Bisnow Atlanta Director Of Sales Cleveland Hill Takes A People-Centric Approach To CRE
Atlanta is one of the top spots in the country for live-work-play communities, with more than 9,000 of these mixed-use apartment buildings coming on the scene in the city in the last decade. As this trend continues, Bisnow Atlanta Director of Sales Cleveland Hill is excited to see how the rise of these communities will bring about more deals in the region.
“Live-work-play communities allow developers to work with retailers and restaurants to make the space more enjoyable and accessible for clients and residents, so that there’s less of a need for transportation,” Hill said. “I see the Atlanta market heading in a very positive direction within these communities and I think it will be a huge factor in the region’s success.”
As the Atlanta market continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses alike, Hill has been helping commercial real estate clients access the information they need to make the best decisions for their businesses and portfolios. Bisnow sat down with Hill to discuss the growing live-work-play trend in Atlanta, which sectors are likely to thrive within the next year and his plans for making an impact in the region.
Bisnow: Where do you see the Atlanta market heading in the next year? What trends are you seeing that you're the most excited about?
Hill: While Atlanta is growing at a rapid pace, it’s getting ahead of having to build up instead of out, thanks to its embrace of live-work-play communities, particularly in Alpharetta, Midtown Atlanta and Decatur.
Along with live-work-play, Atlanta’s construction firms have been focused on adaptive reuse, retrofitting and rebuilding underused properties to repurpose them, which is what’s happening with Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. We’re also seeing former office buildings be transformed into life sciences facilities — it really comes down to what companies moving into Atlanta need.
Bisnow: What's working for clients in the Atlanta market right now? What marketing approaches are driving deals and creating more business?
Hill: Mixed-use buildings are definitely driving deals in Atlanta. Clients are saying that they want more retail space and multifamily buildings, and better amenities in both. The approach has been to stack apartment buildings and companies on top of one another and build on that.
In the office sector, companies are looking to return to their offices to boost productivity and collaboration. Because companies are still paying 10- to 20-year leases on their buildings whether people are in the office or not, they are taking a good look at their space, and considering what they need to do to lure people back, whether it's through offering more amenities or greater flex space. I think flex space is definitely driving the market right now as well.
Bisnow: What inspired you to pursue a career at Bisnow?
Hill: When I got into CRE, I worked at Colliers on the business development side, but I knew I wanted to have more of a sales role and directly communicate with clients on a day-to-day basis. I thought the director role was a great opportunity to make a huge difference in the Atlanta market.
Bisnow: What makes you unique?
Hill: I think I have three superpowers that work well together: building rapport, strong communication skills and grit, which comes from having both a background in the military and in sales. I can hold a conversation with just about anyone and present information in the form of a pitch, when needed. If prospective clients want to learn more and have questions that I might not have expected, I can provide answers and explanations off the cuff.
Bisnow: What's one life goal you want to accomplish?
Hill: I would love to run for city councilman. When I was younger, I always thought that in order to change the world, you needed to do it in a uniform. It's why I joined the military. As I got older, I noticed that change can come from being behind the desk with a pen. I look forward to finding more ways to make an impact on my community.
