From Ski Patroller To Deal Closer: Josh Jacobson Takes Over The Mountain States For Bisnow
Bisnow proudly presents a new series called “Bisnow Bosses” focused on introducing you to the men and women building Bisnow, and your business, in your local market. Our mission is to help you do more business, and our bosses take it seriously. Here is a quick chat with Josh Jacobson, our head of sales in Denver. Please shoot him an email at josh.jacobson@bisnow.com. He loves coffee, beer and all things "Rocky Mountain High."
Josh Jacobson has always been a thrill-seeker. As a kid, that meant shredding the gnarliest lines in Colorado. Now, as the head of Bisnow’s mountain state markets, it means connecting the high-stakes and high-elevation worlds of commercial real estate in Denver and Phoenix.
We spoke to Josh about his time at the National Ski Patrol, what brought him to CRE and his most embarrassing moment on skis.
Who are you?
I’m a Michigander, but I’ve lived in Denver for the last 10 years. I came to the Mile High City seeking untouched powder and adventure. Right now that adventure is Bisnow.
How did you find the commercial real estate industry?
Before Bisnow, I worked as the director of sales and partnerships for the National Ski Patrol. After nearly a decade, I decided it was time for a career pivot. Commercial real estate encompasses everything I have seen driving, running and exploring the Front Range. Denver’s skyline has changed so much since I moved 10 years ago. Cranes are growing the city and creating more beauty. I am stoked to work with the people who make Denver an exciting place to live, and to get to know the amazing people and places in Phoenix.
What is your most insane experience at Bisnow so far?
The last time I visited our home office in NYC, I attended an event celebrating Amazon’s new HQ2 offices in Long Island City. Just 48 hours later, Amazon announced their decision to pull out of the New York deal. As soon as the news broke, Bisnow’s editorial team started sprinting to deliver the scoop to our readers. That was when I first saw this company’s energy and pace.
What's the worst job you ever had?
I started my career in Denver as a bartender at Brothers Bar and Grill, which definitely wasn’t a 20-something’s idea of a fun Friday night. Even so, that fast-paced environment taught me tactics I still use today.
If you weren't at Bisnow, where would you be and what would you be doing?
Skiing fresh powder every day, in addition to hanging with my amazing wife and pups.
Ever have any gnarly skiing accidents?
I fractured my tibia in Michigan in 2002, but honestly what was even worse was this fall I took in high school.
I’ve been a ski racer all my life. When I was a freshman, I was the only kid my age in Southeast Michigan racing at that level. I remember my first big race, I slid up to the start gate with 50 people chanting my name — ”Josh! Josh! Josh! Josh!” My adrenaline is pumping, and right as I kick out of the gate, I’m immediately on my face, skis sitting back behind me. The sound of 50 people simultaneously exclaiming, “Noooooo!” and laughing hysterically is not something you want to hear at 14.
What keeps you up at night?
When it comes to work, I’m always thinking about “Who are the people that need to know me in the Denver and Phoenix markets? What companies have benefited and will benefit from Bisnow’s products?”
In my personal life, I ponder daily: “Did I do right by the people most important to me today?” which is really a way of asking, “Did I make my wife and family proud today?”
Where will you be 10 years from now?
Tough to say, but by then I hope my wife and I have started our family in Denver and that we’re all happy and healthy. Family is the most important thing in life.
How do you describe what you do to your buddies and clients?
My role at Bisnow is to assist the commercial real estate community in Denver, Phoenix and beyond to do more business. One of my main goals is to connect with the right people in order to grow the market and business overall. At the end of the day, I want to help my clients maximize ROI and close more deals.
You can meet Josh Jacobson at any of Bisnow's upcoming Denver events or contact him at josh.jacobson@bisnow.com or 248-521-6613.
