What Lessons Did These Military Veterans Take With Them To Their Real Estate Careers?
This article originally published May 25, 2016. We are reposting it today in honor of those who have served in our Armed Forces, particularly those who have given their lives for our country.
For military veterans (including Bisnow's own Chuck Sudo), Memorial Day is more than barbecues and a day of rest. It is a time to reflect on their service to the nation, even if they did not realize the sacrifices they made at the time. We asked to hear from military veterans who forged careers in real estate. Today, we introduce you to those who served with pride and the lessons they carried to their current careers.
Brian Niven
Title: Principal, cold storage at Bridge Development Partners
Branch of Service: US Army Infantry
Length of Service: 2003-2011, a mix of active duty and reserve.
Final rank: Captain
Year you entered real estate: 2008
What lessons from your military service carried over into real estate: The military is the only job I've come across that allows a 22- or 23-year-old the opportunity to manage 30 to 40 individuals and make on-the-spot decisions that impact their lives and the reputation of the US. Teamwork is the No. 1 skill that I've tried to carry over to the civilian sector. The military ensures their teams maintain individual skills, are accountable for their actions, communicate and stress a sense of urgency. This mindset has been imperative to the way I operate.
John Gledhill
Title: SVP, Transwestern
Branch of Service: United States Army Reserve
Final Rank: Brigade Sergeant Major, 75th Training Command
Length of Service: 23 years (still serving as an active reservist)
Year you entered real estate: 1996
What lessons from your military service carried over into real estate: How to utilize a tactical approach to problem solving (i.e., military decision-making process). The ability to bring a global perspective to relevant world/business events; an understanding of cultural sensitivities in working on international client opportunities. Little seems to faze veterans during the sometimes arduous process of executing a real estate deal, especially one that’s complex. The importance of teamwork—a “let’s just get it done” approach. An appreciation for what all parties in a transaction bring to the table, including various backgrounds and skill sets.
Jennifer Christakes
Title: Managing Director/Regional Operations Manager, Property Management, JLL
Branch of Service: United States Army Corps of Engineers. During her time in the Corps, Jen supported the DEA in Arivaca, AZ by cutting roads through the mountains so the DEA could traverse terrain more easily to combat drug traffickers.
Length of Enlistment: Enlisted in 1991, later commissioned and exited in 1999 as a captain.
Year you entered real estate: 1999. Jen started her career at JLL as an assistant GM at 135 S LaSalle and now runs the operations for the entire Midwest property management portfolio.
What lessons from your military service carried over into real estate: Real estate and the Army are similar in that it’s a big family and everyone has each other’s backs all the time. Everyone at JLL is striving for excellence, and the same held true in the Army. One of the reasons I believe JLL hired me was my project management experience in the Army and my leadership and management skills.
Fred Freeman
Title: VP, Transwestern
Branch of Service: United States Air Force
Final Rank: 1st Lieutenant responsible for bombs and fuel for B-52s, C-130s, KC-135s (707s)
Length of Service: Commissioned July 1969-1972
Year you entered real estate: 2001
What lessons from your military service carried over into real estate: While college taught me the ABC’s, the military taught me to become organized, responsible and mindful of all around me. The Air Force showed me that we are truly the land of the free…because of the brave.
Mark Frane
Title: General superintendent, Principle Construction Group
Branch of Service: United States Marine Corps
Final rank: Sergeant
Length of Service: March 1981-March 1988
Year you entered real estate: 1988 as a Local 250 union carpenter.
What lessons from your military service carried over into real estate: The Marine Corps put us in uncomfortable situations physically and mentally to build confidence in ourselves, which instills confidence in others. They taught us to attack problems and overcome fear to complete the mission. I believe the rigorous activity and daily challenges we were exposed to during field operations was a perfect fit for the construction industry.
William Briggs
Title: Associate, Transwestern
Branch of Service: United States Army
Length of Service: Active duty May 2008-September 2012; National Guard September 2012-present
Year you entered real estate: 2013
What lessons from your military service carried over into real estate: Try to be both self-confident and humble. Leading soldiers from all walks of life in what were often very difficult conditions required a delicate balance of the two. This is not dissimilar to real estate as our diverse group of clients and prospects can be easily put off by too much or too little of either.
