Michael Habif
Atlanta is chock full of interesting movers and shakers. Lean in to hear some off-the-cuff remarks about what makes Michael Habif tick.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Habif is president of Habif Properties, where he directs a commercial real estate portfolio that includes 48 properties and 298 tenants ranging from Walmart and Carvana to the local barber shop.
He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Tulane, receiving an MBA there and a law degree from the University of Georgia Law School, where he was a senior editor of the Georgia Law Review.
After practicing law for four years, Habif joined his father, Morris, in opening five automotive transmission supply warehouses. They sold the business in 2006 and now focus full-time on their real estate holdings.
A 37-year volunteer with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, his positions included campaign co-chair of the Young Leadership Division, chair of the Real Estate Division and serving on the allocations committee. He co-chaired Zoo Atlanta’s annual fundraiser and served two terms on the zoo board. Habif is currently on the board of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, where he co-chaired construction of the Ahava preschool.
Habif said, “Dad and I have enjoyed an amazing partnership for 36 years. At 92, he still keeps me on my toes. We disagree at times, but I can’t remember the last time we argued. There were a few times when his input kept me from pulling the trigger on properties I would like to own today; but his wise counsel kept me from making other investments I would now regret.”
Get to know Habif better right here.
My kids would say I’m …
Obsessed with technology. Lamps, locks and even the grill in my home are controlled by apps. Our tenants pay rent using our company’s app.
My greatest gift from law school …
Mastering the ability to articulate arguments on both sides and to genuinely hear the other position. I use this daily when working with tenants and negotiating leases.
One talent I wish I had …
[Ability to] cure disease
My last fashion disaster …
Wide-leg khaki pants.
I’m reading …
“Killers of the Flower Moon” [by David Grann], but most of the time I’m fixated on the news. I start each day reading three newspapers and skim Flipboard.
Favorite TV show …
“Breaking Bad,” with “The Wire” in close second.
Most unusual job …
Water ski instructor at a camp in North Carolina working with Gail, my girlfriend at the time, and now wife of 43 years.
If I could be one animal …
Gorilla. During my time on the board of Zoo Atlanta, I was there the first day Willie B. was released from his cage. I have a picture of him entering his new habitat and kissing a tree.
My biggest pet peeve is …
Waiting in lines.
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