Daniel Klein- Building a Family Business to an Institutional Quality Firm (#118)

Bio

Daniel Klein serves as President of Klein Enterprises, a 4th generation developer, owner, and operator of commercial real estate throughout the Eastern region of the United States.

Daniel runs the Company with a focus on optimizing the performance of the existing portfolio while implementing a strategy for longer term growth. During his tenure as President, he has overseen the growth of the Klein Enterprises portfolio to almost 60 assets totaling over $1.25BN in gross asset value. In 2021, Daniel established Sundeck Capital to manage and grow the Klein family office.

Daniel graduated from Boston University with a BS in Communication and a concentration in Economics. Daniel serves as a member of YPO (Young President’s Organization), ICSC (Innovating Commerce, Serving Communities) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Additionally, Daniel serves as the President of the Philip and Harriet Klein Foundation and has served on numerous philanthropic boards.

Show Notes

• Daniel Klein’s Role at Klein Enterprises (00:06:00)
  • Daniel discusses his role as the president of Klein Enterprises and his day-to-day activities.
• Youth and Family Influences (00:07:00)
  • Daniel shares his nontraditional childhood, including family trauma and the impact of his family on his life.
• Michael Klein and Transfer of Power (00:10:00)
  • Daniel talks about his uncle Michael’s role in the family business and the transfer of power within the company.
• High School Experience at Park School (00:13:30)
  • Daniel discusses his experience at Park School, including the influence of stable families and sports as an outlet.
• Post-Graduate Year at Mercersburg Academy (00:16:30)
  • Daniel explains his decision to do a post-graduate year at Mercersburg Academy and the valuable experiences he gained there.
• Choosing Boston University (00:17:29)
  • Daniel discusses why he chose Boston University for his college education and his expectations for the urban experience.
• College Experience at Boston University (00:21:00)
  • Daniel reflects on his college experience, including socializing, joining a fraternity, and his role as fraternity president.
• Leadership roles in high school (00:23:50)
  • Daniel discusses being surprised by being voted captain of basketball and lacrosse teams and the challenges of leadership.
• Discovering real estate (00:24:20)
  • Daniel’s experience as a college student looking for an apartment led him to consider a career in real estate.
• Getting into real estate (00:25:30)
  • Daniel’s decision to obtain a real estate license through a weekend class and his initial intent to attend law school.
• Unexpected career advice (00:26:40)
  • Daniel’s encounter with a law firm managing partner who redirected his career path to real estate.
• Gaining confidence as a broker (00:28:00)
  • Daniel’s experience as a residential broker during college and buying his first investment property.
• Influential advice from an attorney (00:29:30)
  • The impact of an attorney’s advice on Daniel’s career and the value of his time and guidance.
• Transitioning back to Baltimore (00:30:50)
  • Daniel’s deci