Milton Cooper says that while access to capital is key to succeeding in real estate, it’s “people, people, people” and a company’s attitude towards employees that really separates it from others. “In a world where good talent is in such high demand, our approach is to attract, motivate, empower and provide good career paths for employees,” he says.
Cooper says he believes that the part of his personality that affects his company most is his “enjoyment of people.” He sat down with Portfolio to reveal what he thinks about the development of the top members of his team.
“Mike Flynn, president and COO, has been my friend and partner in Kimco for more than 30 years,” he says. “His portfolio management skills have created great value for our shareholders, and his incisive business judgment continually helps us make the right investment decisions.”
As for David Henry, chief investment officer and vice chairman, “Dave has a keen mind, wonderful people skills and an infectious enthusiasm that he brings to our investors, partners, employees and customers of all types,” he says.
Cooper commented on how Executive Vice President and CFO Michael Pappagallo has helped Kimco grow. “Mike has been the catalyst in transforming Kimco into a large and sophisticated institutional owner and operator of more than 1,300 properties with 174 million square feet and 7,300 tenants,” he says. “Mike keeps our ever-growing organization running smoothly over all kinds of terrain, and I’m deeply indebted to him.”
