We were lucky to catch up with Andy Gutman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

As I contemplate my legacy, I am deeply committed to shaping it with a clear purpose in mind. My aspiration is to leave behind a legacy characterized by meaningful contributions to the well-being of others. I envision a legacy marked by qualities such as empathy, benevolence, fairness, diversity, guidance, and achievement. I hope that my music and books will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come. Additionally, I am dedicated to making business decisions that will provide support for numerous generations of families who rely on our business to support their families and I want to have been a part of helping bring the company I work for into a smooth transition to its 3rd generation of leaders..

Andy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I encompass a diverse array of roles and identities. I wear the hat of a businessman, a devoted father, and a creative force as both a songwriter and author. Within the realm of business, I currently hold the position of President at Farbman Group. It fills me with immense pride to be part of a company that offers comprehensive real estate solutions, catering to every conceivable client need. With our deep-rooted Midwest expertise and a global reach, we stand ready to serve clients far and wide.

My journey within the corporate world is marked by an evolution that has seen me rise from the position of a humble Senior Financial Analyst to my present role. Yet, what truly matters to me is the sense of duty I carry towards my company, the families I serve, and those I’m responsible for.

Another facet of my life that fills me with immense satisfaction is my role as a writer, particularly my contributions to the world of children’s books. Collaborating with non-profits like Brilliant Detroit and educational institutions such as Beechview Elementary, I’ve had the privilege of helping elementary school children become published authors. It’s undoubtedly a pinnacle of my life, and above all, crafting a legacy of books for my daughter brings me profound joy.

In the realm of music, I’ve taken steps to license my songs, though I acknowledge that there’s much more ground to cover in my artistic journey. In general, I am content with the contributions I’ve made thus far, but I remain driven by a relentless hunger for further achievements and creative endeavors.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was a kid, my deepest desire was to become a singer and songwriter. I yearned to wield the guitar with the mastery of Prince and compose melodies and lyrics as timeless as those crafted by Lennon and McCartney. Fate, however, had a different plan for me, gifting me with a less-than-ideal singing voice and a noticeable absence of musical talent. Nonetheless, my passion for songwriting remained unwavering, and I seized every opportunity to pour my thoughts into lyrics, though I never envisioned doing anything substantial with them.

At that juncture, I worked with a colleague who had enjoyed a prosperous career within our company but was resolutely focused on his impending retirement. He frequently spoke of his dreams: traveling, cherishing moments with his grandchildren, and relishing quality time with his wife. Two years seemed distant, then only a year away, until one fateful day when he left work and, while conversing with a friend on the phone, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind unfulfilled aspirations. It was a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability and the fragility of our dreams.

This incident served as a profound wake-up call for me. I shifted my focus towards finding ways to collaborate with skilled vocalists and instrumentalists to bring my songs to life. Each day, I dedicated myself to learning and honing my songwriting skills, steadily progressing and refining my craft. Before I knew it, my songs had evolved into children’s books, and I had produced a catalog of over 500 compositions, even licensing several for various purposes. While I remain committed to numerous goals, and I find myself several years into this transformative journey, I can confidently say that if today were to be my last day, I would take immense pride in the incredible voyage.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

To me, reputation holds great importance. I grew up as an introvert, plagued by extreme shyness. The values instilled in me by my family emphasized the significance of hard work, and I let my actions speak on my behalf. Given my reserved nature, I allowed my deeds to convey my intentions.

Early on, I believed the path to trust and respect lies in delivering exceptional customer service, ceaseless dedication, unwavering honesty, and ethical conduct. I recognized that, in the course of life, not everything unfolds according to plan, and when mistakes inevitably occur—as they do for everyone—taking ownership and diligently rectifying them is paramount.

I do not align with the approach of selling business through golf outings or dinners, nor do I actively pursue sales. Instead, my focus is on becoming a trusted advisor to those I am privileged to serve. I understand that each action I take carries profound significance, and I am guided by the principle of conducting myself as though the world is watching my every move.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.farbman.com
• Instagram: drewgutman
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/andy.gutman
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/andy-gutman-4719a64