Emerging Professionals in Commercial Real Estate

Introduction by Lauren Armistead

An emerging professional is typically someone who is new to their chosen field of work or profession and is in the early stages of their career.

They may have recently graduated from college or completed some form of vocational training, and are looking to establish themselves in their industry.

Emerging professionals are often eager to learn and grow, and may have a strong desire to make a positive impact in their field. They may also be actively seeking out opportunities to gain experience, build their skills, and make connections with others in their industry.

In some cases, the term “emerging professional” may be used more broadly for individuals who are making a career transition or entering a new field of work after gaining experience in a different industry.

Mentorship is a great opportunity to activley build the next generation of excellent property professionals. Mentors play a crucial role in helping emerging professionals grow within CRE in numerous ways.

Mentors can provide valuable insights into the industry and share their experiences, give constructive feedback, and help identify areas for improvement. Mentors can even serve as positive role models and inspire emerging professionals to strive for excellence.

We spoke with emerging professionals to get a better sense of how they entered the industry, what they love about it, and more. Here’s what they said.

Meet some of BOMA Georgia’s emerging professionals on page 8!

EXTERIOR BUILDING

RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING

Including, but not limited to:

• Waterproof Coatings

• Caulking & Joint Sealants

• Concrete & Brick Façade repairs

PARKING DECK RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING

Including, but not limited to:

• Structural & Concrete Repairs

• Parking Deck Expansion Joints

• Parking Deck Traffic Coatings

LICENSED GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Including, but not limited to:

• Design/Build

• New Construction

• Interior Buildout

DEMOLITION:

• Heavy Structural Demolition

• Industrial Demolition & Dismantling

• Emergency Demolition & Dismantling

• Emergency Demolition & Stabilization

• Concrete, Rock & Aggregate Crushing & Screening

ASBESTOS & LEAD:

• Lead-Based Paint

• Testing & Abatement

• Interior Demolition

• Indoor Air Quality Testing

• Asbestos Testing & Abatement

• Mold Remediation

• Emergency Water Clean-up

What key lessons have you learned through CRE?

First, advocate for yourself. Second, every experience, whether good or bad, is an opportunity to gain wisdom. Always look for the lesson that can be taken from a situation and move on. Third, show appreciation and gratitude as often possible. Fourth, commercial real estate management requires a team. Be sure to delegate so you don’t take on too much and ask for help when you need it. Fifth, schedule time for yourself; you cannot pour out of an empty cup. Finally, As a leader, it is your responsibility to support and trust your team. A team that feels heard, supported, and advocated for is happy and goes above and beyond.

How would you like to impact CRE?

I will impact commercial real estate by being a compassionate, strong, and supportive female leader who helps others grow into their strength and rise to their full potential. I will also continue to be an advocate for the merging of community service and ESG initiatives with commercial real estate by integrating them into the job whenever possible and encouraging others to do so as well.

How did you enter the industry?

A really good friend of mine who works in CRE brought me over from the residential side. For years I said no to him and now I regret every minute of that. Had I known CRE would be this exciting, I would have started years ago. I mostly enjoy that patrons/tenants get to see the glitz & glam of a building, however have no clue on what it takes making it all come together. How behind the scenes miracles are created to keep everyone smiling each day. That feeling is priceless.

What key lessons have you learned in CRE?

One key lesson I’ve learned is to stay gracious about everything. Whether that be with tenants, emergencies, managing people or etc. Some days won’t be easy, but having grace will always get you through the day. The impact I’d like to make in CRE is hopefully being part of a new historic development for any city one day. Imagine creating history and you had something to do with it, INCREDIBLE! Overall, this was the best career choice I’ve ever made!

How did you enter the industry?

I had recently been laid off from my previous job and wanted to explore something different. I have always had an interest in commercial real estate, and I just so happened to have come across a job posting with Highwoods Properties for an administrative assistant position. I applied and the rest is history. Fast forward to now, and I have been with the company for a little over a year and have become an assistant property manager.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

I enjoy the fact that there is always something happening in this industry. It keeps you on your toes. Each day is different and never boring. We have such a great customer base in the Buckhead area. There is so much to learn from my team. I am proud to be part of an industry that will never stop growing.

How did you enter the industry?

I was previously living in Chandler, AZ, a suburb of Phoenix, where I was the leasing agent for a Class “A” resort-style apartment community. I was a high performer, and management soon tasked me with much higher-level duties. I worked closely with my regional manager for about six months, and was soon promoted. I became property manager for that apartment community, and my determination and commitment was reflected in resident comments on our business page. From that, I knew property management was for me, and that I would make it far.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

It would have to be my previous regional manager, who is now the president of the company. She truly is a “do as I say, watch what I do” type of manager. She performed the way she preached, and she spoke from many years of hardearned work experience. From teaching me the software, to handling a resident conflict, she had the answer to almost anything. I will always be forever grateful to her mentorship and faith in my abilities and capacity to learn and grow.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

The opportunity to never stop learning. Several elements go into a commercial building running successfully. In this industry, we interact with people from different backgrounds, years of experience, and their own opinions. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many great colleagues and vendors who are always willing to answer any questions I have and turn them into a learning experience. How did you meet your mentor, what have they taught you?

I’m fortunate to have two great mentors. One is a current colleague of mine who was organized by our employer and the other is a former colleague. I have retained a lot of great knowledge from them, but two things stand out. First, if you have an idea on how something could be better done, speak up, don’t be afraid. Just because it’s always been done this way does not mean there isn’t a better way to complete the task at hand. Second, the importance of networking. It’s a small world but it is an even smaller industry. You never know who you may meet and the impact it could have on your growth. Always remember when meeting new people, to stay true to yourself.

How did you enter the industry?

I entered the industry by accident! When I graduated college in 2020, I started applying for jobs and accidentally applied for a security position with SecurAmerica. I was placed at a class-A office building where I started as a second shift officer, and quickly moved to first shift. Then a property administrator position became available, and the property manager asked me if I wanted to work for her. I knew absolutely nothing about property management but found that I’m actually pretty good at it!

Do you Have a Mentor? How Did you Meet them?

I have two mentors! I met them both when I was working as a security officer. Lydia Westermann and Greta Miller have taught me just about everything I know about property management. I will always be grateful for their trust in me and their guidance in this industry. They’ve gone out of their way to help me become a better version of myself. They’ve challenged me, given me opportunities and supported me.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

What gets me up in the morning as a CRE professional is I enjoy the variability with a company like The RMR Group. No two days are alike, and I get a backstage pass to watch the process of a simple commercial real estate idea grow into a nationwide business practice. The CRE industry is always changing as well as always evolving, and I get a front row seat to it every day.

What key lessons have you learned in cre?

The cheat code to CRE is don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to fail. If you never ask or take any risks, then you’ll never achieve anything great. Starting out in CRE, I wish I knew that it was okay to ask questions and it is not the end if you fail. One may be leery of the consequences but know failure and asking questions are both essential for the growing pains of CRE.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

I enjoy the chaos and uniqueness our days can be in property management, no two days are the same! I learn something new every day in every aspect of my job. Building relationships with people and acquiring different points of views is very beneficial to me in my career. They say that “surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, lend you knowledge, and help you learn from mistakes will eventually raise your standards to become a better person in the long run” and I couldn’t agree more!

What key lessons have you learned in CRE?

Everyone knows the phrase “patience is key” but there is a whole new meaning to it once you begin working in CRE. My patience has definitely improved since being in the industry and that’s not to sound negative, because I am forever grateful for that! My team welcomed me in with so much patience while I learned more about the industry, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of that! This, in turn, has led me to really take my time in understanding our customers’ needs/concerns and give them the patience they deserve.