I recommend entrepreneurs routinely view every aspect of their business on a regular basis to ensure consistently optimal business operations.
A strategic business development and cash-flow analytics expert, Marty Stallone has provided exceptional insight and expertise while overseeing the land development projects undertaken by Metropolitan Development Group (MDG). The company, which is based out of Eastern Pennsylvania, primarily focuses on residential, commercial, and industrial property development, and its footprint is evident throughout the many counties that make up the Eastern Pennsylvania area.
Mr. Stallone, who serves as the executive vice president of land development for MDG, has positioned the broad-based land development company for prolonged success in an industry known for being exceptionally competitive. Drawing on his past professional experience that includes roles with Hamilton Consulting and Meridian Capital Markets, Mr. Stallone is a driving force within a company capable of handling a vast array of land development projects that include low- and high-density single-family residential homes as well as industrial development tracts, commercial office buildings, and multi-family market apartments.
A graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Mr. Stallone has clearly benefited from the diverse academic coursework made available at the Ivy League institution and has leveraged his unique understanding of land development, finance, and analytics to contribute to the foundation that has supported MDG’s long run of success. The Pennsylvania native is so revered for his expertise that he has served as a featured speaker at countless professional and organizational seminars and conferences.
Where did the idea for Metropolitan Development Group come from?
MDG arose out of the recognition of a need for a versatile land development company capable of completing projects that include residential, industrial, and commercial properties.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I am in constant contact with our executive leadership team regarding any number of critical issues, which means I must balance my schedule in a manner that ensures consistently effective and efficient communication while still providing ample time for the thorough research and in-depth analysis for which I am known.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas spring out of an understanding of the potential impact of emerging trends and other factors, so I make a point to remain apprised of every development relevant to our company’s focus.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I’m excited about several recent economic trends indicating a continued return to strength and look forward to leveraging these trends in a manner that suits our land development interests.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I tend to view everything through an analytical lens, which ensures that any decisions I make are based on detailed and comprehensive analysis.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I volunteered to work at the annual “Cortaca Jug” football game between Ithaca University and Cortland State University while I was an undergrad at nearby Cornell. I quickly gained respect for those who work events in which attendees allow their rooting interests to undermine a sense of basic decorum.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Although I learned a great deal from my previous professional experiences, I feel as though there was a market for MDG’s services long before it was actually founded. I would have pursued the core concept behind MDG far earlier if I had the opportunity to start again.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend entrepreneurs routinely view every aspect of their business on a regular basis to ensure consistently optimal business operations.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
We partnered with a marketing firm many years ago and explained our specific short-, intermediate-, and long-term goals for growth. We then collaborated on a detailed plan that we have since implemented to a great deal of success.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
In every circumstance in which I felt that I could have achieved a better result, I have taken great care to carefully analyze every possible misstep in order to prevent a future reoccurrence. As a result, it is not possible for me to define any outcome as a failure since I have made a distinct effort to transform the negative short-term result into a positive long-term result.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There are a number of consulting firms outside of my industry that are conceptually sound and possess exceptional expertise but lack a general understanding of how to generate long-term success. A consulting business that focused on addressing these issues for other firms could actually be quite successful on a number of levels.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
As a longtime resident of Pennsylvania, I have long respected Arnold Palmer’s accomplishments as an athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. When I learned that he had published a new memoir, I purchased copies for colleagues and clients who may not be familiar with all he achieved outside of golf.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
We use software and web services specifically designed for analyzing varied trends that might influence our residential, commercial, or industrial land development efforts.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I recommend every entrepreneur read Thomas Piketty’s “Capital in the 21st Century.” You do not necessarily have to agree with his conclusions to learn a great deal from his approach to research and analysis.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
In addition to Piketty, I think that entrepreneurs would find the work of Justin Wolfers interesting as well.
Connect:
Marty Stallone on Twitter: @martystallone
Marty Stallone on LinkedIn:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.