Michael Darby – Monumental Achievements (#30)

Bio Michael J. Darby is Founder & CEO of Monument Realty, a leading privately held mixed use real estate development & operating company headquartered in Washington DC. An active member of the Washington, DC region’s development industry for more than two decades, Michael previously worked with some of the most prominent developers in the Washington DC area including Carr America in the 80’s and Akridge in the 90’s. During those years he managed the development of many prominent Washington buildings including such landmark restoration projects as the Willard Hotel, the Southern Railway Building and the Victor Building. Michael began his career in his native Australia, working with a Melbourne-based general contractor, and holds a degree in Engineering and Business from the University of Melbourne. He has been active in numerous regional real estate organizations over the years and has served on the Board of the DC Building Industry Association. Michael is involved with several charities and his company have been longtime supporters of the annual Real Estate Games, a charitable sports competition that supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and he was the event co-chair for six years. Show Notes Current Role CEO and Founder at Monument Realty. Role has changed over the years since founding 22 years ago (3:15)Brief history overview of companyStarted with Partner (Jeff Neal) (3:31)Chased deals with Lehman Bros. and Apollo Bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and breakup of partnership with Jeff Neal (4:00)Role now is broader (5:00)Experience is well earned (5;30) Origins Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia (6:20)Father was an engineer (6:30)Competed in freestyle skiing as a youth (7:15)Went to Europe and competed (7:35)Came to the US during Australian summers (winter here) to ski competitively (8:00)Australian mountains (8:50)Not as “advanced” as Europe and North AmericaWalked up hills frequently (10:30)Traveling was fun around the world (11:45)Athletics is encouraged in Australia (12:15) Education University of Melbourne (13:00)Studied engineering that led to real estate career (13:10)Interned at Charles H. Tompkins Construction in DCCame to US via LA originally and bought...