As the founder and CEO of Rappaport, Gary Rappaport leads one of the most prolific retail real estate companies in the Washington, D.C., area. Rappaport, who manages a gross leasable area of 14.5M SF and a retail portfolio that includes 60 shopping centers located throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia, has created a name for himself in an industry that continues to evolve alongside new technology and shifting consumer demands.

But in 1971, the Long Island native and Syracuse University graduate almost pursued the family business: fashion manufacturing. Looking to avoid the financial instability of the industry, Rappaport moved to D.C. and dove into the home construction business. In 1984, he used those new skills to form his eponymous company.

Baker Tilly's Todd Stokes sat down with Rappaport to learn about how the CRE leader found his calling, his work philosophy and what gets him up in the morning — without an alarm.

Click here for Episode Two!

Click here for Episode Three!