Origin Stories: Simmi Jaggi On Having Grit — And A Parent As A Cheerleader

This series delves into the myriad ways people enter the commercial real estate industry and what contributes to their success.

Like many people, Simmi Jaggi initially went to college to study finance. But it didn’t take her long to figure out that accounting wasn’t her passion. Another career path caught her eye, one that promised both opportunities and flexibility: commercial real estate. 

At the age of 18, Jaggi decided to get her real estate license while completing her college degree. She credits her father as her life mentor and the person who helped set her on the path to becoming a heavy-hitting CRE player.

“When I told him at 18 years old that I had an interest in commercial real estate, he told me I can do whatever I set my mind to and choose to do. So, I did exactly that and received my real estate brokerage license,” Jaggi said.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Jaggi leads JLL’s Land Advisory Services division in Houston. Since joining the firm in 2014, she has built a team that specializes in land dispositions and acquisitions. Prior to JLL, Jaggi spent 22 years at CBRE, where she closed more than $650M in sales throughout the greater Houston area. 

After more than three decades in the commercial real estate business, Jaggi said things have changed over time. The industry has become less male-dominated, technology has evolved significantly and client expectations have become more sophisticated. 

The qualities of a successful broker haven’t changed, however. There’s still the need to work hard, be proactive, take rejection in stride, know the data and maintain resolve.

“You must have the grit to do anything and everything to get your hands on a deal,” Jaggi said.

Bisnow: How did you get introduced to CRE?

Jaggi: When I was 18 years old, I developed an interest in real estate because I saw you have the freedom to define your own career and that was very attractive to me. At that age, I received my real estate license, allowing me to jump into my career and become a multifamily leasing agent while a student in college, which lead to my entry into CRE. 

Bisnow: What was your first job in CRE?

Jaggi: After I finished college I started as an associate broker in retail at a local firm in Clear Lake City, a suburb of Houston, called Zann Commercial Brokerage. Retail chose me because that’s where the firm had an opening and I just wanted to get my foot into the CRE world. Once I started that position, it was clear I had a passion for retail. I was at Zann Commercial Brokerage until 1993 when I made the switch to CBRE, which is where I developed my interest in retail and land. I developed contacts with both landowners and retailers, and I started to make many landowners a lot of money. In 2014, I moved to JLL where I now lead my own retail land team, giving me the opportunity to expand business and grow the retail land division in Houston. 

Bisnow: What kind of education, certification or official training do you have in CRE? How critical was it to landing your first big role?

Jaggi: I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston. In college, I was studying finance and accounting, and quickly realized that was not the area I wanted to have a career in, so I made it my goal to pass my real estate license test at 18 years old. From there, I was able to secure my job as a multifamily leasing agent, which was my foot in the door to commercial real estate.

Bisnow: What is one skill you wish you had coming into CRE?

Jaggi: More contacts because it’s all about who you know. I also wished there had been a better training process. I essentially was just given a phone and desk, and basically told “good luck”. However, it gave me motivation to work long hours and do whatever I could to do to secure clients. You must have the grit to do anything and everything to get your hands on a deal.

Bisnow: What were you doing before you got into CRE?

Jaggi: As mentioned above, working for a multifamily company leasing apartments.

Bisnow: Can you remember a moment where you felt in over your head or you worried this industry wasn’t for you? Did you ever think about quitting? What changed?

Jaggi: In the beginning, it’s hard to gain momentum and a client base because until you start securing clients, you are making no money, and naturally you begin to think you are not a good enough broker. I continued to push through and reminded myself that I have the skills to be a broker. I worked long hours, cold-called people all day, networked and then eventually business began to develop.

Bisnow: What were your early impressions of the industry, good and bad? How has your impression changed?

Jaggi: When I entered the industry, it was very male-dominant, but that did not intimidate me; instead it motivated me. However, the industry has grown and changed since I started my career. The client expectation is greater and more sophisticated, and the tools and resources are tremendously better than when I started. At JLL, I am provided the research materials, technology and team that has enabled me to do my job more efficiently and successfully.

Bisnow: Have you had a mentor or sponsor? How did that person shape your future in CRE?

Jaggi: I have had so many mentors along the way, but my dad is my life mentor. When I told him at 18 years old that I had an interest in commercial real estate he told me I can do whatever I set my mind to and choose to do. So, I did exactly that and received my real estate brokerage license.

Bisnow: What is a key lesson someone taught you, either kindly or the hard way?

Jaggi: Know your data and don’t wing it. Information is power, so always be prepared. 

Bisnow: What do you warn people about when they join the industry?

Jaggi: You need to have a passion for the industry and be a proactive self-starter. No one will hold your hand, so the natural hunger has to be there. You can’t take it personal if you get rejected, but instead pick up the phone and call the next person on your list.

Bisnow: If you could do your career all over again, what would you change?

Jaggi: I would have wanted to be Oprah. I love people and helping people. Therefore, I love commercial real estate because I am in front of people every day and constantly motivated to make my clients happy.