The Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) recently announced the recipients of its 2016 NAIOP Developing Leaders Award. The award recognizes commercial real estate professionals, 35 years of age and under, for their contribution and commitment to the CRE industry.
When I learned I was included, I was honored to say the least… and reminded once again how proud I am (and grateful) to be part of this extraordinary industry. I joined the commercial real estate profession nearly ten years ago, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP).
According to a new report released by the NAIOP Research Foundation, the CRE industry employed 3.2 million people in the US in 2015. This research report also indicated that here in California, commercial real estate supported over 150,000 jobs in 2015 and contributed $22 billion to California’s economy. (If you are still considering a profession in CRE, I highly recommend it!)
It’s no secret the CRE industry is as competitive as it is vibrant, yet what makes NAIOP unique is how supportive and enriching a community it is while maintaining a wide membership base and delivering on its mission to provide unparalleled networking opportunities, educational programs, industry research and strong legislative representation.
I was introduced to NAIOP by my first employer, Duff & Phelps, and have been a member of the association ever since. NAIOP has played a big role in helping me (in Philadelphia and here in San Diego) advance my career for nearly ten years now and counting!
My NAIOP network of colleagues and friends provided me with the resources, counsel and inspiration I needed to launch my executive search and recruiting firm Building Careers, LLC last year. And today the Building Careers team is more effective at how we service our clients and better positioned for business growth thanks to them.
Needless-to-say, to receive this award recognition from the very organization that I attribute much of my career progress and happiness to was (and is) particularly special for me… and has made me realize once again how grateful I am to have discovered this industry and NAIOP when did.
Knowing the talent and expertise of NAIOP members, I imagine it wasn’t easy for the selection committee to choose the final award recipients. I am proud to be recognized alongside 19 other outstanding commercial real estate movers and shakers from across the country. Congratulations to you! Thank you NAIOP. I look forward to joining everyone at the Commercial Real Estate Conference 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona, September 26–28.
In the meantime, this award is added encouragement for me to continue to represent the commercial real estate industry and participate in all that NAIOP offers in the years ahead… and of course shamelessly plug both every chance I get.
