Entrepreneur Of The Year
Building on his past
How Joel Altman used his knowledge to find success at The Altman Cos.
Smart Business Tampa Bay | July 2009
Finalist
Real Estate and Construction
Joel Altman didn’t have to look far to gain a true appreciation for what it takes to be an entrepreneur and the value of a hard day’s work.
He comes from a family of entrepreneurs: His grandmother started a business designing and manufacturing women’s hats; his uncle started a furniture business. He had a grandfather who was an insurance agent, and his father started a business in the clothing industry.
So when he formed The Altman Cos. in 1968, the skills and tools were in place for the venture to succeed.
From the beginning, the company developed a reputation for constructing apartment and condominium units that exceeded the results of his competitors through attention to detail and craftsmanship that was second to none.
Altman likens his business philosophy to that of an Olympic track hurdler. A hurdler has to focus on each hurdle as it comes without looking too far ahead. In that same way, the company designs its properties with a focus and attention to detail for each property without looking too far ahead.
While Altman is cautious not to look too far ahead, he does keep the future in constant view. He has founded Kids@Home, an organization that helps children in foster care when they leave the program by providing housing and giving them the training and development they need to go out and earn a living to support themselves. It’s the knowledge that he gained as a child that he hopes he can pass on to today’s youngsters through this program to ensure their own futures.
How to reach: The Altman Cos., (561) 997-8661 or www.altmancos.com
