top of page
Rob, Senior Project Manager at The Grupe Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in real estate development offers exciting variety and tangible impact, as revealed in this interview with a Senior Project Manager at The Grupe Company.
The path is not always linear; a general business degree and real estate license led to a project management role, showcasing the industry's diverse entry points.
Daily tasks are dynamic, ranging from reviewing environmental reports to collaborating with architects, demanding strong organization and process understanding.
Success requires an entrepreneurial mindset, a "can-do" attitude, and the ability to navigate complex regulations.
The most rewarding aspect is contributing to projects that create lasting change within communities—seeing families thrive in completed developments.
A strong foundation in financial modeling provides an excellent entry point, allowing exploration of various career paths within the industry.
Learning the importance of organization early on is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes and advancing within a field where collaborative work and the creation of lasting physical structures are hallmarks of a fulfilling career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rob Toste
Senior Project Manager
The Grupe Company
California State University Stanislaus
N/A
Business Management & Admin, Entrepreneurship
Real Estate
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path Of A Senior Project Manager At The Grupe Company
Rob's career path was unplanned, starting with a general business management degree and obtaining a real estate license, only to discover "I didn't like sales". This led to a project role within the family's commercial real estate business, eventually transitioning to a financial analyst position at The Grupe Company five years ago, where Rob expanded their skills into project and asset management.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Project Manager at The Grupe Company
Rob's main responsibilities as a Senior Project Manager at The Grupe Company involve a three-stage process: first, "due diligence," including "learning about the literal dirt" and project feasibility studies; second, securing "entitlements and approvals" through navigating municipal requirements and "certain give and takes"; and third, developing construction drawings and collaborating with architects and engineers to finalize project design. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the role, requiring expertise in various fields to bring a project from initial concept to construction readiness.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Project Manager at The Grupe Company
A senior project manager's day is characterized by constant variability; "you'll never, rarely have the same day two days in a row," with tasks ranging from reviewing extensive environmental reports ("500 pages, right?") to collaborating with architects on design-related challenges. This variety reflects the dynamic nature of the work, demanding adaptability and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and issues.
Most Important Skills For A Senior Project Manager At The Grupe Company
Rob, a Senior Project Manager, emphasizes that extreme organization, coupled with a deep understanding of "process," is paramount for success. The ability to ask the right questions, knowing "who to ask and what to ask," to find necessary answers within a team, is equally crucial for navigating project complexities.
Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Project Manager at The Grupe Company
Rob, a Senior Project Manager at The Grupe Company, finds the most rewarding aspect of his role is contributing to projects that create lasting, tangible change within communities; the experience of seeing families enjoying a completed apartment community—which Rob had a significant role in developing—"fully leased up, families are living there, windows are open"—is a powerful example of this impact.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Project Manager At The Grupe Company
Rob's biggest challenge as a Senior Project Manager is navigating "bureaucratic red tape and rules and regulations" that hinder project timelines and efficiency. This regulatory burden, coupled with inherent project complexities and external economic factors, creates significant obstacles to delivering projects swiftly and effectively.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Real Estate Development Industry as a Senior Project Manager
Rob, a Senior Project Manager, most enjoys the collaborative nature of the development industry and the lasting impact of their work, stating that "the best part about being in the industry" is "to have a hand in the physical product." This contribution to projects that will "be there forever" is a key driver of their career satisfaction.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Real Estate Development, According To A Senior Project Manager At The Grupe Company
Rob, a Senior Project Manager in real estate development, highlights the importance of an "entrepreneurial mindset" and a "can-do attitude" for success in the industry. The ability to "think outside the box" and identify opportunities, even when faced with constraints, is crucial, requiring creative problem-solving and a willingness to explore unconventional solutions.
What A Senior Project Manager At The Grupe Company Says About Entering Real Estate Development
Rob, a Senior Project Manager, reflects on career development, stating that the real estate industry's multifaceted nature means "you'll never be an expert in all facets," advocating for organic career growth. The interviewee suggests focusing on what interests them, absorbing knowledge ("a sponge"), and letting career progression unfold naturally.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Real Estate Project Managers
Rob, a Senior Project Manager, suggests that a strong foundation in "financial modeling and financial feasibility understanding of a project" is the best entry point into real estate development. This understanding allows one to grasp "the flow of how the deal works" and subsequently explore areas like construction, finance, or acquisitions based on individual interests.
Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Project Manager At The Grupe Company
Rob, a Senior Project Manager, learned the hard way that strong organization is paramount to success, stating that "if you're not organized, it leads to mistakes, confusion, things missed". This lesson, learned early in their career when stakes were lower, allowed them to build a solid foundation for future success and avoid more significant errors as their responsibilities grew.
College Experiences That Helped A Senior Project Manager At The Grupe Company Succeed
Rob's undergraduate business management degree with an entrepreneurship emphasis complemented a pre-existing "entrepreneurial mindset," but the most impactful step was obtaining a real estate license, which "funneled" the career path into real estate development. This suggests that aligning academic choices with existing skills and proactively pursuing relevant certifications were key factors in career success.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page