Serving One Another

For anyone who has been in the workforce for a significant period of time, the notion that mentor-mentee relationships are at the core of an organization’s success is neither new nor surprising. Whether stumbled upon serendipitously or sought through formal channels, the presence of guiding figures in a professional journey can be transformative.

According to Forbes, a staggering 100% of U.S. Fortune 50 companies have mentoring programs. Mentoring has been widely acknowledged as an effective tool for companies to cultivate their talent pool, channeling internal business insights while simultaneously boosting job satisfaction. So, whether a brand-new professional or someone with years of experience, the support of a mentor – and conversely, a mentee – can serve as the catalyst for growth, both personal
and professional.

Blessing Abound

Nick McKinney & Carlin Beekman

In the ever-evolving commercial real estate landscape, the relationship between Nick McKinney and Carlin Beekman goes far beyond the confines of real estate. Family friends long before Carlin joined Foundry, it’s a somewhat full-circle moment now that Nick mentors Carlin in her role as Senior Brokerage Associate within Foundry’s Mission Property Group. While his daughters were in high school, Carlin served as a mentor to each of them, so it’s somewhat serendipitous that Nick finds himself in the position to reciprocate that mentorship opportunity currently.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have the McKinney family in my life. Being able to expand that connection by working on a team that Nick has significantly influenced is extremely meaningful to me,” Carlin shared.

“A couple of years ago, I decided to create my own ‘board of directors’ comprised of trusted individuals from my life. These are people I can rely on for important decisions, constructive criticism, and guidance on personal and professional growth. Nick, who knows me well and understands my role and company, was the perfect fit. I’m thankful for his support, thoughtful feedback, and encouragement,” she added.

Nick, who knows me well and understands my role and company, was the perfect fit as a mentor. I’m thankful for Nick’s support, thoughtful feedback,  and encouragement.

Carlin Beekman, Senior Associate, Mission Property Group

As one of the original partners that launched Foundry, Nick was – at the time – in a similar role to the one Carlin holds today. He was an associate broker in what would later be named the Mission Property Group, working closely with Matt Messier and his father, Richard Messier. He vividly remembers the lessons passed down by the elder Messier, some that were crystal clear in how they related to the business, and some that were – in retrospect – life lessons that he could tap into in the years ahead. And several decades later, Matt found himself in a similar position to help teach Carlin the ropes of the business. From detailed prospecting strategies to navigating the softer side of working with churches, non-profits, and educational institutions, Nick and Carlin both learned the business from two of the best professionals to ever manage such a niche practice group.

“There is something really special about the deep trust developed between Nick and Matt from having worked together for so long, so I feel really blessed to be in a role where I am able to learn from them and be an extension of something they (alongside Richard Messier) have built.”

Fortunately, through the ups and downs of the commercial real estate marketplace, Nick and Carlin have had a strong relationship to lean upon. Their relationship exemplifies the essence of a true mentor-mentee partnership, one which cultivates opportunities for growth and celebrates all the wonderful aspects that come with learning from one another.

ANSWERING THE CALL

Sarah Godwin & Maria Lombardi

Sarah Godwin and Maria Lombardi formally met at Foundry’s inaugural Engage women’s summit a few years ago, when – after hearing Maria share her experience of having a difficult time finding a female mentor in brokerage as she was getting ready to graduate with her M.S.R.E. – Sarah answered the call to serve in that capacity for Maria.

“While times are changing, the commercial real estate industry has traditionally been very male-dominated, and it can be challenging for young female brokers to find a sounding board in another woman in the field,” Sarah said. “Because she had put this call out in a public forum, I anticipated she would have had a groundswell of support already, so I told her she could feel free to put me in touch with some of her other friends from the program who might be looking for mentors. As it turns out, I was the first to offer, and the rest is history.”

“When I put out the ask at the Women’s Summit for a mentor, I never expected Sarah to raise her hand. She is such a powerhouse, and I was honestly intimidated by her. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the offer,” Maria added. “She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time. Sarah brings such a unique and wise perspective to every conversation we have. She pushes me to speak up and be confident in myself while challenging me to think about my situations in a different light. She helps me make better, well-rounded decisions. Sarah has been an amazing sounding board for various experiences I have faced so far in CRE. I am so grateful for her time and dedication to mentoring me.”

Sarah helps me make better, well-rounded decisions. She has been an amazing sounding board for various experiences.

Maria Lombardi, Associate, Office Leasing 

Although the two specialize in different areas of brokerage – Sarah in land and Maria in the office asset class – they have found common ground in their shared experiences of navigating the ins and outs of the industry. From discussions about best practices in business development to the importance of maintaining work-life balance, their bond has deepened over time as they meet regularly to exchange insights and strategies, and respect and truly value each other’s perspectives in shaping their professional journeys. As they continue to traverse the real estate terrain together, Sarah and Maria exemplify the transformative potential of mentorship rooted in authenticity and reciprocity.

WOMEN ON A MISSION

Melissa Alexander & Casey Flannery

Melissa Alexander saw potential in Casey Flannery long before the two landed at Foundry in Nashville together. It was in 2016, when Melissa interviewed Casey for a marketing internship at her previous firm in Memphis, but Casey wasn’t able to work the required 40 hours weekly. Melissa already knew that she’d struck gold after meeting Casey and convinced the company to hire her for an administrative role to accommodate her need to work part-time. Around the time Melissa made the decision to move to Nashville, Casey was ready to dip her toe into brokerage, so the two stayed connected as they made their respective next moves.

“Melissa and I share a unique bond built on mutual support and professional growth. When I first ventured into the world of brokerage, she became my trusted confidante. I’d dial her number without hesitation whenever challenges seemed insurmountable, and her guidance always illuminated the path forward,” noted Casey, a Foundry Vice President who works alongside Melissa Alexander on the Nashville industrial team.

Melissa and I share a unique bond built on mutual support and professional growth. When I first ventured into the world of brokerage, she became my trusted confidante.

Casey Flannery, Senior Associate, Industrial Leasing

Likewise, as Melissa was facing her own challenges breaking into a new market in Nashville, she would give Casey a call to discuss obstacles she was hitting in her job search or business. “Her determination to secure employment in a competitive market was palpable,” Casey recalls. “And I became her sounding board, offering insights and encouragement along the way.”

Through the highs and lows, their relationship has blossomed amidst the shared pursuit of success, solidifying each other’s commitment to the other’s professional advancement. Their resilience and mutual support have formed the cornerstone of a dynamic partnership, propelling them both towards impressive career aspirations.

Last spring, they were able to test the strength of their relationship as they both faced difficult personal situations. Casey was in a hospital with her father – helping him on his road to recovery after a brain tumor surgery – when she saw on the news that there had been a shooting at the school Melissa’s son attended.

“I received a text from Melissa that read ‘… and I was supposed to be there for you right now, Casey! Even with everything she was dealing with in Nashville, which was much scarier than what we were facing sitting comfortably in a hospital, she was still thinking of me and my family,” Casey noted.

PLATFORM IMMERSION

Gabe De Jesus & Mike Dempsey

During the tumult of 2020, Mike Dempsey found himself navigating the uncharted waters of a new career path amidst a global pandemic. Joining a company during such uncertain times meant adapting to remote work and forging connections from the confines of his home. His journey into commercial real estate was not without its challenges, but a chance coffee meeting with Brian Brtalik marked the beginning of a transformative chapter. This encounter led Mike to Foundry, where he hit the ground running as an office tenant representative.

It didn’t take long for him to realize he needed to know Gabe De Jesus, a seasoned broker whose reputation preceded him. Young, driven, and respected, Gabe became a natural mentor figure for Mike. And even though the two are in different markets – Gabe in Orlando and Mike in Charlotte – a mentorship blossomed organically. As Mike reflects, “It was clear to me from early on that Gabe is incredibly well-respected not just inside the platform, but also well beyond it. He has a voice that is not only heard but often sought after. He’s very well-connected and has an innate ability to really understand what it is a tenant wants. Our relationship has had a tremendous impact on me both professionally and personally. Whether it’s the basic blocking and tackling or business development strategy, Gabe is someone I can call upon for sound advice and he’s someone that I’m incredibly grateful for.”

It was clear to me from early on that Gabe is incredibly well-respected not just inside the platform, but also well beyond it.

Mike Dempsey, Senior Associate, Office Tenant Advisory

More than four years into the relationship, Mike and Gabe still connect regularly to discuss client strategy, career aspirations, and now, even fatherhood. The two have bonded over a continued tactical goal for a more cohesive tenant representation strategy across all markets, an endeavor they are actively working on together.

Mentorship – whether formal or informal – provides a steady foundation for collaboration and growth, and often, symbiotic relationships form in which knowledge, challenges, and personal development intertwine. As mentors impart their expertise and guidance, mentees navigate through complexities with newfound clarity and confidence. Together, they traverse the landscape of professional and personal growth, forging bonds that transcend mere instruction to foster lasting connections.