Micheal Mayer
In Memoriam
“What you do for yourself dies with you when you leave this world,
what you do for others, lives on forever.”
— Ken Robinson
Michael was a visionary leader and mentor to many. He left an indelible mark on numerous lives, both professionally and personally. One of Michael’s most admirable qualities was his ability to bring out the best in others by encouraging them to see no challenge as insurmountable and to believe in themselves. His enthusiasm, zest for life, outgoing personality, and brilliant mind was combined with a commitment to excellence, that all together made him an ideal leader and mentor, but also a cherished friend, father, and husband. For Michael, it wasn’t just about achieving a business objective; it was about doing it with passion, vision, integrity, and leaving a positive lasting impact. He was dedicated to social responsibility, giving back and making a difference in the world. He inspired many to give to the greater good. Beyond his role in numerous businesses and projects over the years, his influence extended to an array of charitable organizations that supported causes in the U.S. and overseas. His legacy will live on at Palisades Equity Partners, as the firm builds upon the foundation for growth and success that he left behind and moves forward to the next chapter.
His professional life was as multifaceted as his personality due to his varied interests and receptivity to exploration and change. Prior his retirement, he was the Chairman and Co-Founder of Associated Ventures, LLC., as well as a Principal of REalta West Asset Management Group, an affiliate of an east coast-based asset management group, that has been involved in real estate assets across the nation. He began his career in real estate development during his college years, while attending the Arizona State University as he accepted a position as liaison coordinator and assistant superintendent in charge of construction and contract coordination for the building of a ten-story office structure at the James Steward Construction Company.
He was known for his innovative approach to creating value in real estate and business as made evident by the many award-winning projects he conceived and brought to fruition. After returning home to Arizona from his military service overseas in the Special Forces, he was eager to explore new horizons, and relocated to Los Angeles, California. He was soon tapped by Helmsley Spear to create and complete office buildings in downtown Los Angeles, including the conversion of the Consolidated Building at 6th Street and Hill, renovation of the iconic Roosevelt Building and conversion of the Accessories Building into the Jewelry Mart.
After completing his mission at Helmsley Spear, Michael founded Investors Development and Management Group and managed eight office buildings totaling in excess of 900,000 square feet. Subsequently IDMG became Site Realty, Inc. and acted as a consultant to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Prudential Life Insurance Company regarding potential joint ventures in Southern California. Site Realty has partnered with institutional investors such as General Electric, Merrill Lynch Capital, EF Hutton and Metropolitan Life; these companies have been responsible for the development and acquisition of multiple real estate projects throughout the United States. Tandam Realty, with Site, was a leader in the renaissance of Hollywood.
Tandam was the recipient of a commendation from the City of Los Angeles for its efforts. Michael was credited with such notable transactions as the conversion of the Hollywood Congregational Church to the Screen Actors Guild headquarters, the renovation and subsequent sale of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California to the Disney Company and the long-term lease of numerous parcels of land from the Santa Monica Unified School District. SMMUSD required new state laws written at Michael’s direction, to facilitate the development of the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Monica and a new headquarters facility for the SMMUSD. He also participated in the acquisition of the Phoenix Inn Hotel Portfolio consisting of 14 hotels in Oregon, Washington and Arizona.
Subsequently, Michael’s entrepreneurial business activities include his involvement as a consultant or principal in such companies as, Car Rental Direct in an expansion from two locations to twenty locations and subsequent sale to a public company, Sahara Resort, Inc. in the creation of one of the first public master limited partnerships in Las Vegas, he oversaw the repositioning of the ABC Entertainment Center for American Broadcasting Company,
Michael was also a Co-founder, and Chairman of the Board of Gamma Electronics Systems, a company specializing in consumer electronics that eventually went public. The company developed a proprietary technology entitled B.A.S.E. that is widely used in the professional segment of the entertainment field. The company was eventually merged into a conglomerate of sound technology companies. He was also the Co-founder and President of Pho-T-Graphics, a company that pioneered the technique for the transfer of customer’s photographic images to a T-shirt. The company formulated and implemented a marketing strategy through Thrifty Drug Stores photography departments. Prior to its sale, the company had outlets in 128 Thrifty Drug Store locations. In addition, he was Founder and Partner in Geronimo's nightclubs, these large-scale facilities featured live music for the dance floor, with restaurant and bar. Geronimo's expanded to include 4 locations in California. He enjoyed success with Marco Pollo quick-serve restaurants, where he capitalized the company to expand the chain, and it was subsequently sold.
Michael was ever in demand as a speaker and a moderator at an array of real estate and business conferences who was known for his vast entrepreneurial experience and real estate expertise. He always enjoyed sharing his knowledge to help others on their professional journeys and enlarging his circle of colleagues.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from which he received an Honorable Discharge. He was transferred from the Special Forces Airborne to USAEUR to be an advisor to NATO forces on handling and installation of nuclear weapons for the NIKE missile systems. In the Army he achieved the rank of staff sergeant and was designated as a rifle expert as well. He enjoyed his early years in the service and continued his involvement with military organizations in his later years.
He was a lifelong learner who was always curious to know everything about any subject or area of endeavor that sparked his interest; be it fine art, music, science, fast cars, horses and more. His alma mater was Arizona State University, and he obtained postgraduate credits in Political Sciences from the University of Maryland.
Michael was a strong supporter of a range of philanthropic organizations, including; Co-founder of the West Side Children's Center, past Director of the Guardians of Courage for funding of the Telhashamir Hospital, a nonsectarian hospital located in Israel, a member of the UCLA Children's Limb Bank Committee, Israel bond drives, served as a director of The Celebrity Corps, and had involvement in various governmental and law enforcement charitable organizations.
Michael was passionate about helping to make the world a better place. In honor of his memory, we ask that you reflect on contributing to a cause, such as one of the organizations noted below. Your donations can help continue his legacy of making a positive impact by supporting work that meant so much to him. We appreciate your consideration and continuing to uphold the values and principles he stood for. He is greatly missed.
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”
—John F. Kennedy
Be A Hero | World Wildlife Fund
“There is no planet B. We have to take care of the one we have.” – Richard Branson
WildCats Conservation Alliance
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
– Albert Einstein