#35: Will Friend - CEO of Bisnow

Will Friend is the CEO of Bisnow, an online real estate publication and event firm, where he has implemented an incredible culture through Bisnow’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Will and Chris discuss the journey of becoming the CEO of a company and why there's no "step-by-step" process, company structure as a family versus a team, why it is important to love what you do, and Chris reflects on this conversation and his role at Fort Capital. For more information on Chris Powers and Fort Capital, visit www.fortcapitallp.com. Follow Chris on Twitter! @fortworthchris Connect with The FORT by emailing us at [email protected]. 01:50 — Will’s Journey Before Bisnow, Growing Up in the UK, The Desire for the American Dream, and Moving to America 09:23 — The Journey to Becoming a CEO at 27 Years Old 16:50 — How do you see your experience as CEO so far? 19:33 — What did you expect to be part of the role as CEO that actually are not? 22:22 — Level Up Talent 23:20 — How can you know if you’ll keep the role? How do you evaluate yourself and the organization? 24:10 — Team vs. Family 26:40 — Were these values already set or was it an “ah-ha!” moment? 31:05 — Deciding on a Vision and Values for Bisnow 40:50 — How do you make your Vision and Values a habit? 46:15 — Are these open to be debated and changed? 47:54 — How is a private equity buy-out a learning experience for everyone? Is this the right thing for everyone? 52:40 — What do private equity firms do for family-owned businesses? 53:04 — 3 Failures That Changed the Way Will Thinks 1:00:50 — How does culture affect a company’s bottom line? 1:04:00 — Hitting a Sales Mark 1:08:50 — What does it take for an issue to make it to your desk? 1:12:42 — What is it like to run a sales team? What makes a successful salesperson? 1:16:46 — What do you say to people who are not doing what they love? 1:19:49 — What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self? What is your favorite interview question? 1:27:20 — How Chris Critiques Himself and What Makes a Company's Mission, Vision, and Values Work