Marc Schuil is a co-founder of Schuil & Associates. His specialty is large agricultural properties in the Central Valley of California as well as New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Kansas. Marc obtained his MBA from the University of Southern California in 1980, after which he worked three years for a real estate developer. In 1983 Marc started the family company of Schuil & Associates with his Brother and Father. Marc’s strong investment and analytical skills have assisted him in evaluating the profit potential of various agricultural opportunities. Some areas in which Marc may be able to assist you include: nut crops and other permanent plantings, dairy farms and dairy herds, and row crop ground.
Where did the idea for Schuil & Associates come from?
Marc Schuil: My brothers and I had the goal of working together someday and real estate seemed like a good career path. Mike quit Bank of America and started selling real estate with my Father and I went to work for a real estate developer in Southern California. Three years later (1983) we started Schuil & Associates. Two years later, our younger Brother Rick joined us. 37 years later the ownership of Schuil & Associates includes not only the Schuil family but also top producing non-family members. Our core values have not changed: family, honesty, and service. Our product has stayed the same: agricultural land. However, our market reach is expanding at a rapid rate. Our client base is extremely diverse and well-capitalized. Our geographic area of influence includes the entire United States.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Marc Schuil: The nice thing about real estate – there are very few typical days. However, the day does start with checking emails and text messages before breakfast. I am at the office and behind my desk more than most of my partners; by the nature of the business, there is a lot of time visiting properties and clients. My team does have several listings out of State, therefore I’m traveling quite often.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Marc Schuil: There are main areas where ideas are brought to life: First, We have a very talented group of real estate professionals at Schuil & Associates and we meet together often. We challenge each other and share ideas with each other. Second, I love sharing new ideas with my clients. There are so many ways to create opportunities and watching clients catch the vision of these opportunities is a lot of fun and is very rewarding.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Marc Schuil: Farming has always been very capital intensive – and frankly difficult for young people to enter into unless they are very well-funded. Now that the investment community (Pension funds, Insurance Companies, Private Equity) have figured out that farmland is a great asset to have in their portfolios; there are many smart young people managing these farms and sharing in the profits.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Marc Schuil: I am learning that my willingness to give sincere guidance to those seeking advice has enhanced my career goals more than I would have imagined.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Marc Schuil: Focus your time and energy on clients that you like and respect.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Marc Schuil: I am in favor of gasoline tax – where the tax revenue is used to improve roads and highways.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Marc Schuil: Partner with family. (Thanks Mike and Rick!)
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Marc Schuil: Create an extremely nice environment where people want to come to work and do business.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Marc Schuil: My investment in an operational dairy did not work out for me; however, what lost in capital paid back multiples in experience and in empathy for others.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Marc Schuil: Invest in a farm ☺
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Marc Schuil: Visalia Rescue Mission virtual banquet this week and the Village of Hope the week before. Keeps things in perspective.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Marc Schuil: Docusign – fast, easy, legal signatures.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Marc Schuil: Compete to Create by Michael Gervais with Pete Carroll. This book teaches and interactive approach to leading authentically”. Helped me articulate my own personal philosophy and priorities with the goal of living and leading “authentically”. Those of you who know me may will be able to figure out why I choose this book.
What is your favorite quote?
Marc Schuil: Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1. NKJ version. (Message Version: Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns).
Key Learnings:
Marc Schuil:
- A willingness to give sincere guidance to those seeking advance can enhance your career and your life in more ways than you can imagine.
- Focus your time and energy on clients that you like and respect.
- Create an extremely nice environment where people want to come to work and do business.
Originally published on Ideamensch.com