CHICAGO—Many real estate brokers have made philanthropic activities an important part of their lives. This kind of work can raise brokers' profile in their community, but also show others that they are trustworthy, instead of just wheeler dealers. And tenants typically want brokers they can trust, especially if it's a long-term relationship. But which philanthropic activities to get involved in, and how to go about it in ways that both builds client relationships and camaraderie within commercial real estate firms, can present a challenge. GlobeSt.com recently spoke with Chris Tarzon, managing director of the Chicago office of Savills Studley, who last month won the annual Dancing with the Brokers charity contest organized by The Box It Foundation, on how he has made this activity an integral part of his career.

Why get involved in charity work or community events at all?

At Savills Studley, an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, charity and community involvement aligns directly with our values, enriches organizational culture and helps us better understand the communities we serve. For decision makers of any business, encouraging this kind of organizational commitment can result in a more engaged and capable workforce and an improved community profile.

What can a broker learn from philanthropy?

As the leading commercial real estate service provider specializing in tenant representation, understanding and advocating for causes bigger than one's self is directly reflective of our core service. When fighting for the needs of others, whether it be your client, a person or a cause, you must not act in your best interest but in the best interest of the beneficiaries. To be a true, trusted tenant advisor, you need the same selfless perspective and attitude as a dedicated philanthropist.

What is the attitude of the company you work for?

Community involvement and philanthropy is encouraged at Savills Studley on a national, regional, industry and individual level. Nationally, the company contributes to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Habitat for Humanity, The National Brain Tumor Foundation and The Ronald McDonald House, among other causes. Our Suburban Washington DC executive manager Adam Singer founded the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Real Estate Games in 1989, an annual industry event that raised $525,000 for diabetes research in 2017 and has expanded to New York. The firm's Chicago office, where I have worked since 2012, has a rich history of community involvement spearheaded by the office's annual Landlord Challenge Golf Outing. Since 2005, the firm has gathered Chicago area real estate professionals at this event for a day of friendly rivalry on the green to benefit one worthy cause with donations that range between $100,000 and $150,000 annually. I chaired the event in 2014 to benefit Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois and represented that charity and Savills Studley again at the 2017 Dancing With the Brokers Chicago event.

Does this have special importance to those who work with tenants?

As tenant advisors, we do not sell a product purely to create a profit. Our business is sustained by long-term relationships built on trust earned by constant altruistic advisory. We grow and measure our business through our clients' long-term growth, not the number of individual transactions completed each year. Philanthropy events remind us of the need to approach everything in life and business from the altruistic position of an advocate, representing a cause larger than one's self.

Along with what it does for individuals, can it benefit the company?

Participation in these events is an excellent way for any business leader to improve employee comradery and organizational culture. Philanthropic events bring employees together, regardless of salary or seniority, to share a common purpose. It's important for employees to feel a sense of pride and that their job has an impact beyond what they do 9 to 5pm.

How can business leaders support philanthropy and community involvement?

Paid time off, matching contributions, enthusiastic C Suite involvement and prizes for the highest fundraisers are a few places to start. However, I encourage leaders to develop a thoughtful approach to philanthropy, uniquely connected to their business's overall values and role in the marketplace. Strategic philanthropy is a unique and powerful way to enhance your company's marketing position in the community and improve the wellbeing of employees and overall culture.

Why get involved in charity work or community events at all?

What can a broker learn from philanthropy?

What is the attitude of the company you work for?

Does this have special importance to those who work with tenants?

Along with what it does for individuals, can it benefit the company?

How can business leaders support philanthropy and community involvement?

Instant Insights /

Building Relationships Through Philanthropy

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