What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Being named, along with my Cousin Mike, the 1st ever Salons by JC Franchisee of the Year and Greensboro’s small business person of the year in the same year.

What is your most notable project, deal or transaction?

I’m most proud of the 2015 acquisition of St. George Square in Winston- Salem, NC. It was my 1st deal that I handled from soup to nuts. I sourced it, procured financing, and brought on outside investors to invest side by side with us. We worked closely with a Bridge Lender to set aside the appropriate Tenant Improvement dollars for our Salons by JC Franchise, who later expanded to the 1st floor as well. We immediately added a great deal of value since the building was 67% leased at purchase with a negative stigma and now its 100% leased and extremely active and embraced.

How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry?

I am involved in all facets of our company. As a family business we all wear a lot of hats and we constantly throw ideas back and forth. On a day-to-day basis I oversee our Acquisitions, Leasing, and Investor Relationships teams and am responsible for future company strategy including business development and diversification

Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career?

I pride myself on being an even balance between my Father and my Uncle. I take a “Conservatively Aggressive” approach in how I approach any deals. I’m pragmatic, patient, decisive, and extra friendly. I always try to be a good listener and be a “solutionist”.

What impact has social media / networking had on your career?

For the past 3 years I have a made a huge effort to grow our social media platforms. All 3 of my Salons by JC locations have Facebook and Instagram accounts, which we regularly buy ads and post great content to. Recently we added Facebook, Instagram, and Linked in to our Bedrin Organization marketing budgets and the feedback has been tremendous. There is no question we have to interact with our customers the way they like to interact. Investors, Lenders, and Tenants love seeing what we are up to.

What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today?

When you join a family business there is always the question of whether you will fit in with the culture and will people respect you. I decided after college it was important to do my own thing for a few years and see how other companies operated. I moved to California and worked for the Golden State Warriors basketball team selling season tickets to high net worth individuals and large companies. Although selling tickets for a team who had not made the playoffs in 12 years was an uphill battle, it taught me a great deal about sales, perseverance, luck, and about building relationships.

Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession?

My Poppa Murray founded our family business (Allied Office Supplies) back in 1947. I always admired him for how hard he worked and how much he loved his family. Although I was too young to work beside him, I often dreamt of when it would be my turn. He passed away in 2001 and from that point on I new one day I would honor him by joining the family and often thought about him when I moved home from California in 2005.

What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time?

I love staying healthy and taking fitness classes. Kettlebells, CycleBar, Or- ange Theory are a few of my favorites. Staying healthy is really important to me because I love every day I get to spend with my beau- tiful wife Jessica and our adorable girls Juliet, 7, and Harper, 3. I ALWAYS say “Health is Wealth”. I also enjoy spending time with friends, touring beautiful real estate, and relaxing by the beach. I never turn down a Broadway show ticket or an airplane seat.

What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college today?

Young graduates need to find something they are passionate about and enjoy the grind. The earlier you learn that the journey is what’s important, the quicker you’ll live happier and more fulfilling days. I highly recommend you find a mentor, do an internship, and try something outside of your comfort zone; like moving across the country.