Investment Matters: Boston’s Quiet Powerhouse

Sometimes the most accomplished investors and developers thrive while keeping a relatively low public profile. That’s clearly true of The Fallon Company. For nearly 20 years, the Boston-based firm has been the driving force behind Fan Pier, the three million-square-foot development on Boston Harbor that ranks among the most significant urban placemaking initiatives of the past couple of decades.

My guest for this episode is Michael Fallon, the firm’s CEO and the successor to Joe Fallon, the company’s founder and Mike’s dad.

In a way, this conversation brings me full circle. When I started covering real estate, the reinvention of Fan Pier was in its earliest stages, and Joe Fallon was one of the first industry CEOs I had the opportunity to sit down with. Two decades later, Joe has moved into a new role as chairman, his son Mike has taken on CEO responsibilities and the epic redevelopment of Fan Pier is nearing completion.

In this conversation, you’ll also hear about the pivotal experience Mike gained from working in another industry, the new markets that he views as promising, and the company initiative that opens doors for young people to real estate careers. Take a listen.

Episode highlights:

Origin story of a Boston landmark (2:56)

The life science lease that became a turning point (7:20)

Boosting resilience with a U.S. first (10:45)

Where The Fallon Co. sees the next big opportunities (15:39)

Growing a footprint in the South (20:54)

Early influences: getting the flavor of the business (24:49)

Takeaways from construction industry experience (28:38)

Tips for aspiring professionals (31:22)

An innovative, “wildly impactful” program for young people (34:29)

How to revitalize U.S. downtowns (39:41)

Mike Fallon off the clock (44:53)

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