Uninspired by the life of a scribe, Barle told his parents his post-collegiate plans: Build the landscaping business he started and eventually purchase real estate. Although they encouraged his vision, Barle's parents thought that their son, who possessed a love of poetry and literature, would tire of his path, wrought with labor, and gravitate back to the written word.
"We didn't have a lot growing up," recalls Barle, "but my Mom and Dad did what was necessary. Without question, my models for working hard were my parents. And they supported the decision I made coming out of school. That was important to me." In 1999, with a modest portfolio of eight or nine properties, Barle was introduced to John Barr at Nighttown one afternoon by a mutual friend who saw similarities in the two he couldn't ignore. What resulted was a friendship and later a partnership between the two. Barle became part owner of the Heights Rockefeller Building in 2001 partnering with then owner and restaurateur Barr. In 2004, Barle became the building's sole owner. "I feel very fortunate that I crossed paths with John Barr," said Barle. "I would do anything for him."
|
