Nick DiGregorio and Dan Spiegel on Building Long-Term Success in Real Estate

Real Estate Moguls

Dan Spiegel’s story isn’t just about commercial real estate; it’s about staying curious, being adaptable, and finding joy in what you do. As Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Coldwell Banker Commercial, Dan has spent over 30 years mastering his craft and mentoring others in a field that thrives on relationships, perseverance, and forward-thinking.

Dan’s entrance into the real estate world wasn’t planned. After earning a master’s degree in urban planning, he stumbled into a research role in commercial real estate. “I didn’t study real estate, but I fell in love with it,” Dan shares. His unexpected start paved the way for a thriving career, proving that where you begin doesn’t define where you’ll go.

In the world of commercial real estate, relationships are everything. Dan emphasizes the importance of curiosity—not just about properties but about the people behind them. “Think about the whole person,” he advises. “A client isn’t just a deal; they’re someone with goals, challenges, and even kids who might need a babysitter.” By adding value to every aspect of a client’s life, Dan explains, you create a bond that goes beyond transactions.

Building relationships is one thing, but maintaining them over decades takes strategy and effort. Dan insists that organization is key. “If you don’t have a system to track conversations, birthdays, or even small details, you lose credibility.” He advocates for CRMs but makes an important distinction: “The best CRM is the one you’ll actually use.”

When asked about closing deals, Dan doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of hard work. “You need to be filling the top of the funnel constantly,” he explains. Deals take time, and the pipeline has to be robust to withstand inevitable setbacks. He also stresses the need to stay ahead of market trends, pivoting when necessary. “Some brokers switch from buildings to land when they see the market shifting. You have to adapt.”

Dan’s career is a testament to the power of team-building. His secret? Hiring people who aren’t like him. “It’s easy to hire people you like because they’re similar to you,” he admits. “But a great team is made up of individuals with complementary skills.” For example, a detail-oriented team member can balance out someone who’s a great door-opener but struggles with follow-through.

Adaptability has been a cornerstone of Dan’s success. While he has stayed in the commercial real estate industry, he has evolved within it. He encourages others to seek growth opportunities, even without changing jobs. “Reinvent yourself within your role,” he advises. “Staying in one place doesn’t mean standing still.”

For Dan, joy is non-negotiable. He believes you should thrive in what you do or make a change. “You’ll never grow if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing,” he says. This philosophy has guided his career and inspired those around him.

Finally, Dan shares a piece of wisdom that encapsulates his approach: “Learn from everyone you meet. Everyone has something to teach you.” Whether it’s a colleague, a client, or even a competitor, there’s always an opportunity to grow.