Significant Career Lesson From a Development Associate at a Real Estate Development Family Office
George emphasizes the importance of careful and considerate communication in the close-knit San Diego real estate development community, noting that "you gotta be really, really careful" because negative interactions can easily resurface. Therefore, the key lesson is to "cherish and nurture every relationship" with industry contacts, as maintaining positive relationships with companies, subcontractors, and everyone else is critical for long-term success.
Communication Skills, Networking, Relationship Building, Professionalism, Industry Awareness
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
George Champion
Development Associate
Family Office - Real Estate Development
UC Santa Barbara
University of San Diego - Knauss school of business
History, Art History
Architecture, Construction & Design, Real Estate
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Importance of careful communication: Emphasizing the need to be mindful of how you communicate with industry professionals, especially in close-knit communities like San Diego, to avoid damaging relationships.
2. Value of nurturing relationships: Highlighting the significance of cherishing and nurturing every professional relationship, including those with companies, subcontractors, and business contacts, due to the interconnectedness of the industry.
3. Small world concept: Reinforcing the idea that the real estate development industry is a small world, where future collaborations and encounters are highly likely, making it crucial to maintain positive relationships.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I'd say be very careful with how you communicate and talk with people in the industry. San Diego, especially, has a very small community.
If you're having a bad day and lash out with a nasty email, chances are super good you'll work with them again on another project. You'll likely see them at a cocktail party in the not-too-distant future.
So, you have to be really, really careful. I would say to cherish and nurture every relationship you meet, all the companies, all the subcontractors, everyone you do business with. It's a small world.