How McCall & Almy is Changing Lives

Michael Goodwin is Vice President at McCall & Almy, a commercial real estate company that sources creative places to work for other businesses. McCall & Almy is guided by the ethos that environments can shape a business. They also use ArtLifting art to uplift their own office. We talked with Michael about his day-to-day, how McCall & Almy faces industry challenges, and why his ArtLifting art makes him feel "awesome."

Michael Goodwin, Vice President at McCall & Almy

1. What do you do and what is a day in the life like?

I started my career with Ernst and Young as a CPA and transitioned to McCall & Almy about three and a half years ago. I used to be stuck in audit rooms all day and now I'm fortunate enough to be out and about helping entrepreneurs look creative, flexible office solutions. It's fun, exciting, and completely different from the world I lived in before. You try to connect the community and be a part of the ecosystem. There's no typical day for me anymore.

2. What's been one of the most challenging days or clients?

The challenge with most companies in the emerging tech sector is that you have no idea where you will be in the next 6 months, let alone 3 years. There are not a lot of opportunities for flexible space outside of co-working facilities. Co-working options are great for the short term, but you reach a certain point where there is a desire to have a private space to really build company culture and brand identity. It's difficult to find flexible, compelling opportunities that allow for growth, but are also conservative enough where the company is not biting off more than they can chew.

3. There's a lot within commercial real estate; what's your specific focus?

At McCall & Almy, we exclusively represent tenants in their search for real estate. This ranges from large global clients with campuses, to the 3 person start-up. My focus has been on growing our emerging technology practice. We are dedicated to the tenant because of the conflicts that arise when representing landlords and tenants. We have stuck with this approach for the past 27 years, and we feel that we have created a successful brand in doing so.

Michael Goodwin "lifting" Douglas Pendleton's "The Fenway Autumn"

4. Why did you chose to purchase a piece from ArtLifting?

I've been following ArtLifting for the past couple of years and have loved watching the company grow, and to see more pieces around town. ArtLifting’s mission is so unique and different from every other company in the Boston ecosystem. I think that everyone can relate to someone who has been through difficult times, be it mental health issues, a stroke or housing troubles. Not only did we need new art in our office, but we also wanted to give back to the mission of ArtLifting because it is so relatable.

5. In what ways is ArtLifting different from other socially responsible companies?

You see a lot of businesses around energy, solar, and sustainability lately, but there are not many companies that are focused on helping individuals who need it. ArtLifting allows the artist to get back on their feet and allows them to uplift themselves through their own creativity and merit. These talents were previously going unrecognized, so having this platform gives them the opportunity that they never would have had.

6. How does it make you and your colleagues feel to have ArtLifting art in the office?

Awesome. It's the only piece in the office that has a description of the artist. Everyone automatically gravitates towards it. We had a Boston Business Journal best place to work feature, and we shot it right in front of Douglas Pendleton's work. Whenever I am in that conference room with a new face, they always ask about the piece, and then express how cool it is.

Rendering of Allen Chamblerland's Philadelphia, PA 1842 as a wallcovering

7. How did you choose that specific piece?

We have a colleague in the office who loves to paint and draw. She was the first person I went to with the idea for an ArtLifting piece. From there, we had 6 or 7 options that fit our office theme. We loved that Doug was local and the name of the piece "Fenway Autumn." He had a stroke, which was a strong personal connection. As I said before, it is all about the relatability.

8. Would you recommend ArtLifting?

Of course! There have already been a bunch of people in the office that have asked how to buy more art for their homes. I'm a huge ArtLifting advocate and I recommend it to everyone.

9. How does it makes you feel everyday to see the piece in the office?

Awesome, period.