Henry Fonvielle- Urban Retail Marketing Guru (#110)

Henry Fonvielle/John Coe Bio As the President of Rappaport, Henry Fonvielle oversees the leasing strategy for third-party landlord and tenant representation services and all shopping centers within the company’s extensive portfolio.   Dedicated to reinvigorating, designing, and constructing top-tier mixed-use developments and shopping centers within the D.C. market, Henry utilizes over 35 years of experience in the retail industry to create well-organized and exceptional projects from conception to completion. With comprehensive knowledge in a wide array of retail types including urban, mixed-use, neighborhood, lifestyle, and power centers, Henry is recognized as a trusted retail advisor and an expert in the commercial real estate industry. His ability to form and cultivate close-knit partnerships within his team and among his clients enhanced Rappaport’s reputation as a well-respected and experienced firm committed to cultivating places. Under his leadership, the company’s leasing and brokerage portfolio soared from 35 to over 170 properties. Prior to joining Rappaport, Henry was Senior Vice President and Retail Department Head for the Vornado/Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty. Henry is Co-Founder of the Skyland Workforce Center Leadership Council, member of the Executive Leadership Team for the Alzheimer’s Association – Ride to End ALZ, Emeritus member of the Foundation Board and Ball Chair of Children’s National Hospital, member of the Bisnow Diversity Board, Board member for Tall Ship Providence Foundation, Board member and Gala Chair for Atlas Performing Arts Center, At-Large member of the Board of the USTA-Mid-Atlantic, ICSC member and former Mid Atlantic Event Chair. Henry formerly served as Vice-Chair for Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, as a Board member for Federal City Council, Washington DC Economic Partnership, and the Urban Land Institute CRC Green Council. Show Notes Henry Fonvielle’s Role at the Rappaport Company (00:05:20) Comparison of Henry Fonvielle’s role with Gary Rappaport’s at the Rappaport Company and their collaboration in managing the firm. Cultural Differences Between Firms (00:06:00) Comparison of Charles E Smith and Rappaport Company, discussing the differences in culture and learning experiences. Henry Fonvielle’s Origin Story (00:08:20) His upbringing in North Carolina, his family background, and the influence of his parents on his life. Henry Fonvielle’s College Experience (00:10:45) Henry Fonvielle‘s decision to attend Wake Forest and his life-changing experience with the Casa Artom program in Venice, Italy. Started at Ferris & Co. in Investments (00:13:45) Investment broker at Ferris and subsequently Legg Mason Transition to Real Estate (00:14:45) Henry’s transition from the securities industry to real estate and his early experiences at Charles E. Smith as a leasing agent. Revitalizing Retail Properties (00:16:15) Fonvielle’s...