TRENDSETTERS
THE WRITE STUFF Here are the books that have inspired and entertained Arizona’s commercial real estate leaders
ANDREW GEIER, executive vice president of Layton Construction, is typical of what many might think is the relationship between people who work in construction and reading. “I’m not a big book reader,” Geier admits. But even Geier admits that the written word has influenced his career. “My business partner made me read ‘Good to Great,’” Geier says. “We’ve utilized several of the concepts in the book, adapted for our business, and have experienced tremendous success. Now that we have our flywheel moving, it’s exciting to see the momentum we’ve created.” Geier isn’t the only Arizona business leader who has been inspired by books. Here is what fills the bookshelves of Arizona’s most brilliant commercial real estate minds.
BYRON R. CARNEY, managing principal, Cushman & Wakefield: “The best business book that I have read is ‘Outliers,’ by Malcolm Gladwell. The most interesting concept for me was the 10,000-Hour Rule. The theory of this rule is that it takes a person 10,000 hours of dedication to become an exceptional performer in their field. The most important aspect of becoming successful is hard work.”
Andrew Geier
BOB MULHERN, senior managing director, Colliers International: “I read the Bible daily. I find every page is filled with inspiring truth and wisdom.”
SHARON HARPER, chairman, president and CEO, Plaza Companies: “‘Character is Destiny,’ by John McCain. It is truly character that defines everything about a person. This is a book of heroism and is about leaders who believed their values were the power that directed their lives. These stories are a constant inspiration for me.
MOLLY RYAN CARSON, senior vice president, market leader Southwest; Ryan Companies US, Inc.: “This is tough as there are so many good books! ‘The Power of One,’ by Bryce Courtney, is certainly up there. It’s a story of perseverance and is beautifully written. And I unapologetically love all of Vince Flynn’s books.” GREG VOGEL, CEO, Land Advisors Organization: “‘Think and Grow Rich,’ by Napoleon Hill. I read this when I was 19 and it changed the trajectory of my life. I have read it 15 times and there could not be a better book for these current times. I have given away over 100 to young people and recommend it to all seeking advice from me.”
Byron R. Carney
6 | March-April 2021
Molly Ryan Carson
Bob Mulhern
