Rendering of 30 Bearfoot, McCord's Boston life sciences facility

Ryan McCord, president of McCord Development

McCord Development, the company behind Generation Park, a 4,200 acre master-planned commercial development in the Lake Houston community, is expanding. The family-owned real estate development and management company expanded to greater Boston with the acquisition of 30 Bearfoot, a a 64,736-square-foot biomanufacturing and research and development facility. McCord also recently launched a new restaurant and hospitality group called Gastropub Productions. 

On this episode of Small Biz Insider, host Maggie Martin talks with Ryan McCord, president of McCord Development. Below is advice McCord has for other small business owners.

On why talking to people is his No. 1 piece of advice

“Especially in Houston, and I think this is our special sauce, is people are friendly and they will share and they will tell you. If you’re bold enough to ask a question that you think is maybe too far, watch out, because odds are they’re going to answer it and answer it truthfully and honestly even if you barely know them.”

On what he thinks are the greatest opportunities for small businesses in 2021

“I still find the environment we’re in very difficult to underwrite. By that I mean it’s very hard to predict what the real impact will have been of the aid that has come out and will shake out," said McCord. 

He added that he thinks the greatest business opportunities this year are in areas where people are getting together, including hospitality and recreation-based activities. 

“It’s one of the reasons we’re in the hospitality business now. It’s coming back. Now do I know if it’s going to back in June? I don’t know that. Is it going to be back in March? I don’t know. Is it going to be back in September? I don’t know. I do know it’s coming back. And I think it’s going to come back with a vengeance and be better for it.”

On 3 goals small business owners should strive for in 2021

• Focus on your internal systems and operations
• Good chance to hire key hires because a lot of people are unemployed or underemployed right now
• Start planning for the future now and make sure you have your plan in place for growth

Small Biz Insider is presented by: 

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The Small Biz Insider podcast is part of our digital series highlighting entrepreneurs in the greater Houston region who are making a big impact in the small business community. 

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