Meet the Team Monday – Steve Fineberg

Today’s team member is an important one. Without him, there is no team. He is our fearless founder and leader, Steve Fineberg. Steve has been in the commercial real estate industry for many years and he knows the Northwest Arkansas area like the back of his hand. We enjoy the office community Steve has created and the company he has built.

 

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in Ft. Smith with my younger brother who is now a doctor in Ft. Meyers, Florida. Our family was not what you would call affluent, there were struggles. But those struggles have contributed to my brother and me aspiring for success.

What brought you to the commercial real estate industry?

I was a traveling salesman in south Texas, and I had the opportunity to become involved in managing several thousand apartments in Oklahoma City. I thought it would give me an opportunity to learn about real estate. And boy did I get a lesson!

What brought you to Northwest Arkansas?

Life. I was in Dallas for ten years, but came back home to Arkansas from time to time to see my mother who had developed cancer. And during those visits I felt and believed that this area was about to take off. I guessed correctly.

How long have you been practicing real estate in Northwest Arkansas?

22 years and counting.

What is something unique that many people may not know about you?

When I was 20, I was given an all-expense paid trip to Vietnam courtesy of the U.S. Governement. I was assigned to be a pay clerk typing vouchers. Next to my typewriter were my AR-15, my helmet, and my flak jacket. You would think that in that situation, I would have learned to type with some speed. Still not the case. But overall, going overseas made me realize how lucky I am to be an American.

What has been one of your more embarrassing stories while on the job?

Several years ago, I asked a party to wait for me in the car so I could go in the office and retrieve a set of keys for a building walkthrough. When I returned to the car, I had the difficult job of explaining that somehow in my rush to get the keys, I had dropped them in a toilet. Let’s just say I did NOT retrieve them. Fortunately, we had a spare. To this day, that person and I are friends and he continues to give me a hard time about it.

When you’re not working, which is rare, how are you spending your free time?

I spend the majority of my time with my wife and grandkids. I have a total of eight grandchildren, four in the Northwest Arkansas area and four in Houston. Between them, my wife, and my work I have little free time. With what little time I do have, I play/struggle with my guitar. I started guitar lessons at the Arkansas Arts Academy three years ago and to this day, nobody has asked be to play backup in their band.

What type of music do you like to play?

Country and Rock. Some of my favorite artists’ music to play are Bryan Adams, Elvis Presley, Dwight Yoakam, and anything with an interesting riff.

Where is your favorite place you have traveled to?

Probably New York. There’s such a variety of cultures, food, and entertainment that you can experience in one place. While we’re there my wife and I love to go to broadway shows, my favorite being Jersey Boys.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? 

In real estate, I’ve learned a good broker should try to relate and understand the goals of each party. Something I’ve always believed is that wherever you are or whatever rung of the ladder you are on, there is always one above it to reach for. I don’t care how good you are, there is always room to be better.

What are you most proud of? 

I’m really proud of the people my children have become, the relationship I have with my wife, and the life we have built together.