In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace welcomes John Drew, Founder and Chairman of The Drew Company, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, legacy, and global real estate development. With a career spanning public service and private sector success, Drew shares how his early work in government—repurposing federal properties—launched a lifelong path in commercial real estate.
Drew offers behind-the-scenes insight into the transformation of Boston’s Seaport District, where his company helped develop landmark assets like the Seaport Hotel, World Trade Center Boston, and Seaport East and West. He discusses the complexities of public-private partnerships, the evolution of mixed-use design, and the long-term strategy that helped reposition the Boston waterfront into a thriving urban hub.
The conversation also dives into Drew’s decades-long leadership with the World Trade Centers Association, offering a global perspective on trade facilitation, international development, and the future of urbanization. He unpacks the real-world effects of geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and the shifting supply chain—and what they mean for U.S. CRE investors.
A must-listen for professionals looking to understand the intersection of policy, community development, and global markets, this episode is packed with insight from one of the industry's most globally connected leaders.
Episode Outline
00:00 Introduction to The Matthews Podcast
00:41 Meet John Drew: Founder and Chairman of the Drew Company
01:37 John Drew's Early Career in Real Estate
03:13 Redevelopment Projects and Community Involvement
10:06 Launching the Drew Company
11:19 Developing Boston's Seaport District
19:57 Trends in Urban Redevelopment
22:06 World Trade Centers Association: Mission and Impact
29:12 Global Trade and Real Estate Insights
38:58 Advice for Young Real Estate Professionals
41:37 Conclusion and Final Thought