Member of the Month: June 2013
Jason Speckman
Each month, ICBR honors one of its members as Member of the Month. This month, we recognize ICBR Conference Committee member, Jason Speckman. Jason is a Senior Director with Cushman & Wakefield | Summit Realty Group.
ICBR: How did you start in your career in commercial real estate?
Speckman: In my very first interview for a commercial real estate position, I was told that I was a “hay seed” and that I had poor grammar. I genuinely appreciated the feedback and let that interviewer know how much I appreciated the honesty. I then proceeded to ask if there was anything else I could do to improve…and, here I am. Yes, I was hired. In life, I believe that one’s character is not defined by the adversity they face, but how one handles that adversity. I may not be in the business today if I would have handled that interview differently.
ICBR: Do you have any mentors? If so, who? How has he/she inspired you?
Speckman: I do not have a specific mentor, but I have certainly learned from and been inspired by many individuals. Specifically, I am inspired by people who:
- Treat everybody with respect
- Always do the right thing, even when no one is looking
- Realize there is always something to learn
- Exercise courage even at the risk of personal loss
ICBR: What is the most important thing you have learned by working in commercial real estate?
Speckman: I have learned that I can learn from my clients. I have a constant eye on improvement and can honestly say I have learned something from every client I have represented.
ICBR: What is your current professional goal(s)?
Speckman: Complete my MBA program at the University of Notre Dame and graduate in May 2014.
ICBR: What is your most recent accomplishment?
Speckman: My most recent accomplishments include:
- Since 2011, closed largest number of transactions at Cushman & Wakefield | Summit Realty Group Indianapolis office, successfully executing over 200 transactions and nearly $70 million in production.
- Incorporated health wellness into my life and have lost 30 pounds since November 2012, among other health improvements.