Q&A with Cape May MAC President Brian Groetsch
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) Board President Brian Groetsch sat down with Director of Media Relations Susan Krysiak as the organization begins a new phase in leadership. Groetsch began his term as president on Jan. 1, 2022, after being nominated in November 2021 and elected by the membership. He is currently the co-owner and Broker of Record of RE/MAX Surfside in Cape May.
SUSAN: Would you tell us about your career and background, and any leadership roles and achievements that you bring to the role of President?
BRIAN: I guess it depends how far back you want to go. My family has owned and operated The Stockton Inns at Beach and Howard Streets since 1974, which is where I lived until I graduated high school. My first job was working the miniature golf course at age six. At 16, I leased a retail space at The Hotel Macomber and opened a beach sundries store, which I ran by myself for the season. The next year I joined the Cape May Beach Patrol, where I worked for five years in high school and college.
I attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla. for Small Business/Entrepreneurship and graduated in 2001. While there, I joined Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity where I served as Prior (President) in 1998. I guess that would be my first real leadership role.
After college I returned to Cape May with my now wife and went to work full-time at my family’s hotel. I was there for a few years before I decided I wanted to make a change and obtained my Real Estate License in 2004. The funny thing about real estate is that it requires very little to obtain a license — a GED and a two-week crash course and someone can trade in the single largest financial decision of most consumers’ lifetimes. So, you don’t know much when you first get your license. I soon realized that I had to seek out professional development and educational opportunities to grow my skills and my business. I completed the 18-month, six-part, REALTOR Institute, earning my G.R.I., which led to my obtaining my New Jersey Brokers License. In addition, I am a Certified Residential Specialist (C.R.S) and Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), along with a few other certifications.
On the sales side, I have received the New Jersey Realtors “Circle of Excellence” award for many years. After 10 years of receiving that honor, I was inducted into the NJ Realtors “Distinguished Sales Club.” I have also been inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.
Shortly after gaining my license, I became active in the REALTOR® organization, starting with creating the Education Committee with my business partner Christine. From there I served on various committees and was elected to the Board of Directors for both the Cape May County Association of REALTORS® and Multiple Listing Service, where I served as President for both 2011 and 2012. I’ve also served as a member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee as well as a Division Officer for the New Jersey REALTORS® and on multiple committees for the National Association of REALTORS®.
Locally, I have been active with various organizations. I’ve coached Little League Baseball and served several years as a member of their Board of Directors. I am also in my third year as an elected member of the West Cape May Board of Education. In addition to Cape May MAC, my business is an active supporter of the Andy Boyt Memorial Fund and the Cape May Food Closet.
SUSAN: What specific skills have you developed in your life and career that you feel will be useful to draw on in your role as President?
BRIAN: My education and experiences up to this point have taught me that one of the most important skills is the ability to listen. One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Steven Covey who said that one “should seek first to understand, and then to be understood.” Before I can be considered a trusted source for a client, I need to demonstrate that I understand their needs and wants. I believe the same goes with leadership in a board room. My role as President isn’t necessarily to lead a discussion but to make sure that everyone at the table has had an opportunity to participate in the conversation and feel heard as the group makes decisions that will impact its’ members, volunteers, staff and the community that Cape May MAC serves.
SUSAN : What do you see as the important role or roles of the President of Cape May MAC?
BRIAN: My focus will be to do whatever I can to support our new director as he leads us through the pandemic. Coming in behind Michael Zuckerman was a tall enough order for most, but (Cape May MAC Director and CEO) Jody (Alessandrine) was met with both a major rebranding campaign and a global pandemic. Jody and his team have done great work throughout the pandemic, which will make Cape May MAC an even stronger organization when it is finally behind us.
SUSAN: What is your connection to Cape May? How will your knowledge of this town and its people improve your leadership at Cape May MAC?
BRIAN: I was born and raised in Cape May, growing up behind the desk of The Stockton Inns which has been owned and operated by my family since 1974. Prior to my involvement with the Board, my knowledge of “MAC” was largely limited to the Physick Estate, Lighthouse, trolleys and tours that I would see on the rack cards in the motel lobby. It wasn’t until I became involved with the Board that I came to understand the vast amount of programming that is produced by Cape May MAC each year and just how integral it is to the overall Cape May “Experience.” In my career as a Real Estate Broker, I have had countless clients tell me in one way or another that Cape May was “just different” from other Shore Towns, which is what draws them to town whether as a vacationer or a resident. I believe the “difference” is largely attributable to Cape May MAC and many of the other non-profit organizations that bring Cape May to life for its residents and visitors. I feel it’s my role as a leader to help shine a light on all the good things Cape May MAC is up to and its tremendous impact on the local economy and the community.
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. Cape May MAC membership is open to all. Visit capemaymac.org/support/membership to learn more. For information about Cape May MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals and special events, visit capemaymac.org .
