Andrew Wright is the founder of three companies: Franklin Street, a full-service commercial real estate firm with more than $7 billion in transaction volume over 20 years; private equity firm Ally Capital Group; and Next Level Brands, a hospitality/dining company. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Andrew talked about his humble and blue-collar origin story, which led him to put a premium on work ethic and hustle. They also talked about what he looks for in leaders and his biggest investment regrets.

3 Takeaways

1. (10:44) Anchor in your vision, but not at the expense of personal integrity
2. (13:04) Leaders need to be the guarantor of culture
3. (17:04) Profit and growth are often on opposite ends of the spectrum

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Andrew Wright, founder and chairman, Franklin Street

(06:44) What are you primarily working on right now?

(08:44) What does leadership mean to you?

(10:44) Holding people accountable

(13:19) Leadership advice

(16:44) Decisions that shaped Franklin Street

(18:24) Being patient

(22:14) Storytelling in leadership

(23:19) Anything you would want a mulligan on?

(25:49) What are you looking forward to in 2026?

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