Tributes from across the industry have poured in for Brecker Grossmith co-founder Stanley Michael Brecker, who passed away last week aged 91.
Brecker, who was active in the London commercial property scene for more than 60 years having founded his agency in 1956, is remembered as a trailblazer and “live wire”.
Brecker Grossmith grew from a small fourth-floor room in 63 Wigmore Street, W1, to a firm of more than 70 people now co-owned by Stanley’s son, Richard. It advises clients including Sir Max (later Lord) Rayne, creator of Merchant Securities which merged with Derwent Valley to become Derwent London; Centre Point developer Harry Hyams; and Hammerson, among others.
Remembering his father, Richard Brecker said: “My dad was a trailblazer and a live wire and I am immensely proud of all he achieved and the legacy he leaves behind. He not only helped create a renowned and respected property business, he built a brand and laid down an infrastructure to enable us to survive all the recessions of the past 66 years. He was eccentric, enchanting, exciting, unconventional and a whirlwind of ideas and joie de vivre. Impossible, incorrigible, but always inspirational.”
He added: “With my father at the helm, Brecker Grossmith was well known for training generations of leading agency negotiators and chartered surveyors by instilling a strong work ethic, giving staff a chance and allowing them to flourish. It is a reputation and tradition we are proud to uphold to this day.”
Former Brecker Grossmith agent Samuel May, of May & Company Real Estate Advisors, said: “Michael, or SMB as he was referred to in the office, was a real inspiration in my early career, a wise mentor who I learned a lot from.
“Two particular things which he said to me have always stayed with me throughout my career. One: never make clients’ minds up for them. And two: to do business, all you need is a pen and a phone. Both of these teachings, and many more, have stayed with me, and I was privileged to have worked under him.”
Brecker is survived by his three sons, Richard, Nicholas and Stephen.
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