The Nowhere Office Workboots and Wingtips: An Interview With Jason Blank and David Marks, Founders of the Fora Institute of Work
May 1, 2025
David Marks and Jason Blank, co-founders of Brockton Everlast and the Fora Institute, dive into the future of work and the evolution of office spaces. They blend expertise in property development and workspace innovation to discuss how small businesses are reshaping their environments. Key topics include the balance of functionality and aesthetics in design, the importance of flexibility post-pandemic, and predictions for smaller, collaborative workspaces. Their insights reveal a vision that champions human-centered, sustainable workplaces.
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Work Boots And Wingtips Moment
- David recalls an MIT class where a student said "work boots and wingtips don't mix," capturing the gap between builders and financiers.
- That line became the guiding partnership idea for Brockton Everlast to blend design and capital expertise.
Buying Distressed Assets In Asia
- Jason describes working at Merrill Lynch in Asia buying distressed real estate after the Asian financial crisis.
- That experience taught them to restore liquidity and clean up distressed assets before building new ventures.
Real Estate Is Like Filmmaking — But Riskier
- David argues real estate resembles filmmaking but with far greater long-term social impact and responsibility.
- Developers must avoid creating urban mistakes because buildings last decades and shape cities permanently.
