Nicholas Fouraker – Owner, 4ACRE Commercial Real Estate

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

Those tough years really helped formalize in my mind that, you know, when I get to a place where I can help people, I'm never going to forget what it's like to be downtrodden and discriminated against. You know, be the little guy. And I'm going to get to a place where I can help people.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

I was fortunate to meet you and your wife, Amy, which was I think at some point we're going to talk about how it is to do work with your wife, because that's I'm sure that's a good time. But before we get into that, I want to call you Mister Mayor. I know that was a thing, but I do want to know.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

So what was it that you're like, all right, I want to run for mayor? What was the mindset working in the back of your head that says this feels like a good idea?

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

Truthfully, it was not my idea. I was on the planning and zoning board. I was the chairman, and we had some really good victories. I was actually working with Randy Holland on that board, a public developer. The community asked me if I'd consider running, and after consulting Amy about it, I said, you know, it's time to level up and give it a shot.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

Two terms later, I got my fill. I enjoyed it. It was a blessing. But now, as of April 1st, I’m no longer the mayor.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

What did you see on the inside that you can tell the industry? Because oftentimes we find in our industry that things are so difficult. What did you see from the inside out that makes you a better member of the community?

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

From the inside, I’d say there’s not enough of us from the industry doing it. I commend anybody that will. People in real estate are deeply connected to their communities, whether it’s arts, nonprofits, or civic work. But we desperately need more business and real estate people in government.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

I wrote policy, we redid the comp plan, and we changed things that made communities work better. I retired $9.5 million of bond debt, which paved the way for the city to operate debt-free.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

Repeat that number again.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

$9.5 million of bonds retired. The city has no debt on its books.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

So you made Belle Isle debt free.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

Debt free.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

That also paved the way for a $60 million bond for Cornerstone Charter Academy, allowing major expansion. Better kids make better adults, which make better parents. It creates a whole cycle of better people.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

That’s something to be immensely proud of. You changed generational stuff.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

Amy knew I loved the community. I started on the HOA board, then planning and zoning. She’s been with me since the beginning of my career and saw how everything started.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

When I was 20, I committed a felony and lost my civil rights. Years later, I earned a finance degree, appealed discrimination, and eventually received a full pardon from the governor. Ten months later, the city asked me to run for mayor. It was a clear calling.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

I knew you had to do it.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

We didn’t know how it would change our lives, but we knew we had to do it.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

I love the vulnerability and transparency we’re able to have in our industry.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

That hardship becomes a superpower.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

Let’s pivot back to working with Amy. Who’s the boss?

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

There’s only one right answer. Amy is technically the boss. She’s the broker of record.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

I run day-to-day operations for Four Acre Commercial and Property Services, while Amy focuses on funding and residential brokerage.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

We also started Azalea Real Estate Ventures, buying value-add assets. Recently, we bought a former Cadillac dealership that’s now a major redevelopment opportunity.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

Where does Four Acre go from here?

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

We’ll expand geographically, continue scaling by people and services, and stay focused on being a people-driven business.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

Closing thoughts: I appreciate your transparency and how you’ve leveraged adversity to positively influence your community.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

We’re not done with our community. Not even close.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

It’s part of the motor.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

It’s who we are.

NATHAN GRIFFIS:

I appreciate you spending the time.

NICHOLAS FOURAKER:

Thanks, man.