A 20-year veteran of the retail real
estate industry, Mark Worley is a senior vice president in Brixmor Property
Group’s Southeast Region. In this position, he oversees 16 million square feet
of community and
neighborhood shopping centers in Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina and Tennessee. Brixmor Property Group is the second-largest owner of
community and neighborhood shopping centers in the United States, with
approximately 620 properties totaling 96 million square feet in 39 states.
In
this week’s Four on Friday, Worley details why he got into the commercial real
estate industry and gives some valuable advice for those entering the sector.
HS: Give us a brief overview of your
responsibilities at Brixmor and of the portfolio you oversee.
Worley: I currently oversee leasing, property management, legal matters and
construction for the Southeast Region of Brixmor. The Southeast Region is
responsible for the property operations in 90 shopping centers.
HS: We're in the midst of the all-important
holiday shopping season. Do you think this shopping season will be a successful
one for the retail sector?
Worley: Early indications are that it will be, but in keep in mind that our
property type – community and neighborhood shopping centers – focus on
providing everyday needs for our consumers.
HS: Tell us how you decided to pursue
commercial real estate as a career and what you find most satisfying about it.
Worley: I decided to pursue a career in real estate as I was very drawn to
sales coming out of college, and I had the opportunity to get into leasing at a
very young age. I enjoy real estate as a career because no two days are ever
alike, and I still enjoy the thrill of the deal.
HS: What's the best advice you could give
someone just entering the commercial real estate sector?
Worley: Never take “no” for an answer, or you won’t make it very far in the
industry.