How did you get involved with the NAIOP Research Foundation?

I’ve been a NAIOP member since the early 1990s and have served on my National Forum for more than 25 years. My business partner, Hugh Little, was a Research Foundation Governor, so I already knew about the group and the impact it had. For me, joining the Foundation was both a way to give back to the organization and an opportunity to broaden my connections beyond my local market.

What’s been especially rewarding is the caliber of people I’ve met – both my fellow Governors and the researchers who contribute to our work. Their expertise and perspectives have been invaluable, and being part of that exchange has been a real privilege.

You’re stepping in as the incoming Chair of the Foundation. What excites you most about this role?

I’m energized by the opportunity to support the Foundation’s mission of exploring the big forces shaping our industry. At NAIOP’s fall and spring conferences, the Governors come together to connect, share insights, and hear directly from thought leaders and researchers – and those conversations are always inspiring.

What excites me most is digging into the issues that will define the future of commercial real estate: demographic shifts, the influence of AI on office demand, and the challenge of reimagining properties like vacant call centers. In my own market of Raleigh, these large buildings that were once bustling with activity now sit empty, taking up huge footprints of land and parking. Finding creative new uses for them is a perfect example of the kind of work the Foundation can help elucidate.

What’s the importance of the Foundation’s work?

The Foundation’s research is designed to look ahead, which is why many of our reports remain valuable years after they’re published. Real estate is a long game and having insights that anticipate what’s coming is essential for helping our industry make smart decisions today and well into the future.

One project I’m especially excited about is our upcoming report on energy solutions for data centers. With demand for data center power skyrocketing, this research couldn’t be more timely. And it’s not just about the challenges we face right now – [the report] will continue to be relevant as energy demand grows with every new facility that comes online.

What professional advice would you offer to those just starting out in their career?

Today, I see more young professionals eager to launch real estate careers than ever before – and nearly all of them want to jump straight into development. My advice is to think strategically about building personal streams of revenue. That might mean structuring a deal where you take a smaller salary in exchange for a percentage of ownership or earning a broker’s license and using your network to generate brokerage fees along the way.

Be disciplined: live conservatively and resist the urge to spend everything you make. Just as important, choose your professional partners wisely. Find a company or mentor you can truly trust – someone who cares about your success as much as their own. It’s not unlike choosing a spouse: pick carefully, commit fully, and look out for each other. Above all, check your ego at the door. Humility and integrity will take you farther than ambition alone.