Introducing Bisnow's Bosses: A Minute With Nick Castleman
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 inform and connect you to do more business, and our bosses take it seriously! Here’s a quick chat with Nick Castleman, our Director of the UK, Ireland and Europe. We spoke with him about his plans for a music festival, his least favorite plant and how he went across the pond and back with Bisnow.
Nick Castleman is the director of brand partnerships for Bisnow Europe. Shoot him an email at nick.castleman@bisnow.com.
How did you get your start at Bisnow?
When I was 21, I interned for Bisnow in New York. It was my first work placement abroad, but previously I'd done various summer internships at some of the big corporate banks in London. Next thing I knew, I was sitting in a trendy office in Manhattan, wearing shorts to work, surrounded by like-minded individuals who encouraged me to think creatively. I was sold on the business by the time I left New York.
What do you love about commercial real estate?
Anyone who says they're not interested in real estate doesn't understand just how encompassing the term "real estate," truly is. Think about it: they most likely live in a house, go to work in an office and go out to restaurants and bars. Real estate is such a large part of our everyday lives. It’s fascinating to take part in the industry as it evolves to serve the changing needs of consumers. I consider myself lucky to get to work with the people who drive this industry forward on a daily basis.
What is your most insane experience at Bisnow so far?
The craziest part of working here has been watching the company grow so much, so quickly. I got to experience this firsthand as Bisnow grew from a small team to the largest provider of commercial real estate news and events globally. I’ll cherish that forever.
What's the worst job you ever had?
I spent Monday to Friday in the summer of 2012 picking out ragwort from my auntie's field in Bedfordshire. Needless to say, I've haven't been very fond of ragwort since.
If you weren't at Bisnow, where would you be and what would you be doing?
I'd be living in the countryside producing music. Hopefully I’d get booked to play gigs, but I would also be running my own electronic music events business at the same time. I have a deep love of music and dream of having my own music festival one day.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Dixon and Nat King Cole.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
In my first ever external meeting for Bisnow, I referred to “native advertising” as “naked advertising.” I was so embarrassed, but it was pretty hilarious on reflection.
What keeps you up at night?
This is actually a bit of an issue for me, I have an awful busy brain and struggle to get to sleep at night. I'm constantly thinking about what I need to do tomorrow and how I'm going to approach it.
Where will you be 10 years from now?
If I'm not still with Bisnow, I will have completed an MBA and I’ll be running that electronic music events business.
How do you describe what you do?
I come up with creative ideas to market my clients' businesses and help them grow, then work day and night to deliver the results.
You can meet Nick at any of Bisnow's upcoming London events or contact him at nick.castleman@bisnow.com or +447876405596.
