A Message From The Meyer C. Weiner Company
May 2, 2025
By: Joshua T. Weiner, President & CEO
By: Joshua T. Weiner, President & CEO
My older son, Adam, recently said to me, “I’m tired of living in unprecedented times!” As I reviewed my last few Spring Messages, it has become clear that “unprecedented times” have become the norm. Robert F. Kennedy (not to ever be confused with RFK, Jr.), former Attorney General and Senator gave a speech in 1966 that became known as the “Ripple of Hope” speech. In eloquent prose he warned of the dangers that we faced. The first danger was futility; the second, expediency; third was timidity; and fourth on the list was comfort---the temptation to follow the easy and familiar path.
“But that is not the road history has marked out for us. There is a Chinese curse which says, ‘May he live in interesting times.’
“Like it or not, we live in interesting times. There are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind. And everyone here will be judged (and will ultimately judge him/herself) on the individual effort contributed to building a new world society and the extent to which one’s ideals and goals have shaped that effort.”
The parallels to our current environment are hard to miss. Our country faces constitutional crises, economic uncertainty, social stratification, rising division, the unknown effects of artificial intelligence, a warming planet, and numerous other significant challenges. Yet hope and optimism are foundational to the great American experiment. Democracy has survived in our country for centuries, but not without vigilance and hard work.
How to make this message more hopeful and optimistic as I prepare for my 54th ICSC Convention is a difficult task, yet a responsibility. I have decided to focus on gratitude as the theme. Being grateful for our fundamental culture of being motivated by people, relationships, and process. Being thankful for our team of dedicated and talented individuals. Recognizing the value of our tenants and their representatives, our lenders and our vendors. Continuing to use our expertise to maintain and improve our properties and only develop locations that are in the heart of the markets that we serve. Work with our community officials, professional and elected for the good of our neighbors and ourselves.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar
My passion and excitement for what we do is as high as ever as we attend, once again, the world’s largest gathering of those representing the commercial real estate industry. I remain optimistic, hopeful and confident that we will have a successful show and stay true to our principles.
I end with this: “People who work together will win, whether it be against a complex football defense, or the problems of modern society.” Vince Lombardi
Here’s to the winners! Let’s have a great show
“But that is not the road history has marked out for us. There is a Chinese curse which says, ‘May he live in interesting times.’
“Like it or not, we live in interesting times. There are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind. And everyone here will be judged (and will ultimately judge him/herself) on the individual effort contributed to building a new world society and the extent to which one’s ideals and goals have shaped that effort.”
The parallels to our current environment are hard to miss. Our country faces constitutional crises, economic uncertainty, social stratification, rising division, the unknown effects of artificial intelligence, a warming planet, and numerous other significant challenges. Yet hope and optimism are foundational to the great American experiment. Democracy has survived in our country for centuries, but not without vigilance and hard work.
How to make this message more hopeful and optimistic as I prepare for my 54th ICSC Convention is a difficult task, yet a responsibility. I have decided to focus on gratitude as the theme. Being grateful for our fundamental culture of being motivated by people, relationships, and process. Being thankful for our team of dedicated and talented individuals. Recognizing the value of our tenants and their representatives, our lenders and our vendors. Continuing to use our expertise to maintain and improve our properties and only develop locations that are in the heart of the markets that we serve. Work with our community officials, professional and elected for the good of our neighbors and ourselves.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar
My passion and excitement for what we do is as high as ever as we attend, once again, the world’s largest gathering of those representing the commercial real estate industry. I remain optimistic, hopeful and confident that we will have a successful show and stay true to our principles.
I end with this: “People who work together will win, whether it be against a complex football defense, or the problems of modern society.” Vince Lombardi
Here’s to the winners! Let’s have a great show
