BOMA International is all about empowering professionals in the commercial real estate field with the tools, resources, and insights they need to thrive. As we continue to grow, we're excited to share the stories and wisdom of our members who are shaping the future of the industry.
Our BOMA Fellows, with extensive experience in commercial real estate, are dedicated mentors to the next generation of leaders. These industry veterans offer invaluable guidance and practical advice, helping emerging professionals navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the field.
In this special feature, we’re excited to share insights from our BOMA Fellows, who offer advice specifically for emerging professionals—those with less than five years of experience in the industry. We asked them, “What advice would you give to new professionals in commercial real estate?”
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the generosity and wisdom of our BOMA Fellows, who are helping to shape the careers of tomorrow’s industry leaders. Read on for their expert tips and stay tuned as we continue to highlight the incredible talent and leadership within our BOMA community.
Ready to launch your career in commercial real estate? EPC membership is open to members with less than five years of industry experience – getting involved is as easy as reaching out ep@boma.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!
Focus on Fundamentals to Drive Long-Term Success
Marc Fischer – InspiRE CRE: Emerging professionals often focus on rapid career growth, but mastering the basics is essential. Understanding the details of building operations, tenant expectations, and financials—and knowing why each function matters—enables you to spot inefficiencies and make confident decisions. This foundational knowledge helps you adapt to unforeseen challenges and continuously improve your work.
Embrace Challenges and Push Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Becky Hanner – Hanner Commercial Asset Services: Commercial real estate is a constantly evolving field with new challenges, technologies, and opportunities to learn. I recommend approaching each new project with an open mind and a willingness to stretch beyond your comfort zone. Pushing yourself creatively will not only help you grow professionally but also lead to unexpected learning and success.
Learn Beyond Your Role and See the Big Picture
Eileen Lewis – Torch Properties: Take every opportunity to learn everything you can, even if you initially don’t think it directly relates to your day-to-day job. That not only includes broadening your knowledge with educational opportunities, but attending events such as state of the city or state of the state presentations. Knowledge is power; and the more you know about the big picture and you’re your ability to “connect the dots” with what what’s happening around you and how that affects your properties and your clients’ needs, the more valuable you become.
Learn Across Disciplines to Build a Stronger Career
Joe Markling – C7 Advisory Group, LLC: Use the early years of your career in CRE as a learning experience. This includes accounting, reporting, and "administrative” matters, as well as leasing and marketing, engineering, economics, and finance. Having a broader vision of the CRE industry will not only make you a better Property Manager but also open more opportunities in the wider career world of CRE.
Lead with Kindness and Build Lasting Connections
Peter Merrett – Peter Merrett & The House of Wonderful: While buildings are the focus of commercial real estate, it’s the people who truly bring them to life. Building genuine relationships and leading with kindness will shape your career and enhance your impact. Remember, success in this industry is as much about the connections you make as the properties you manage.
Know Your Worth and Set Boundaries
Keri Taylor – Trane: "You get what you tolerate!" - In life, you have to set boundaries and expectations to meet your goals. Expect good things and eliminate obstacles to your success. You are teaching people how to treat you and what you will or will not accept in all of your interactions, so be true to you.
Get Involved Early and Leverage BOMA Resources
Brenna Walraven – RE Tech Advisors: As someone new to the real estate industry, I highly recommend getting involved with BOMA at both the local and national levels as early as possible. To make the most of BOMA, find an area of interest and join a committee, where you can develop valuable skills like meeting management, networking, and understanding industry best practices. I also recommend pursuing further education through BOMA and other channels, with a focus on sustainability, as it’s essential for both environmental and financial performance.
Get Involved Early and Leverage BOMA Resources
Geoffrey M. Wardle – Clark Wardle LLP: As a young professional relatively new to the commercial real estate industry, Alan Kajikawa of BOMA Alaska encouraged me to be eager to learn and “to sit at the table” in meetings. In other words, he wanted me to recognize that I had a place here and something to contribute to, not just take from the industry. So whether it is at work or at BOMA International conferences “sit at the table” do not hide in the back, always learn and seek to contribute. And find yourself an industry guide, like Alan was to me.