Getting to yes utilizing patience and purpose with real estate executive John Burpee

October 30, 2025

John Burpee has been in the Florida commercial real estate market for more than 30 years. He consults with national investment firms, financial institutions and private investors, and has brokered more than $2.1 billion in commercial investment real estate deals. He’s also president of the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Association of Realtors, and has worked as a court-appointed receiver. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and John talked about his mentors, what he has learned from working for some high-achieving executives and how he approaches difficult conversations.

3 Takeaways

(10:20) If the deal is right, buyers come from all over
(11:30) Put the buyer and seller in the room together
(14:25) You stay even with your competition Monday through Friday, 9-5. You get ahead of them every minute before and after that.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing John Burpee, President & CEO, John Burpee & Associates
(04:45) What is John Burpee & Associates?
(06:15) Leadership insights
(09:20) Managing the operations and leadership
(10:50) Learning lessons
(12:35) Dealing with conflict
(14:00) Lessons from Grandfather
(15:25) What legacy do you want to leave?
(17:15) The market in 2026

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