Brother Interview: Nick Cody '01

This week's brother interview is on brother Nick Cody '01!

Basic Stuff:
1. Your name, as you would prefer it to be stated? 
Nicholas P. Cody in print. Nick is how I introduce myself. Cody is how I am known.

2. Your current location?

Cranford, NJ

3. Your Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn account links (or other websites as well)?

Nicholas Cody / ncody165 / Nicholas Cody

Fraternity Stuff: 

4. Badge Number?

39

5. Pledge Class Name?

Gamma

6. Fraternity Nickname, if you remember it?

Flounder

7. Story behind how you got your nickname, if you remember it?

Following on with the motif of my beautifully boisterous big brother Justin (Tuna) Smith. More specifically however, and in the words of the ever quotable John Blutarski, “Why Not?”

8. Your fondest memory of being a Phi Psi?

Seeing the look on Russ’ face, when he learned I had eaten his Wawa meatball sub. In hindsight, that was a dick move. Sorry Russ.

9. Your most embarrassing moment as a Phi Psi?

First, let me qualify with the statement, overconsumption of brown alcohol often times led me astray during my college days and beyond. With respect to an answer, please forgive an insider’s reply and consider the following … “Kick Return”

10. Your proudest moment as a Phi Psi?

Standing up for my brothers while my brothers stood up for me.

11. Any unique memories from your time as a Phi Psi?

Sorry to say, watching 9/11 footage on September 11, 2001 at the Victoria house. New surroundings, new people, horrific events, and the realization that NJE was full of gentlemen of the highest class.

12. Any fraternal advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?

Strive to be more like Justin (Tuna) Smith. Loyal, compassionate, and true.

13. When was the last time you visited Rowan or the chapter?

I don’t recall. 2007 or so for an Alumni event. Landmark, I think. Steve M. was talking some nonsense about GW Bush’s gift for the oratory. He'd had a lot to drink.

14. What is favorite event the chapter holds?

I don’t have a favorite. I have experienced so few, sadly.

15. Who's the 1 brother you want to reconnect with / see interviewed here?

Nate and Muh. Really miss those guys.

16. Name 1 friend you made in NJE you still keep in touch with.

Chris Hammer, Ryan Duca, and Justin Smith. I touch base with these folks at least a few times a year. Wish it were more, but such is life.

Career Stuff: 

17. Year you graduated from Rowan?

2004

18. Degree(s) you graduated Rowan with?

BS, Law

19. Any advanced degrees or certifications you have?

Advanced Graduate Certificate, Construction Project Management, NYU. Master of Science, Construction Project Management, NYU

20. Your current occupation?

Associate Director, Turner & Townsend. Real Estate and Construction Consulting. Large firms with massive requirements for real estate hire me to find them that real estate to suit a specific need. I do the deal with the lawyers, brokers and developers, then I hire and manage an architect, engineer, specialty consultants and contractor to conceptualize, design and build the space. Typically these spaces are offices, but I have also done medical, retail, and mission critical (data centers) for various clients. I count Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Bloomberg, Newscorp, Viacom, Carter’s, GAP, and Time Warner as a few of my larger clients. Currently I am working with Time Warner, negotiating their purchase agreement and managing design efforts for their new 1.5 million square foot class A tower in Manhattan. The building will include workspace, amenities, and studios and technical spaces for HBO, CNN, TBS and other TW brands. I love what I do.

21. Number of years in that occupation?

Ten

22. Any career advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?

Don’t be afraid to settle. I wouldn’t be in the position I am in, if I hadn’t settled on low salary and rough conditions early in my career. Also, follow your gut. If things go sideways, you know who to blame. Always be accountable. Never be late. If you are late, set aside the excuse (no matter how valid), apologize profusely, and make sure it never happens again. Take pride in your appearance. Follow up and follow through with EVERYTHING. Maintain eye contact without being uncomfortable about it. “I’ll get it to you by close of business” should always mean 3:00 PM. If you’re unhappy, don’t complain or wait for a hero to arrive and save you from your woes. Take charge and do something about it.

23. What's one piece of advice you'd give every undergraduate about networking?

Networking comes with experience. I never focused on the size of my network, but on the quality. I surround myself with strong professionals, do a good job, and ALWAYS do what you say you’re going to do. As a result my network has always been there for me. Even early when it wasn’t that deep.

Relationships/Family/Personal Stuff: 

24. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, with who and for how long?

Jodi and I met on October 31st 2005. We were married on September 11, 2010. http://www.nickandjodi.com/content.php?beginning

25. Do you have kids? If so, how old and their names?

My daughter Alexandra (Alex) Rose Cody was born on September 20th, 2012 and is the most magnificent and precious thing I know. Our second is due in August of this year. Doc thinks it’s a girl.

26. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have never been able to focus too long on one particular thing. As a result I’ve never been huge on hobbies. Aside from spending time with my family and chasing my daughter around the house, I do enjoy reading good books and watching old movies. I also enjoy buying and shooting guns of various sizes and types. Lastly, I enjoy thinking and reading about the Universe. I have unique viewpoints, and I like sharing and debating them over a good glass of scotch. Most of which relate to the universe and all that it teaches us about our own ignorance. More often than not this leads to discussions on religion and such. I enjoy this type of conversation.

27. Anything you would like to share with other brothers through the blog regarding your relationship/family/personal life?

I have pursuits aside from the career I described above. I’ve always loved all things real estate. Not sure why, but I think it’s the tangibility and accountability of owning and operating property that draws me to it. So, in time, I hope to run a Real Estate development and investment company. Not that I am unhappy where I am. But, I know that in order to be truly and completely happy at work, my name probably needs to be on the door. So I have aggressively begun working towards this goal. I urge you all to do the same. Follow your dreams, seek true happiness, and understand that settling in a moment in time never requires the abandonment of a dream.