In this episode of Founder’s Story, Daniel Robbins sits down with Jonathan Kaufman Iger to uncover how Sage has thrived for more than a century in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world. Jonathan shares the company’s journey from its founding in 1924 by his great-grandfather to becoming a multigenerational force in NYC real estate, and how Sage is redefining office buildings through innovation, hospitality, and experience.
Key Discussion Points:
Jonathan explains why 90% of companies fail before 10 years—and how Sage has lasted over 100. He details how the company has pivoted across real estate asset classes to anticipate cultural and economic shifts, from post-WWII workforce growth to today’s hybrid-work era. He also shares how Sage builds loyalty not with flashy amenities but through hospitality-driven experiences, like branded umbrella programs and concierge services, setting a new standard for office life.
Takeaways:
Listeners will learn why the New York office market isn’t “dead” but transforming, how experience has become the new currency of commercial real estate, and why Sage’s long-term success is rooted in generational vision rather than short-term exits. Jonathan also highlights how blending hospitality into real estate isn’t just survival—it’s the blueprint for the next century of urban life.
Closing Thoughts:
Sage’s 101-year legacy proves that lasting businesses aren’t built on short-term hype—they’re built on adaptability, vision, and a relentless focus on customer experience. Jonathan Kaufman Iger’s story is both a history lesson and a roadmap for building companies that stand the test of time.
Get more leads and grow your business. Go to https://www.pipedrive.com/founders and get started with a 30 day free trial.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.