156: Craig Atkins | Risk and Resilience: Building Wealth in Challenging Times

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Craig Atkins, Chairman and Co-founder of City Ventures, a real estate development firm focused on urban housing throughout California.

In this engaging conversation, Matt and Craig dive deep into the unpredictable journey of building a career from the ground up. From relentless persistence that spans hundreds of days to unexpected opportunities that arise during challenging economic times, you'll learn how dedication and adaptability can turn setbacks into successes. It’s a testament to the power of grit and the willingness to say "yes" even when the path seems uncertain.

Discover the balance between work and life, highlighting how unconventional choices and bold moves can lead to a uniquely fulfilling lifestyle. Whether it’s redefining what retirement looks like or finding ways to integrate passion and play into a busy schedule, the conversation challenges traditional ideas about success and personal fulfillment.

This episode is not just about climbing the ladder but about crafting a life that blends ambition with joy, reminding us all that sometimes the most unconventional paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Craig's rebellious behavior in middle school and the impact of his grandmother's decision to send him to boarding school.
• How bartending and architectural internships in college helped him realize his passion for real estate development over architecture
• The process of entitlement, design, and construction management in real estate development.
• The initial challenges of starting a brokerage company at 23, including starting the company with a $4,000 loan and borrowing office supplies from a dumpster.
• The establishment of City Ventures and the focus on ground-up development and land development.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Craig Atkins is the Chairman and Co-founder of City Ventures, a real estate development firm focused on urban housing throughout California. With over 25 years of experience in real estate, Craig has been involved in more than $3 billion in transactions, giving him deep insight into California’s diverse markets. Prior to City Ventures, he founded and led O'Donnell/Atkins, the state’s largest land brokerage firm, which averaged over $1 billion in annual transactions and operated six offices statewide. He also co-founded O/A Homes, a builder of luxury homes in La Quinta. Earlier in his career, Craig was a project manager at the Warmington Company, overseeing large-scale developments. A member of the Young Presidents Organization, he holds degrees in Architecture and Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Resources:

City Ventures