Nick Watson: Strategies for Learning and Thriving in Commercial Real Estate

In the world of real estate investment, perseverance and hard work often make the difference between success and failure. For one driven individual, the journey began with numerous challenges and a seemingly endless series of hurdles. During the first 15 months in the business, he faced a lot of unlucky breaks, closing only one small deal. However, he remained undeterred, believing that dedication and sacrifice would eventually lead to success. Working Saturdays, holidays, and forgoing many opportunities for vacation, he consistently put in the extra effort needed to excel.

His approach was simple yet profound: he practiced what he preached and never expected anything from others that he hadn’t done himself. This ethos not only shaped his personal work ethic but also earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. One of his favorite aspects of his workplace was the collaborative and supportive environment. At Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, every agent was always open to helping and sharing advice. This culture of mutual support allowed them to tackle daily objections effectively and provide valuable information to property owners in their markets.

As he reflected on his journey, it was clear that his resilience and commitment had paid off. Now, as an Associate Vice President, Nick Watson embodies the very principles that guided him through the toughest times, leading by example and fostering a community of growth and success at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services.

From Passion to Achievement in Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Nick Watson entered the commercial real estate brokerage industry driven by a passion for helping clients and a belief that this field offers the best opportunities for a young professional striving for success. His company and team place a strong emphasis on hard work, creating an office environment that enables him to be the best version of himself while being surrounded by like-minded, hardworking individuals.

Winning the company’s Chairman’s Award designation for top-producing agents in 2 out of his first 4 years in the business stands as Nick’s proudest accomplishment. During this time, he also managed to relocate both his business and personal life from Atlanta to Tampa, adding another layer of challenge to his achievements.

Overcoming Adversity in Commercial Real Estate

From the beginning of his career, Nick Watson has dedicated himself to working exceptionally long hours, often arriving at the office by 6 AM and not leaving until around 8 PM. He routinely works on Saturdays and holidays, and he skips many opportunities for vacation, believing these sacrifices have significantly contributed to his success. Nick takes the outcome of each client relationship personally, assigning a higher level of importance to his work than many others might. His approach to commercial real estate brokerage is consistently creative, whether it involves generating new business ideas or devising innovative deal and financial structures to close transactions.

Nick started his journey in the real estate industry with no prior family, personal, or professional connections. Moving to a new city, he built his business from the ground up. Like many entrepreneurs, Nick experienced the struggle of working hard without immediate financial reward. His first 15 months were particularly challenging, marked by numerous setbacks and only one small deal closing. Despite these obstacles, he adhered to his game plan and achieved remarkable success after that initial period. Overcoming such challenges is crucial for any entrepreneur, and Nick had to ignore friends and peers who doubted his potential for success. Throughout this time, he spent considerable effort visualizing and manifesting his goals, constantly reminding himself of his mission multiple times a day.

A Leader in Industrial Real Estate and Innovator

Nick Watson firmly believes that good leadership begins with self-accountability. He practices what he preaches, never expecting anything from anyone that he hasn’t done himself. Understanding the concerns and ideals of his team is another cornerstone of his leadership approach. He provides constructive criticism but also welcomes it from others, ensuring that ego never obstructs improvement.

Specializing in industrial real estate, Nick recognizes its critical role in the nation’s economy. The rise in online shopping, new construction projects, and the ongoing need for goods distribution all contribute to a positive future outlook for the industrial asset class.

Nick is also keenly aware of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). Anticipating its significant impact on various aspects of society, including commercial real estate (CRE) brokerage, he and his team stay ahead of the curve by reading books and articles on AI. They continuously explore ways to implement AI to add value to their clients, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and excellence in their field.

Approach to Market Trends and Collaborative Training

Nick actively researches local market trends by reading articles on local movements and recent trades. This helps him and his team stay ahead of the competition and provide valuable insights to property owners. Their weekly office meetings focus on both micro and macro trends that impact their business, aiding in addressing objections and offering relevant information to property owners.

He values the collaborative culture at Matthews, where every agent is open to helping and sharing advice. This supportive environment allows him to connect with colleagues across different offices for additional insights and improvements. Matthews runs an annual 8-week summer training program for new agents and interns, where they receive live training from the company’s leadership team. This program not only covers real estate fundamentals but also highlights the importance of hard work and the positive work environment at Matthews, showcasing what contributes to success for young professionals.

Staying Disciplined, and Building Resilience

Nick believes that learning under a mentor is one of the best experiences for young professionals entering the industry. Gaining insights into recent specialty and market trends provides a well-rounded learning experience. He also stresses the importance of maintaining a disciplined daily schedule to focus on productive activities that will advance one’s brand positively. Nick is convinced that a successful Commercial Real Estate Broker must have “thick skin” and mental toughness. While the career can be challenging, he finds it often simple: showing up, working hard, and adding value to clients will lead to tremendous success if one is disciplined enough to maintain this approach every day.