Check Out Andy Gutman’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Andy Gutman.

Andy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey is one of continual growth and transformation. As a child, I was exceedingly shy, raised in a family where hard work was paramount.

I was drawn to making a meaningful contribution to society, fueled by the desire to see hard work translate into tangible success and fulfillment. Despite lacking musical skills, my passion for music and writing flourished during my teenage years. I devoted myself to crafting lyrics and poems, considering them personal expressions beyond the realm of musical composition.

Growing up in Southfield, Michigan, a breeding ground for accomplished individuals, I pursued accounting at Michigan State University. Graduating into a recession, opportunities in the CPA field were scarce. I navigated through odd jobs until securing a position in the accounting department of a multi-generational family-owned commercial real estate company. Although I discovered a passion for commercial real estate, I looked at accounting as a means to further my business capabilities.

After over three years, a missed promotion prompted my departure. Finding solace at Farbman Group, a family business resonating with my love for the city, I embraced a culture where hard work was rewarded. Eagerly seizing every opportunity and diligently expanding my knowledge, I tried to conquer every learning curve.

Alongside my professional journey, my love for music persisted. The tragic loss of a colleague served as a reminder of life’s fragility. It ignited a newfound determination to pursue my musical aspirations fervently. Collaborating with singers and instrumentalists, I brought my lyrics to life. What once existed as mere lyrics evolved into a collection of eight children’s books meant as a legacy for my daughter and over five hundred produced songs, gradually shared with the world.

Though the path ahead remains filled with challenges and untold melodies, I find gratification in the pursuit of my dreams, embracing each day with unwavering dedication.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Everyone’s career is filled with challenges, and we are often given the opportunity to rise to the occasion. Recently, I worked on a children’s book project with a school, facing a hard deadline for completion. Everything that could go wrong did. The book pages arrived late, and my graphic designer missed multiple deadlines.

At the last minute, I had to find a new graphic artist who missed deadlines. Running out of time to use my usual publisher, I had to find a local one. Despite losing tremendous sleep over this, through quick thinking and finding solutions to every challenge, I met the deadline.

Over my career and personal life, I have found peace knowing that every challenge has a solution, but you must be willing to dig deep!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my professional life, I serve as President of Farbman Group/NAI Farbman, a full-service commercial real estate company with Midwest expertise and a global reach. I have had the honor of working for this family-owned company for nearly 29 years. I started as a Senior Financial Analyst and worked tirelessly to add value in every way possible.

I believe in being a servant leader and always giving more than I take. I am passionate about ensuring that we protect the family’s business while safeguarding the jobs of hundreds of people and their families. I like to think that I am known for being a trusted resource to our clients and operating with ethics and integrity in all I do.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in Southfield, Michigan, I was a shy and reserved kid who lacked confidence, but I still participated in student government.

Finding my voice around people I didn’t know was challenging, so I learned to listen more than talk. I was fortunate to grow up in the family-friendly Beacon Square subdivision, surrounded by talented and wonderful neighbors. After school and on weekends, I spent as much time as I could listening to music, playing sports with friends, or swimming at the community pool in the summer.

Around eleven, I began working by delivering newspapers in the subdivision. I loved working and earning money. My passion for music blossomed during childhood, and I dreamed of becoming the next Prince. Despite lacking singing or instrumental talent, I constantly wrote poems and song lyrics, hoping to one day figure out how to make music.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.farbman.com