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Richard Zappala, First City Co.'s president, laughed when he advised Richard Hodos, his young director of leasing, "Don't waste your time with Macy's." Hodos, who believes dogged pursuit lands many a potential tenant, plugged away. The upshot: Macy's is among the 10 retailers brand new to Pittsburgh who make up the tenant mix at The Galleria, First City's upscale retail center which opened in March in Mt. Lebanon.
At 28, Hodos already helped create some innovative products at Equibank, then turned entrepreneur to set up a unique floral shop. This month's fast-tracker joined First City two years ago. Two promotions later, he's executive director of the Galleria, which also introduces Graham & Gunn, Country Road Australia, Lillie Rubin and Cache to Pittsburgh.
Courting longshots has paid off for Hodos, but he's far from patient. "My biggest weakness is I get frustrated very easily," he admits. "We do deals by chipping away at the tenant. If we...