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Beyond the Resume Podcast with Matt Sullivan (Building communities that lift lives)
Manage episode 509036414 series 3473447
👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/-0v5kuRE6ZU • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r
In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Matt Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer at The Michaels Organization, one of the nation’s largest privately held owners and operators of affordable housing. Matt shares his personal journey from studying politics at Princeton to leading a company with more than 80,000 units across 39 states, all while staying true to Michaels’ vision of creating communities that lift lives.
Along the way, Matt discusses the future of real estate, the challenges of building affordable housing, and how leadership grounded in purpose can change lives.
Chapters:
(01:00) Inside The Michaels Organization
Matt shares the company’s history, its four asset classes (affordable, military, student, and multifamily housing), and how Michaels continues to grow responsibly with a $4 billion pipeline.
(03:10) From Princeton to Real Estate
Matt reflects on his path from politics to real estate, how a liberal arts education shaped his problem-solving skills, and why he believes in intellectual curiosity.
(07:30) Career Lessons & Leadership Philosophy
Matt explains the role of a COO, the importance of strategy and guardrails, and why putting people in positions where they can succeed is his most important leadership lesson.
(11:00) Technology & the Future of Housing
How Michaels is using AI, clean energy solutions, and insurance innovations to improve operations and resilience across its 80,000-unit portfolio.
(14:45) Scholarships & Community Impact
Matt highlights the Michaels Educational Foundation, which has awarded over $19 million in scholarships since 1991, helping residents—including many first-generation students—pursue higher education and trade schools.
(17:00) Transforming Camden, NJ
Stories of revitalization, homelessness initiatives, and partnerships with local health providers that are reshaping Camden into a city of opportunity.
(21:15) Favorite Book & Big Projects
Matt shares how The Real Estate Game influenced his career and discusses a groundbreaking Army barracks privatization project at Fort Irwin, California.
(25:00) Recruiting & What Makes a Great Employee
What Matt looks for when hiring, why curiosity matters more than credentials, and the role of brain teasers in his interviews.
(27:40) Mentors & Final Reflections
Matt honors his father, mentors at Michaels, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your growth.
Links
YouTube: https://youtu.be/-0v5kuRE6ZU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9
101 episodes
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