Small Business of the Year finalist: Ian Black Real Estate

When Ian Black was looking to move from his native Northern Ireland to the United States, he specifically chose Sarasota as his new home, because of its size.

He felt there would be a little less culture shock in a smaller city.

Nearly 30 years later, Sarasota’s small size has allowed Black’s company, Ian Black Real Estate, to fully learn everything about the market and relay that inside information to its clients.

“It gives us the ability to know our market,” said Black.

A Realtor since 1964, Black had always worked for someone else until forming his Sarasota firm in 2003.

“I thought, ‘At my age, if I don’t (start my own company) now, I never will,’” he said. “It was the best decision I ever made in my business life. I have as much passion now as I did when I started.”

Black deals solely with commercial real estate, and he does so for a reason.

“The emotional component isn’t present in commercial real estate,” he said. “And you can deal with a smaller number of clients.”

Asked how he coped during the worst of the real-estate downturn, Black had a surprising answer — he didn’t really dislike the market conditions.

“It allowed us to practice our craft,” he said. “In the hot market, any schmo could sell. It didn’t take any talent.”

Black believes his employees and his business practices helped Ian Black Real Estate survive the downturn.

“We place the interests of clients first,” he said. “We deal with honesty and integrity.”

A famous Mark Twain quote is what Black uses most to describe his business philosophy.

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything,” he said.
 

At a glance

Business address: 1075 Central Ave., Sarasota

Start date: 2003

Number of employees: Two at start; 12 currently

Advice to other small businesses: “Never be complacent," says Ian Black, owner of Ian Black Real Estate. "Always strive to be one step ahead of the competition.”

Biggest challenge: “It’s always been watching my overhead and maintaining my team — keeping them motivated and excited about what they’re doing.”

Best place for a power lunch: Bijou Café, Station 400, Maximillian’s Cafe

What was first day like: “Somewhat chaotic. We had no furniture. We had banquet tables, and we were sitting on boxes. It was organized chaos.”

If you could have any job for a day, what would you do: "A tour guide to exotic places."

Who is your business hero: “Steve Jobs. I think we’re all going to have an iPad. You can’t share one.”

What is one advantage of having your business in Sarasota: “The market is small enough that you can know your own backyard well. Plus, it’s a wonderful place to live, so people want to come here.”

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].