How a 102-Year-Old Real Estate Company Stays Relevant: Lessons from Sage CEO Jonathan Iger

What if the secret to building a company that lasts over a century isn't disruption, technology, or even capital — but the discipline to put relationships before transactions, every single time? In this episode, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jonathan Iger, CEO and President of Sage, a 102-year-old commercial real estate company that has outlasted every recession, market shift, and industry disruption since 1924. Jonathan shares how Sage has stayed relevant by reading macro shifts before they hit, doubling down on what makes the office irreplaceable, and treating every tenant relationship like a long-term partnership rather than a lease agreement. Anthony and Jonathan explore how elevated consumer expectations are reshaping the workplace, why the best office environments take cues from the hospitality industry, and how a 102-year track record is built not on grand slam moments but on consistently hitting singles across every customer touchpoint. What You'll Learn Why relationship always trumps transaction, even in transactional businesses How to read macro shifts before they disrupt your industry Why competing with remote work is the wrong strategy — and what to do instead How customer journey mapping drives better experiences at every touchpoint Why the best office environments are built on the hospitality model How Sage has retained tenants for over 30 years through deep partnership thinking Why time is the most valuable commodity you can give your customers How a 102-year-old company thinks about long-term bets and strategic focus Connect with Jonathan Iger Website: https://sagerealty.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathaniger/ Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit: https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions