Star City Six: Tom Graf
Celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2016, NAI FMA Realty is a locally owned full-service commercial real estate firm providing client-focused solutions in the areas of brokerage, property management, facility maintenance, lease administration/accounting, and contract coordination services. Tom Graf is a Sales Associate for NAI FMA Realty (www.naifmarealty.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – I’m in commercial real estate sales and leasing brokerage. My typical deals are office, retail, industrial and land. Every day is different, but about 80% of my business revolves around office properties.
How did you get started in the business? – Out of all of my friends’ fathers, I always thought Don Linscott (currently owns Greenleaf Properties) had the most interesting and satisfying job. Ultimately, this is my third career. While I wanted to make this move after my first career, I wasn’t ready to make a living off of commission. After denying myself the opportunity in the ‘90’s, I made what I thought was a bold move in 2001 and was fortunate enough to begin this career with Don.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’ve had the good fortune of being involved in some very large transactions. However, my most satisfying deals have involved helping people follow their dreams and start their own businesses. These deals typically pay less and take a significant amount of time, but every day that I drive by or patronize those businesses I am pleased, you might call it a psychic dividend.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to my brilliant and beautiful wife Katie for almost 22 years now. We have two wonderful children. Our son Eli is 17 and our daughter Kit is 13. Katie and I were blessed to grow up in Lincoln and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to raise our own family here. We also have an adopted Black & Tan Coonhound named Iggy.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – When I was a student at Lincoln High School, we had a Vice Principal by the name of Dr. Jones. His mantra was “Be kind. Everyone you know carries some kind of burden.” While Dr. Jones passed away many years ago, it is my understanding that this is one of the written expectations for students competing in any number of activities at LHS to this very day.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend it in downtown Lincoln. There are any number of permutations from a rich environment featuring art, music, theater, culinary and cocktail offerings. As an alternate, taking a hike in Wilderness Park with the family is always refreshing.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Pipeline,” the 1960’s surf instrumental by The Chantays.
If you could choose another profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Archaeology.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Friends of the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. I saw my first independent film at the Sheldon back in 1980. It is the only place in town to see something different, whether it’s foreign, independent, or documentary. My wife and I frequently notice that the movies we think and talk about for days after viewing are movies that we see there.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – There are a number of fine local restaurants, but The Oven has been truly outstanding for nearly thirty years.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 441-5823, email tgraf@naifma.com, or visit www.naifmarealty.com.