Article
How Ex-Soccer Player Josh Doupe Found His Footing at CBRE
February 2, 2026 4 Minute Read
Josh Doupe’s first day of work as a sales support coordinator at CBRE’s Toronto West office felt as if he was wading into uncharted territory.
Doupe, a former university-level soccer player from Sarnia, ON, who left the pitch behind to pursue a career in commercial real estate, admits that entering a corporate environment came with plenty of challenges, much like learning a new sport from scratch.
“When I was playing soccer I knew exactly what needed to be done; when I started at CBRE, though, I felt that I had to earn my place here,” he says. “The learning curve was steep. But I remembered my soccer coach once telling me that I was on the field because he already believed in my abilities.
“I just needed to be myself and execute.”
Doupe quickly realized that with persistence, effort and a willingness to learn, he could achieve success in his new role and grow within CBRE. “I found my footing,” he says. “And I can’t emphasize enough how CBRE helped me to hone my strengths and believe in myself along the way.”
Learning the Ropes
From the start of his time at CBRE Doupe was putting in long hours at the office and outside work. He was studying for his real estate licence while supporting a busy team of brokers and navigating his new role as a sales support coordinator. “It was exhausting but I gained so much confidence through that process,” he says.
A real estate licence typically takes six months to complete and the process provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the real estate industry. The course delves into the complexities of residential and commercial real estate transactions, helping to set up future brokers for success in their professional careers.
“You learn so much in the process of getting your licence that when you go out and do your job you feel like you have the educational backbone to perform at your best,” says Doupe. “It gives you a great foundation, covering topics like business sales, valuating different asset classes and the governing bodies that oversee the real estate industry in Ontario.
“Getting your licence equips you to be a more reliable partner to your clients and colleagues.”
After earning his licence Doupe felt a noticeable confidence boost at the office. Learning the fundamentals of real estate certainly helped. But more significant was the fact that he was surrounded by experienced brokers at CBRE who were happy to support him on his journey.
“I guess I’ll always believe in team before self. So many of my colleagues were willing to spend time with me, even when they were busy,” Doupe recalls. “Solid mentorship was a huge driver of my confidence. I came to realize that it’s the people who work at CBRE that make all the difference.”
A New Generation
Commercial real estate has long been seen as a competitive and fast-paced industry. But Doupe has found that the culture is gradually becoming more open, supportive and collaborative across generations. He’s a case in point.
“CBRE has your back and wants you to grow,” Doupe says. “That’s the experience I share with people looking to get into the commercial real estate business.”
“But it’s also an industry and company where you benefit from stepping up and constantly proving yourself. And I think that’s a healthy way to approach any career. You should strive for growth and experiences.”
The First Client
Shortly after receiving his real estate licence Doupe secured his first client. He was thrilled to spend countless hours scouring the market for what they needed and quickly assembled a list of suitable properties for the client to tour.
“But I was careful not to get too far ahead of myself,” he says. “I realized that an agent can be working on a deal that can fall through at the 11th hour despite years of real estate strategy and relationship development.
“Then I thought, even if the deal did fall through, that would still be a great way to develop my character as an agent.
“It’s just like when I was playing soccer: adversity shapes you and perseverance is key. The next day you show up at work and get back at it.”
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