Q: How did you get into commercial real estate?
A: While working as a golf pro at a local country club, a local Broker/Property Manager/Investor asked me to come and work for him.
Q: Were you in CRE during the 2007-2008 financial crisis? If so, what lessons are you taking from that and applying during this pandemic?
A: I literally started in the business in January 2007. I started in the business and started to understand the business through the crisis. I dealt only in the leasing market during this time and deals took a lot more creativity. You need to be creative with terms, rate structures and remember that occupancy is everything right now.
Q: What’s your most memorable deal?
A: I remember a 120,000 Industrial Lease deal we did with a fulfillment group during this time. We ended up giving 8 months of free rent and a starting rate of $3.95/SF + NNN on a 7 year term.
Q: How do you describe what you do to friends, family and people outside the industry?
A: I tell them that I am a Commercial Real Estate Broker specializing in the Industrial and Office sectors. I say that I consult with clients to acquire and sell the real estate with an expertise in leasing them as well.
Q: Work-life balance is frequently talked about in our industry. How do you manage your career and while making time for your family and personal life?
A: Having some discipline and focus is important in our business, but a large majority of work is strong and consistent communication. Fortunately, we live in our world where we can work from anywhere at any time. Having that flexibility provides me with flexibility to be around my family when needed as well.
Q: Walk us through an average day. What is your normal routine?
A: Coffee is a must have by 7:00 AM, first is catching up on emails until around 8:00, then preparing for meetings I have that day, whether they be showings, listing meetings, etc. In this business, the day is controlled by the activity, which is why flexibility and the ability to be nimble is important.
Q: What hobbies and passions do you have outside of work?
A: I love to play golf, that is what I spend most of my time doing if not working or spending time with my family. My wife and 7 and 4 year old girls are my real hobby though.
Q: What’s something not many clients know about you?
A: Many clients don’t know that I am a 5th generation native of Denver and that my great grandpa is the founder of a very well-known grocery chain.
Q: Any advice you would give your younger self?
A: I would tell myself that building a client book and connecting with people is the most important avenue to success. As I mentioned, communication and follow up is key in our industry and staying in front of your clients consistently is crucial. I may have understood that a little later than I wanted to.
