The Real Reason Some Careers Accelerate
- Jun 9
- 1 min read
Episode 113: Brian Finnegan
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Brian Finnegan, President and CEO of Brixmor Property Group (NYSE: BRX), one of the largest open-air shopping center owners and operators in the United States.
Brian’s story is a masterclass in leadership, patience, and long-term career growth. Starting as a leasing representative in 2004, he spent more than two decades working through nearly every operational role in the company before ultimately becoming CEO of a publicly traded real estate investment trust with 344 shopping centers, 62+ million square feet of retail space, and more than 900 million annual consumer visits.
Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
00:55 Welcome to the Show
02:25 Understanding Brixmor Property Group
05:10 Retail's Resurgence
08:04 Supply and Demand Dynamics
11:19 Same Store Growth
12:51 How We Met
15:13 Networking as a Young Professional
16:49 Brixmor's Evolution and History
20:41 Lessons from Being Young
22:30 Philadelphia Roots
24:29 Getting Into Real Estate
26:49 Brokerage Lessons
28:33 Cold Calling Stories
30:56 Dealing with Rejection
34:32 Time Blocking and Prospecting
35:10 Maximizing Your Current Role
38:01 Moving Across America
39:37 Embracing New Cities
40:54 National Portfolio Experience
41:36 Market Expertise Matters
43:14 Career Growth and Relocation
45:20 Becoming CEO
49:07 First Quarter Success
51:59 CEO Responsibilities
53:13 Redevelopment Strategy
56:08 Work Life Balance
01:00:13 Technology and AI
01:05:07 Innovation and Young Talent
01:07:50 Advice for Young Professionals
01:10:01 Rapid Fire Round
