Managing Director
Las Vegas
Number of Employees: 15
Years in Nevada: 20
Years with Company: 2
How did you first get into your profession?
I grew up in the commercial real estate industry. All my life, my father worked as a commercial real estate appraiser in Phoenix, where I was born and raised. From a young age, I was always drawn to the industry, and my first job was in my father’s company when I was 16 years old. It was there that I grew to love commercial real estate and knew it was the right career path for me.
What do you wish you would have learned at the beginning of your career?
We review many legal documents in our profession. If I had known this early on, I would have gone to law school. The ability to have that extra knowledge and background would be an enormous asset. And who knows – perhaps I will go back and get my law degree. It’s never too late!
What business advice would you give someone just starting in your industry?
Many young professionals get into this business with a “get rich quick” attitude. Although we appreciate the ambition, this cannot be further from the reality of our business. You have to work hard and pay your dues. In addition, it is essential to have a passion for the industry, and to be patient.
What is the biggest challenge your industry is facing?
Since the economic downturn, financial institutions now own many properties. Our challenge as brokers is to adapt to these institutions’ business models, which differ greatly from traditional property investors. Traditional property owners are typically more open to making improvements on a property in order to increase its profitability over time. Financial institutions, however, need specialized, strategic counsel in order to quickly turn around the properties they own, and ensure that each asset is profitable for all parties involved.
If you could be another person for a day, who would you be? Why?
I would be a fighter pilot. I had the opportunity to fly an F-16 at Nellis Air Force Base here in Nevada – it’s a pure adrenaline rush. The experience was absolutely incredible. I have so much respect and admiration for the level of skill and bravery demonstrated by the men and women who serve our country in this profession.