“Living in Philly” interview series where realtor Cherise Wynne (“Agent Lady”) highlights interesting people & organizations in the civic, real estate, restaurant and lifestyle space that help first time home buyers navigate our great city of Philadelphia.
Tayyib Smith, Partner at Pipeline Philly
Tayyib Smith at Pipeline Philly
Agent Lady: When people ask that famous question “what do you do for a living” how do you typically answer?
Tayyib: I try not answer this unless I have to but it goes; I split my time between our agency Little Giant Creative, our co-working space Pipeline, and our new none profit The Institute of Hip Hop Entrepreneurship, which won the Knight Foundation Cities Challenge in 2016.
In addition, I am currently studying Equitable Community Development, at the University of Chicago at place lab, and recently joined the Global Advisory Board at Participatory City Org in London and I’m on the board’s of Prizm Art Fair in Miami, The Black Star Film Fest, and The Green Light Fund.
Agent Lady: Where is your business located, and what unique aspects of that area attracted you to that neighborhood?
Tayyib: All of my endeavors are headquartered at Pipeline in Center City, earlier in my career, my offices were in Northern Liberties, & Fishtown. I found those neighborhoods were good when they were emerging with low rent and a robust community of creatives. As our agency grew we found a need to be closer to our client base. it’s one of the reasons my partner Meegan Denenberg and I started exploring creating a co-working space in 2011.
Agent Lady: How do you believe your company/organization is making Philadelphia better?
Tayyib: We’re apart of a community of people and organizations working to develop and retain talent in the region, elevate and engage local and national community stakeholders in the Arts, Education and Business.
Agent Lady: If you had to choose between a Philly cheesesteak or a Philly pretzel, which would you choose?
Tayyib: I would bargain for a 3rd choice or settle on the pretzel. cheese and meat will not help you win the long run.
Agent Lady: What’s the biggest misconception people have about your industry?
Tayyib:
a) in co-working , that it’s a trend, I believe the industry has not reached the top of the bell curve in terms of growth.
b) in marketing, the whole industry is a misconception.
c) in none profit, no comment yet.
Agent Lady: What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Tayyib: Read books or listen to a podcast about the #IOT “The internet of Things” or Jeremy Rifkin’s Third Industrial revolution. or listening to Hip Hop Podcast like Taxseason, that’s probably the most ignorant thing I do all week
Agent Lady: What is your favorite word?
Tayyib: “Black”, it goes with everything and adds Savoir-faire, art, music literature, history etc.
Agent Lady: If you had to pick another career what would it be?
Tayyib: Issa Rae’s stay at home husband.
Agent Lady: For anyone looking to buy their first home in Philly or move to the Philly area, what do you have to say to them?
Tayyib: Read Up South & Black City Maker’s , welcome, be a good neighbor, vote, volunteer for something and make yourself at home.
Agent Lady: If someone wanted to learn more about you or your company/organization, where could they go?
Tayyib: Go to SmallteamBigThings.co, Ihhe.org , PipelinePhilly.com, follow me at @215tayyib, and read this Urban Innovators
I’m a huge fan of Tayyib, so thanks again to him and Pipeline for helping to attract, retain, and empower citizens of Philadelphia. If this article inspired you, please support Tayyib’s business and spread the word to all of the people in your network. If you never want to miss another interview we also hope you signed up for the newsletter. Until next time, stay awesome!
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
