We recently connected with Moses Hall and have shared our conversation below.
Moses, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Reflecting on my journey and where my work ethic stems from, I invariably circle back to the profound influence of my parents. Their dedication and resilience have been the bedrock of my own approach to life and business. My parents instilled in me the importance of integrity and accountability from a young age. In essence, my work ethic is a mosaic of the values, lessons, and examples set by my parents. It’s their legacy that propels me forward, reminding me that success is not just about personal achievements, but about the impact we make on the lives of others and the world around us.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In a city renowned for its architectural grandeur and vibrant communities, my professional and creative endeavors find a harmonious symphony. As the Founder and Managing Broker at MoHall Commercial & Urban Development and CEO of MoHall Music Publishing, I navigate the multifaceted realms of commercial real estate and music publishing with a singular vision: to create impactful, lasting changes in our communities and to celebrate the universal language of music.
At the core of my professional journey lies a commitment to revitalization and economic development. Through MoHall Commercial & Urban Development, we’ve embarked on a mission to transform Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods into thriving, vibrant communities. Our approach is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, understanding the unique fabric of each community, and crafting innovative solutions that bring about real change. From fostering community-oriented commercial spaces to enabling local entrepreneurship, the work we do is imbued with a deep sense of purpose and the joy of seeing neighborhoods flourish.
Parallel to my passion for real estate is my love for music, a journey that began with my first piano lesson and evolved into the establishment of MoHall Music Publishing. Here, we’re not just acquiring rights; we’re curating a legacy of music that speaks across generations and cultures. Our portfolio includes a diverse array of genres and artists, reflecting the global tapestry of sounds and stories that move us. This dual career path is not just a profession; it’s a calling to enrich lives, whether through the revitalization of physical spaces or the timeless power of music.
What’s particularly exhilarating is the potential for cross-pollination between these worlds. We’re exploring ways to integrate musical experiences into real estate developments, creating spaces where art and commerce coexist and enhance each other. The future is ripe with possibilities, from live music venues that anchor community centers to artist residencies that bring creative energy to commercial districts.
On the horizon, we’re excited about several initiatives aimed at furthering our mission. This includes expanding our real estate efforts to include more mixed-use developments that serve as community hubs, and continuing our work in community advocacy and development. Each step forward is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
To the readers of Bold Journey, my message is one of hope and inspiration. The path of entrepreneurship and creativity is fraught with challenges, but it’s also laden with opportunities to make a difference. Whether you’re revitalizing neighborhoods, creating art, or launching a new venture, the journey is about more than success—it’s about impact. And in this journey, we’re not just building businesses or careers; we’re crafting legacies that will inspire generations to come.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on the mosaic of experiences that have sculpted my journey, three core qualities emerge as the bedrock of my progress: resilience, visionary thinking, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. These attributes have not just shaped my career but have also illuminated the path for others embarking on their entrepreneurial voyage.
Resilience is the first cornerstone. In the realm of commercial real estate and music publishing, challenges are as certain as the sunrise. From navigating the complexities of urban development projects to securing music publishing rights in a highly competitive field, setbacks were not roadblocks but stepping stones. My advice to those at the dawn of their journey is to cultivate resilience by embracing failure as a mentor. Each setback is replete with lessons that textbooks cannot teach. Engage with these lessons, let them refine your strategies, and remember, resilience is not inherited; it’s built, one challenge at a time.
Visionary Thinking has been my compass. Seeing beyond the immediate, envisioning what could be rather than what is, has propelled me to initiate projects that not only promise returns but also contribute to the community’s fabric. This ability to forecast and dream big is crucial in any field. To develop this, I encourage you to immerse yourself in a variety of experiences, listen to stories far removed from your own, and dare to dream. Allow your imagination to wander to the edges of possibility, then anchor these dreams with actionable plans. Visionary thinking is not just about big ideas; it’s about bridging the gap between the present and the future you aspire to create.
Lastly, the Relentless Pursuit of Knowledge has been my unfailing engine. The landscapes of real estate and music are ever-evolving, with new regulations, technologies, and market dynamics. Staying abreast of these changes, understanding the intricacies of your field, and continuously honing your skills are imperative. My journey through programs like the Project Real Estate Associate Program (REAP) and the pursuit of the CCIM designation are testaments to this. For those just starting, adopt a learner’s mindset. Seek out mentors, invest in your education—formal or informal—and never let a day pass without gaining a new insight or skill. Knowledge is not just power; it’s the foundation upon which empires are built.
For those at the beginning of their journey, remember, these qualities are not innate gifts but attributes honed over time through dedication, discipline, and a deep commitment to personal growth. Cultivate resilience, foster visionary thinking, and pursue knowledge relentlessly. These principles are not just a blueprint for success in business but are guiding lights for any endeavor in life. Let them guide you, inspire you, and propel you forward. Your journey is unique, and the world awaits the impact you will make.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Reflecting on the tapestry of life lessons and experiences my parents gifted me, the most impactful thing they did was instilling in me an unwavering belief in the transformative power of giving back to the community. This ethos of service and community engagement has been the guiding star of my personal and professional journey, fueling not just my ambition but also my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world.
From a young age, I watched as my parents engaged with our community, not as bystanders but as active contributors. Their dedication to service was evident in everything they did. They taught me that success is not measured by what we accumulate for ourselves but by the impact we have on others’ lives and the legacy we leave behind. This lesson has been the foundation upon which I built my career in commercial real estate and music publishing, focusing not just on achieving personal success but on creating opportunities for others, revitalizing neighborhoods, and enriching communities through the power of music and development.
Their example showed me the profound impact one individual can have, inspiring me to pursue my passions in a way that serves the greater good. This has led to initiatives aimed at revitalizing underserved communities, fostering economic development, and supporting the arts. Through my journey, I’ve learned that giving back is not just a responsibility but a privilege that enriches our lives and brings purpose to our work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mohallcommercialud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moseshall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoHallCommercialUrbanDevelopment
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moseshall/
