Breaking into the fiercely competitive world of real estate can be a formidable challenge, but the co-founders of Quattro Development, Michael Liyeos and Rob Walters, are offering a guiding light for aspiring professionals. With their decades of experience in the real estate industry, they understand its intricacies and the importance of a unique approach.
Quattro Development’s Expertise in Real Estate
As co-founders of Quattro Development, Michael Liyeos and Rob Walters have earned their stripes in the real estate industry. They are well aware of the cutthroat nature of the business, a reality they don’t sugarcoat. Walters acknowledges, “Unfortunately for the real estate business, it’s a really hard one to break into.”
Qualifications Alone Aren’t Enough
For those college students and recent graduates eyeing a career in real estate, the common belief is that a solid resume will suffice. However, Walters emphasizes that qualifications alone often fall short in this field. He points out that many real estate firms are tight-knit, where employees know each other well. To make a mark, one must do something different.
Quattro Development’s Recommendations for Aspiring Professionals
Despite the industry’s challenges, Liyeos and Walters encourage anyone with an interest in real estate to give it a try. They offer valuable advice for those seeking to break into the industry:
Sign Up for Internships: According to Liyeos, getting internships during college is an excellent starting point. While the primary goal of these internships isn’t necessarily to gain extensive experience, they provide an opportunity for students to gauge their interest in real estate. Quattro Development has taken this approach further by hiring interns who can explore the field firsthand and determine their aptitude for it.
Build and Tap Into a Network: After graduation, the co-founders recommend investing in relationships and networking. Liyeos stresses that tapping into personal networks, including friends and family, is a valuable starting point. Walters advises against expecting job opportunities to simply materialize at job fairs. They both highlight the importance of using personal connections, such as shared fraternity networks, as a way to narrow down potential job candidates.
Quattro Development’s Parting Wisdom
Quattro Development, as a small yet well-established real estate development firm, doesn’t shy away from assisting young, motivated professionals seeking to enter the industry. However, Michael Liyeos and Rob Walters emphasize the importance of self-investment and personal development. They believe that success in the real estate industry demands taking chances, building networks, and learning from those who have paved the way before.
Quattro Development’s journey in the real estate industry is marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Aspiring professionals can draw inspiration and invaluable advice from these industry leaders who have carved a unique path to success.