You joined the Research Foundation as a Visionary and later became a Governor. What prompted you to deepen your involvement?

I initially joined NAIOP's Visionary program because I wanted to engage with the Research Foundation and contribute to our industry at the highest level. The program has exceeded my expectations, providing opportunities for impactful work as well as meaningful relationships, mentorship and professional growth. My experience as a Visionary offered deep insight into the Foundation's mission and allowed me to build strong relationships with Governors. Seeing firsthand the positive impact Governors have on our industry inspired me to further my involvement. When the opportunity arose to contribute even further as a Governor, I immediately accepted.

My involvement with the Research Foundation compliments my role at Mark IV Capital, where I’ve worked for over 18 years, now as president of real estate overseeing multiple regions across the western United States. Mark IV Capital is driven by long-term thinking and the Foundation has provided me with valuable experience, relationships and knowledge that have been beneficial to my career.

How have relationships with your fellow Governors benefited your career?

Working alongside the Foundation Governors has provided access to a unique breadth of experience and knowledge. What stands out about the Governors is their shared commitment as lifelong learners – they are curious, humble and genuinely supportive of each other. Despite diverse backgrounds and markets, we all value continuous personal growth and strive to contribute a meaningful, positive impact to our companies, communities and industry.

While I value my relationships with all Governors, I’m particularly grateful to Colin Barr, Frank Baird, Skip Kalb and Barbara Schaeffer McDuffie, all of whom have been instrumental mentors during my journey as a NAIOP Visionary and Governor. Their guidance has significantly enhanced my professional development and strengthened my contributions to both Mark IV Capital and NAIOP.

What do you see as the role of the Research Foundation?

In my opinion, the Research Foundation is NAIOP's greatest asset. Our industry relies heavily on unbiased, actionable research that real estate practitioners can immediately apply. The Foundation's impact extends beyond commercial real estate professionals – it also informs policymakers addressing important legislative issues as well as provides meaningful insight for students interested in entering our industry, among many others.

In addition to my role at Mark IV Capital, I lecture at the University of California Irvine's Master’s program, teaching commercial real estate development to a diverse group of domestic and international students. This experience provides me with valuable insights into the evolving needs of future industry leaders. The Research Foundation meets these needs by delivering thorough, well-crafted analysis essential for informed decision-making.

One of the testaments to the Foundation’s value is that many of its research reports have an evergreen life on the NAIOP website and continue to be downloaded long after their initial publication dates. There is power in creating research that doesn’t just serve a one-time purpose but instead has a lasting impact that guides decision making for years to come.

What's your outlook for the industry?

In every economic cycle there are both challenges and opportunities across all product types and markets. I’m fortunate to work for Mark IV Capital, which has successfully operated for over 50 years and navigated numerous economic cycles. We have a great team that continues to find compelling opportunities with the ability to execute.

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

The commercial real estate industry is broad and deep, and there are countless opportunities and specialties to explore. Because of this, it continues to be one of the most impactful industries, not only in the U.S., but around the world. Don’t be afraid to evolve your skills and capture new opportunities as the market and demographics around us change. As younger professionals are charting their course, I’d advise them to remain open-minded and to approach their career with humility and curiosity.