Savills Studley EVP Mark Russell just launched the Austin office for the firm as the branch manager, bringing on John Scoblick and Alecia Burdick as corporate managing director and associate director, respectively. We asked Mark for more info on himself and the new office.
2016 Goal: To successfully implement and grow the Savills Studley Austin office experience
Current Strategy/Deal Flow: My strategy is to hire top-tier talent. We are not interested in being the biggest shop, but rather surround ourselves—as we have in other offices around the country—with the brightest professionals in our industry.
Market Insight: Austin is a frothy market in all segments and will continue to be so for some time.
Favorite Food: It’s a close tie between Mexican and Italian cuisines.
Last Vacation: My wife and I went to Highlands, NC, to play golf and watch the beautiful fall foliage with three of our closest couple friends.
Kids/family: My family is the single most important part of my life. I’m blessed with a gorgeous wife of 26 years and three UT Longhorns, one gainfully employed in the real estate biz and the other two a senior and junior in college.
Alma Mater: Hook’em
How long have you run the company? I’ve been with Savills Studley for 12 years and co-managed our thriving Houston office, prior to taking on this newest venture in opening and leading the Austin office.
Highlight of your career: The best part about working for Savills Studley and in the commercial real estate world is making lasting relationships with clients that grow into great friends.
First Job: At the ripe age of 12, I proudly began my first job as a paper boy, when young boys actually delivered the paper on foot, not via truck. I proudly got up every morning at 5 am before school to deliver papers door to door.
Best present ever received: God’s amazing blessings and forgiveness.
Dessert you can’t resist: I am not a big dessert guy, but I will occasionally indulge in chocolate molten cake.
Go-to order at happy hour: A martini up with a twist just like Frank Sinatra (and my dad)!
Pictured: Mark and his wife at their anniversary dinner on Kiawah Island.
