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The Relationship-Driven Vision Behind Surmount with Glen Kunofsky
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Glen Kunofsky shares how a long-term, client-centered philosophy led to the creation of Surmount, a unified platform combining brokerage, advisory, development, and capital markets services. What began as a brokerage team evolved in direct response to client needs—from navigating sale-leasebacks, to renegotiating leases during downturns, to sourcing capital and delivering development expertise. Glen outlines how each service line emerged from listening to clients and building relationships that endure across market cycles.
In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Glen Kunofsky joins Aaron Strauss to break down the relationship-driven vision behind Surmount and how culture, mentorship, and long-term thinking have shaped every aspect of the firm’s growth. He explains why Surmount’s structure is designed to reduce internal competition and foster collaboration, and how that approach is attracting both talent and clients in today’s market. Glen also shares how mindset, humility, and staying close to the client have guided his career through every cycle of commercial real estate.
2:00 – Glen’s early start in real estate during college at Arizona State University
7:00 – Building a portfolio, launching a construction company, and moving back East
9:55 – Breaking into brokerage at Marcus & Millichap and shifting to net lease
13:40 – Why Glen rejected traditional brokerage culture to build a long-term team
17:55 – Creating Surmount by combining brokerage, advisory, development, and capital markets
22:40 – How Surmount’s collaborative culture attracts talent and clients in today’s market
25:10 – Glen’s mindset on managing relationships, setbacks, and long-term value
30:10 – Advocating in Washington for tax legislation that supports real estate investment
Mentioned In The Relationship-Driven Vision Behind Surmount with Glen Kunofsky
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Chapters
1. The Relationship-Driven Vision Behind Surmount with Glen Kunofsky (00:00:00)
2. Glen’s early start in real estate during college at Arizona State University (00:02:00)
3. Building a portfolio, launching a construction company, and moving back East (00:07:00)
4. Breaking into brokerage at Marcus & Millichap and shifting to net lease (00:09:55)
5. Why Glen rejected traditional brokerage culture to build a long-term team (00:14:40)
6. Creating Surmount by combining brokerage, advisory, development, and capital markets (00:17:55)
7. How Surmount’s collaborative culture attracts talent and clients in today’s market (00:22:40)
8. Glen’s mindset on managing relationships, setbacks, and long-term value (00:25:10)
9. Advocating in Washington for tax legislation that supports real estate investment (00:30:10)
62 episodes
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