Right Team Makes All the Difference
Looking back, I realize the success of this project hinged on one critical factor: assembling the right team. I didn’t try to be the expert in everything. Instead, I built what I call a “pillar team” of specialists who each brought unique expertise to the table.
This team included:
- Commercial real estate professionals who understood market dynamics
- Architects who could envision possibilities in raw spaces
- Contractors who turned plans into reality
- Project managers who kept everything on track
- Suppliers who delivered quality materials on time
- Property management experts who handled countless details
The magic happened when these professionals collaborated. Each person brought their unique perspective, allowing us to spot potential issues before they became problems and identify opportunities we might have missed working in silos.
Transforming a 105-Year-Old Mill into Modern Office Space
We ultimately chose Savona Mill, a 105-year-old industrial building with rich history and character. This wasn’t the easy choice—it was the right choice. Converting a century-old mill into modern office space presented unique challenges, but also offered us the chance to create something truly special.
The companies involved—Newmark, Redline, En bloc, Playbook, Alfred Williams, Foundry, and Portman Holdings—didn’t just provide services; they became partners in our vision. Our landlord, too, proved to be an ally rather than an adversary in this process.
What impressed me most was how this team handled the inevitable obstacles. Construction projects never go perfectly according to plan, especially when working with historic structures. Yet when challenges arose, our team adapted quickly, finding creative solutions that kept us moving forward.
The Bottom Line: Under Budget and On Time
In the business world, two metrics ultimately define project success: budget and timeline. I’m proud to say we delivered on both fronts, coming in under budget and completing the project on schedule. This wasn’t luck—it was the result of careful planning, transparent communication, and the collective expertise of our team.
The financial impact of this success extends far beyond the project itself. By controlling costs on this major investment, we freed up resources for other organizational priorities. And by creating an inspiring workspace, we’ve positioned ourselves to attract and retain top talent.
While we had plenty of obstacles, this team adapted and came in under budget and on time.
The Power of Gratitude in Leadership
As I reflect on this journey, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. This project reinforced an important leadership lesson: acknowledging the contributions of others isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. Each person who touched this project deserves recognition for turning our challenge into triumph.
Too often in business, we focus exclusively on outcomes while overlooking the people who make those outcomes possible. I believe taking time to express genuine appreciation strengthens relationships and builds the foundation for future collaboration.
This experience has changed how I approach major initiatives. I now start by asking: Who are the experts we need? How can we create an environment where they can do their best work? And how will we recognize their contributions?
Who are you grateful for in your professional journey? Taking a moment to reflect on this question—and then expressing that gratitude directly—might be the most important thing you do today.
