The Lowdown: Matt Bronfman

Matt Bronfman, originally from Overland Park, Kan., is the CEO of Atlanta-based real estate investment and management company Jamestown. He joined the firm in 1998, and under his leadership, Jamestown has grown its portfolio of assets in the U.S. and expanded into Latin America and Europe. Bronfman has led the acquisition, redevelopment and oversight for over $20 billion in projects, including Ponce City Market, Buckhead Village and the Westside Provisions District in Atlanta, as well as Chelsea Market and Industry City in New York City.

Bronfman currently serves as board chair of the Atlanta Jewish Federation and has been active in many other local and national charitable organizations, including the Weber School, Piedmont Park Conservancy and the Jewish Funders Network. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including New York Observer’s 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEOs, and Atlanta Magazine’s Top 500 Most Powerful Leaders.

Bronfman graduated from Tufts University and Northwestern Law School. He and his wife, Ronit Walker, have three kids who they hope will return to Atlanta someday. Learn more about Bronfman and his favorite jogging partner below.

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What was the best advice your father gave you?
“Stability is more important than ability.” That, like a lot of parental wisdom, took me a long time to appreciate.

My most exotic vacation was …
I have had some great vacations, but generally would rather be up at my house on Lake Rabun with family and friends than just about anywhere else.

If they made a movie of your life, who would you choose to play the lead?
I am told I look like Tony Goldwyn and/or the comedian Jon Stewart. So, it sort of depends upon whether it’s a drama or a comedy.

If I had one more talent, it would be …
I have studied both Spanish and German, and my language skills are just terrible. Because we have a large German business, I occasionally receive letters in German, and I have to turn to my wife and her Yiddish skills to help decipher them.

My most unusual job was …
I was a history major in college and a lawyer who never expected to be where I am today, and so I will say my current position. I honestly find myself thinking at times, “how did I get here?”

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Going for morning runs with my dog. I like to run alone, and this is pretty much the only time when I don’t answer phone calls and can really disconnect.

My favorite meal at Ponce City Market is …
So many great options and many more coming, but probably Botiwalla Salad.

My favorite Netflix series is …
I recently watched the “Last Dance” on Michael Jordan and the Bulls, which, as someone living in Chicago in the early ’90s, was particularly great.

One quirky thing is …
I have an electric bike I ride to work as often as possible.

I’m reading …
“Empire of Pain” on the Sackler Family.

My last fashion disaster was …
Luckily, Jamestown has so many great retail tenants, and so hopefully I avoid fashion disasters. But just last week, I underdressed for a holiday party by not wearing a sports coat.

The last time I danced was …
Every wedding and bar or bat mitzvah party, but unfortunately, I am a little young as a parent to be attending many of the former and too old to be attending many of the latter.

The last time I cried was …
I am still a sucker for “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and so: every holiday season.

My kids say I’m too …
Controlling — but I am working on it!