A quick, slightly long introduction of myself.
I'm an office tenant rep broker who has been in the business for over 11 years now. However, I've been around the business since as early as I can remember.
I used to tell my kindergarten teachers that my dad was a photographer because on the weekends he would put me in his car and start driving around Atlanta to take pictures of buildings.
Little did I know, he did this for all the proposals and tour packets he was putting together for his commercial real estate business. This became a fun thing for us to do together and I did this probably up until I got my drivers license and got my own independence.
I started my brokerage career in Dallas, TX where I spent ~4 years before ultimately moving back to Atlanta to work with my dad who started his firm back in 1972.
Although my focus has remained on tenant rep, it's led me to work on both user sales and investment sales and even more recently, I've had the opportunity to work on several healthcare deals ranging from clinical offices to ASCs.
Looking forward to engaging more on this platform, making connections, and doing some deals. Who should I follow?
I'll say something that shouldn't be controversial but somehow is. People need to dress better at work.
I don't care what your company's dress code allows. If you're not already running the place, from a "professionalism" standpoint you should be dressing at minimum a level or two above your title. That's something I've believed from day one and it's never steered me wrong.
If your office is casual, put on a business shirt and slacks. If it says business casual, treat it like business, because the word "casual" is not an invitation to look like you don't care. How you show up visually is one of the first signals you send about how seriously you take your career, and everyone notices, whether you realize it or not, especially your bosses.
I've watched this play out for over 20 years in commercial real estate. The people who move up consistently look like they already belong at the next level, and that's not a coincidence. Decision makers at companies love to see people who take their job seriously.
Short of your boss literally telling you to stop dressing more professional than required, you should put on your "game jersey" as often as possible.
Dress casual and you will work casual.
And I know someone's going to say "what about tech,” but most people reading this are not working at a Silicon Valley startup where hoodies are part of the culture. Professional dress is not a requirement when designing addictive apps or trying to make the world a better place ;)
In CRE, or any other finance based industry where a wrong decision can lead to multi-million dollar losses, how you dress increases the probability someone trusts you with that decision.
Reminder for all young parents:
You only get:
- 1 Summer with your baby
- 3 with your toddler
- 9 with your child
- 5 with your teenager
This time is precious. Don’t rush it.
Bravo @ATLairport - the internet scared me about how long it could take to get thru security and despite starting the security line at baggage claim I was thru in less than 30 minutes. On time and very early for my flight now
A guy cold reached out on our website asking about internships for his son. Kid is a junior in college and his dad is doing his outreach for him? He may well be an awesome candidate (we'll see), but that's a bad look. Perfect example of "when helping hurts." Parents take note.
Monday Morning Thought...
"We'll just renew where we are ... it's easier that way."
I hear this CONSTANTLY from businesses. Here's the reality...
Your landlord knows you don't want the hassle of a move. That's leverage for the landlord ... not you.
Some of the best lease deals I've negotiated for clients were renewals where we also had a viable alternative lined up. Competition is good & healthy.