Real estate roots run deep for Pellmann

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Family comes first for John Pellmann.

The Brookfield attorney runs Pellmann Investments LLC, a real estate development business founded by his father, Jack, in the early 1960s. Pellmann’s wife, Mary, works as an agent and manager for the company; his son, John, heads its Florida division; and Pellmann’s daughter, Jacqlyn, works for Pellmann, Drellos & Associates SC, his law firm.

The close-knit staff works for Pellmann Investments, which specializes in homes for families. Though Pellmann said he spends about 70 percent of his work hours practicing residential and commercial real estate law at the firm, the work he does with Pellmann Investments is also rewarding.

“It makes me feel good to put people in homes — their own safe harbor and a place to grow their families,” Pellmann said. “I’ve been blessed with skills that help me do that, surrounded by my own family members. I can’t think of a better way to earn a living.”

The Daily Reporter: What do you consider your biggest career achievement to date and why?

John Pellmann: Graduating from law school in 1995. I went back to law school when I already had a family with three children. I managed to juggle all the balls and graduate near the top of my class. Starting my own firm in 2000 is a close second though. It was both scary and rewarding.

TDR: What is the number one legal issue construction firms need to be aware of today and why?

Pellmann: Financing, and staying afloat in these tough times.

TDR: What is one thing attorneys should know that they won’t learn in law school?

Pellmann: That they can zealously represent the client without being rude to opposing counsel. That’s something you don’t learn in law school, but in practice – hopefully you learn it, anyway. It tends to be either new lawyers who overcompensate for inexperience, or well-established lawyers who think too much of themselves. Thankfully, both are in the minority.

TDR: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Pellmann: “Generally” or “basically,” because I think I try to boil things down to their simplest terms.

TDR: What was your least favorite course in law school and why?

Pellmann: Partnership Taxation, because I found the topic extremely dry.

TDR: If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what career would you have chosen?

Pellmann: (Laughs) A truck driver. I absolutely love the open road and seeing the country. Also, many years ago, I used to race stock cars in Slinger. I love auto racing and I still go to several NASCAR events every year.

TDR: Who are your heroes?

Pellmann: My mother, Joan [Pellmann]. She was our family’s glue.

TDR: Where would you like to live?

Pellmann: Ultimately, I’ll retire in Florida. But I’d like to have a small retirement home in northern Wisconsin, too.

TDR: What piece of new technology could you no longer live without?

Pellmann: My smart phone.

TDR: What is your definition of success?

Pellmann: Having a balanced life, among faith, family and work. If you can do that, even partially, that’s success.

TDR: What are your words to live by?

Pellmann: I got this from a friend many years ago: I tell myself several times throughout the day, ‘Life is good and it just keeps getting better.’ It’s a positive, inspiring statement that helps me get through anything.

TDR: What book is sitting on your nightstand?

Pellmann: “Who’s Got Your Back,” by Keith Ferrazzi. It’s about establishing deep, lifelong relationships, where you can depend on someone to truly ‘have your back,’ and be there in good times and bad — and you do the same for them.

– Jane Pribek