Alumni Spotlight: ROI Properties

Eller alumni Jake Vice '21 BSBA (Accounting), Reuben Nach '20 (Finance), and Ben Jones '22 (Finance) work at R.O.I. Properties in Phoenix, AZ.

Why did you choose to work for ROI Properties?

Jake: Going into my senior year, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in Commercial Real Estate. During that time, as a part of CREC, we were fortunate to have industry professionals and companies reach out to us to discuss different aspects of Commercial Real Estate.  R.O.I. Properties reached out, seeking a Commercial Analyst.  The company stood out to me because of its strong presence and history in the PHX/AZ markets. R.O.I. is a smaller, local brokerage firm, which prioritizes its employees' growth, so you don’t feel like you are just another number coming on board.

Reuben: I chose to work for R.O.I. Properties because R.O.I. is a leading Commercial Real Estate brokerage with excellent company culture and mentors. My work is fun and rewarding, and the career growth opportunities are tremendous.

Ben: I chose to work at R.O.I. Properties because of the company culture and the resources offered to learn and develop myself professionally in the Commercial Real Estate industry.

Tell us about your job responsibilities and title.

Jake: My title is Commercial Associate. I am responsible for the acquisition, disposition, and lease of industrial and office assets throughout Arizona, focusing on the Phoenix area. My functions include transaction management, contract negotiation, outbound marketing/prospecting, and connecting with owners and tenants within my target industrial markets. Much of my time is spent conducting market research for my target markets and performing outbound sales activities.

Reuben: As a Commercial Associate, I have multiple responsibilities and assist in every facet of the real estate sales cycle. For transactions I am directly managing, I lead operations from the initial stages of listing the property to executing our outbound marketing strategies, facilitating contract negotiations, navigating due diligence, and ultimately ensuring a successful and smooth closing. I also procure sale listings, and cold calling/networking are essential functions for associates at R.O.I..

Ben: I am a Commercial Analyst, but will be moving into a Commercial Associate role, shortly. My responsibilities include researching and analyzing market information and performing valuations for various assets, including, but not limited to office, retail, land, and industrial. Other responsibilities include touring properties, drafting contract documents, supporting the marketing team with market research, and data.

What do you enjoy most about working at ROI Properties?

Jake: The most enjoyable part of working at R.O.I. Properties is getting to be a part of commercial real estate transactions that directly impact the day-to-day functionality of our State.

Reuben: I enjoy facilitating complex transactions for our clients, bringing them peace of mind, and simplifying an otherwise complicated process. Additionally, the camaraderie on our team is fantastic!

Ben: The most enjoyable aspect of working at R.O.I. is the diversity of work. Performing valuations on varying asset classes brings new challenges and opportunities to learn daily.

What is your fondest Eller memory?

Jake: My fondest Eller memory was the time where my cohorts and I strategized and prepared for our case-comp and seeing my team members' joy after they announced our team name as one of the winners. 

Reuben: It has to be the late nights grinding out work with my financial modeling team. It was challenging at the time, but looking back now, I cherish those days.

Ben: My fondest memory from Eller is my late-night study sessions at the library, preparing for tests or presentations with my classmates.

What advice to you have for Eller students seeking a similar career path?

Jake: I highly recommend joining CREC. It is an excellent resource for those who wish to learn more about getting involved in the Commercial Real Estate Industry.

Reuben: Set up as many coffee chats as possible! Networking is huge in this business!

Ben: Network as much as possible.