Wow. 2025. That was quite the year. Lots of questions came up, right? We asked them constantly—in person, on Zoom, over lunch, walking around the park, and stuck in famous Atlanta traffic. We asked them amongst ourselves, alongside clients, and with community members. Through those conversations, we grew relationships, got honest feedback, uncovered opportunities, and learned a ton.
So, what did we do with the answers? Good question. They combined to become insights in our weekly "Big Picture Meeting," where we discuss impactful moments, cultural trends, business updates, priorities, and importantly, the zeitgeist, "the spirit of our times". We then put our questions, answers, and conversation into action, staying professionally aware and culturally agile. It's fun, and it helps us stay focused and be successful.
At year's end, we review our fastidious notes from those meetings and look for patterns. And these patterns help us determine our Navigating Stars—the lights that guide us forward into the new year.
So, which way is forward?! In 2025, two clear themes emerged: 1) people seek escape to spaces and places with strong community connection, and 2) they want meaningful presence over perfection. Our role is to help others—and ourselves—reach those destinations in a happy and successful manner.
What does that require? Vision. Direction. Consistency and reliability. Understanding context. Flexibility. Honesty. And genuine care.
Therefore, it's no surprise that our 2026 Navigating Stars are:
Rhythm
Consistency creates trust. It's the reliable beat that helps us harmonize in a way that's predictable and dependable while also being adaptable to our needs and the needs of others.
Perspective
Understand where you are before you act. Perspective is the open-minded and thoughtful pause that turns reaction into response. It's that breath that helps us see things clearly so we can act with positive outcomes.
Adaptation
Adapt to the specific environment you're in. That's the key to evolution. In changing times, it's both super helpful and natural. Plus, it's essential for survival.
Clarity
Clarity is seeing with truth, listening with intent, feeling from the heart, and acting with confidence with consideration. It helps us make good decisions and to also feel good about them.
Care
Care is fundamental in any relationship, be it business, with family, or amongst friends. Care for the people in your life and in your communities, and you'll absolutely enjoy a happier, healthier, and more fun time here on earth.
This year we're committing to these five lights with focus. Why? Because focus becomes a dependable compass in uncertain times. Focus informs priorities, and priorities highlight what matters.
What's important to you? We'd genuinely love to learn and share. If you'd like to grab coffee or just stay connected, please reach out. We'd love to hear what matters most to you. Here's to a wonderful year ahead!
Onward & Upward,
Gene Kansas | Commercial Real Estate
Community-oriented and culturally focused spaces in some of Atlanta's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Featuring: Constellations | The Shed | Blair Building | E&E | Indie Studios | Atlanta Daily World | And partnerships beyond
Photos by Drew Perlmutter
