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