John Genovese, Senior Vice-President of Real Estate

What one factor is most important to success?

Honesty and integrity in your dealing with people.

What do you look for in an employee?

The same kind of honesty and integrity, someone who’s hardworking and enjoys what they do.

What’s the best way to save money?

Do your research. Be diligent on an issue or problem or opportunity and figure out the best way—and most cost effective way—to either solve the problem or address the opportunity in front of you.

What’s the best way to spend money?

The best way to spend money is to identify a great opportunity. If you’re spending money, it’s got to be something that has an economic return to it.

What’s your greatest pleasure?

To have a great group of people that I work with on a daily basis, and, in my personal life, to have a great group of people that I hang out with, and spend my life with.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I think about the things I need to accomplish during the day, whether they’re business or personal.

How do you deal with stress?

Laugh a lot. You have to have a good sense of humor in life. That’s the best way in my mind to address any potential stress in life, whether it’s business or personal.

What one lesson do you hope to pass on to your children?

To always treat others as you would want to be treated—with, again, that honesty, respect and dignity.

How do you bounce back from adversity?

You know, you always have to look on the positive side of any obstacle that comes your way. Always look to learn from your experiences in life.

What’s your favorite thing about Queens?

The diversity of people. It really is the melting pot of different nationalities, and I think that’s great. That’s what America is all about, the diversity of people and culture. There’s no place in the United States that’s as diverse, and that’s great.

The Macerich Company, a public real estate investment trust, owns the Queens Center Mall. John Genovese is responsible for the management of the development, construction, tenant coordination and environmental functions for Macerich’s retail shopping centers. During his tenure at Macerich, he’s overseen the development of over $700 million worth of retail projects.

Previous to Macerich, Genovese was Senior Vice President of Real Estate for Equity Properties and Development Company. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the Illinois Institute of technology and Masters Degree in Business from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.