What a Forward Planner at D.R. Horton Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Real Estate Industry
Avery, a Forward Planner at D.R. Horton, learned that the common industry advice to "wear a lot of hats" means adapting to diverse tasks and interactions daily—from serving as a 23-year-old HOA president to negotiating with mayors and handling emails. This requires a dynamic approach, changing one's demeanor and presentation to effectively connect with various stakeholders, such as neighbors, city councils, and consultants, in rapidly shifting meeting contexts.
Communication, Adaptability, Problem-Solving, Leadership, Networking
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Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Avery Jones
Forward Planner
D.R. Horton
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Environmental & Related Sciences
Real Estate
Real Estate
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. The role requires versatility and adaptability, encompassing diverse tasks from community engagement (e.g., HOA board presidency) to high-level negotiations (e.g., meetings with mayors and city councils).
2. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial, as the role demands interacting with various stakeholders, each requiring a tailored approach.
3. The ability to quickly adjust one's demeanor and communication style depending on the situation and audience is essential for success in this multifaceted career path.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
When I started in this industry, people told me, "You're going to wear a lot of hats." I didn't understand what that meant.
But I've learned over time that it means you'll do many things that aren't related to each other. One day, you might be the board president of an HOA for a project you're finishing.
You could be 23 years old, talking to new homeowners about their HOA, and thinking, "What am I doing?" Yet, you agree to be their HOA board president for a while.
The next day, you might meet with a mayor to pitch a proposal for a new subdivision you're developing. Then, another day, you could be at your desk all day answering emails.
Over time, I've figured out that "wearing a lot of hats" means you have to adapt your mindset. You need to decide who you want to be when you show up to a meeting.
You might present yourself differently when talking to a neighbor about a project than when you're presenting to a city council. Or you might interact differently with a consultant you know well compared to someone you're trying to get a proposal from for the first time.
This also changes very quickly. A meeting at nine o'clock might require a different approach than one at ten o'clock. You have to adjust your mindset based on who you're talking to.
That's how I've learned to define what it means to wear a lot of hats.
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