Where Creators & Doers Thrive

Commercial real estate offers a variety of roles that are suitable to different skillsets and backgrounds. Julian, an Associate Real Estate Manager in our Advisory segment, is a testament to this. Julian began his career playing professional soccer around the world in places like Ireland and Australia. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and he was forced to returned home to the U.S., he turned to a long-held passion he had for commercial real estate as his next professional pursuit.

Although it may seem like an unlikely move, making the transition from professional sports to commercial real estate, two highly competitive industries that require grit and resilience, came naturally for Julian. Through strategic networking, he was able to discern that property management was the perfect way for him to learn the industry inside and out. This process ultimately led him to secure an entry-level role at CBRE — but he wouldn’t stay there for long, landing his first promotion within a year.

Julian has since been promoted a second time and in his current position oversees various aspects of property management, including tenant relations, financial reporting and managing capital projects. Nearing his fourth year at CBRE, Julian shares that his work in property management has given him invaluable exposure to all aspects of the industry, offering him daily opportunities for growth. He has also realized that there isn't one "right" background for the commercial real estate industry, pointing to his own background of studying finance in school and participating in sports.

When asked what makes property management a great business to work in, Julian highlighted the diverse range of tasks and opportunities for learning.

"I love property management because I get to do something different almost every day. I'm doing financials, I'm doing monthly reports and budgets. And some days I am working with the client on what their financial goals are for the building and how I can increase value."

From shadowing building engineers in his buildings to overseeing physical projects like re-roofing a building, property management offers a dynamic work environment that keeps Julian on his toes. Not only that, but he also enjoys the opportunity to network with people across different companies and industries.

One of the key attributes that has facilitated Julian's career growth is CBRE’s culture, underpinned by our RISE values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence – which he sees embodied in everyone from senior leaders to his fellow employees. He describes the culture as fun, while also serious, centered around getting tasks done and enjoying time with colleagues. Julian himself is a recipient of our RISE Value award, an internal accolade given to employees who best exemplify CBRE's values.

In addition to his property management duties, Julian is also the chapter lead of the Pacific Northwest Black Excellence (our Employee Business Resource Group for our Black employees and allies) chapter at CBRE, which gives him exposure and confidence to network with senior directors and brokers.

Julian's career trajectory demonstrates the opportunities available at CBRE. Whatever background you come from – even sports – if you’re driven to realize your potential, there's a place for you at CBRE. In Julian’s words:

"The great thing about this industry and my job is there's not one background that makes you a great fit. It's kind of a collection of a lot of different skills. [...] To have two promotions in three years shows that if you put in the work, if you grow, if you challenge yourself, there are positions for you at that next level." — Julian, Associate Real Estate Manager, Advisory Services