Steve Pumper
October 25, 2023
What do you like most about being a member?
The quality of member and the information discussed are both at the highest level. Also, the willingness amongst the membership to share information is ingrained in the culture of the industry. Most of the members have lived through two or more cycles and their experience, coupled with lessons learned, provide good insight into future trends and how it will eventually impact capital markets.
Any tips or advice for new members?
Become engaged through interaction with members at CREFC events. You will find that the membership is welcoming of new participants and open to sharing their views with you. You won't find a better membership for the CMBS industry than CREFC.
Which of our events have you attended? What have you enjoyed about them?
I rarely miss the January Conference in Miami Beach. It is always a great way to launch the year and reconnect with friend in the industry. In addition, it serves as a good barometer for checking the mindset of the leading people within the financial side of our business.
How do you define success?
If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life. The interesting thing about my role is that I get to select the people that I want to spend time with, which is somewhat unusual. I'm attracted to talented people who have a sense of humility, even though they are definitely overachievers and highly successful. It is very compelling to me that some of the smartest people that I know don't feel the need to prove they are the smartest person in the room.
What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you?
Trust is very important in building and maintaining relationships. Without it, you will never achieve your true potential. It has been said that when people ask questions, many times they either know the answer or believe they do. Based upon this premise, I have always subscribed to the practice of saying I don't know, when I don't know. I follow that up with, but I will locate the answer and be back with you in short order. My first mentor, Sandy Gadient taught me that lesson in my early 20's and I continued that practice throughout my career.
What are your favorite aspects of your job and company?
I have been blessed to be with Transwestern for over twenty-five years. They offer me the freedom to tailor my job based upon the trends and flows of the industry, which allows me the flexibility to proactively pursue opportunities with clients and partners without having to navigate a corporate bureaucracy. In addition, the culture here is unrivaled and the partnership perspectives of the team make for a truly gratifying experience. I'm fortunate to have been a part of a fairly significant growth story, with additional runway in front of us. Finally, the life-work balance has also been a positive influence throughout my tenure. When things are good at home, everyone benefits.