Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacee Jacobs.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lacee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After working my way through school at UH, I accidentally interned with a real estate developer. I quickly fell in love with retail project leasing. I enjoyed being a part of “creating a place” for people to live their lives and enjoy the company of others. I bounced around from a few great boutique brokerage firms after that and landed at CBRE almost two years ago. Since then I have really been able to take my career to the next level; representing some of the best restaurants in the country and helping them come to Houston or crafting just the right tenant-mix for some of Houston’s hottest destinations. I found a passion and a job all in one and on my first job out of college. That ain’t easy.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Hell no. Brokerage is a tough business! Not only because it is commission based but because (in Houston especially) it seems to be something people are born into. Not many ‘outsiders’ come in and just get started in this industry without a big helping hand from a parent or someone who is already very successful in the business giving them a leg up. Almost all of my peers grew up together and are originally from Houston. They went to high school together or college and have that to connect on immediately when trying to win business or get a referral. I have always been the odd woman out in that regard because I grew up an army-brat and bounced around a lot. When you don’t have the existing personal relationships, you have to prove yourself every time you walk in a room.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your work – what should we know?
I’m a commercial real estate broker focusing on retail and restaurant. A lot of people seem very confused by that but essentially I do two things; 1. I find great restaurants or retailers to fill a new shopping center or project 2. I help great retailers or restaurants find a good space to open their business. I DO NOT SELL HOUSES.
I focus on urban Houston and mixed-use developments. I have built my reputation and niche around my interest in all things cool. I do unique, interesting, different. I’m not the one you call for cookie-cutter.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Charisma. I often have one phone call or 30-min meeting to get someone to like me enough to want to talk to me more and work a deal. Real estate does not sell itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://retailtxok.cbre.us/people/lacee-jacobs/
- Phone: 713-577-1722
- Email: lacee.jacobs@cbre.com
- Instagram: @lacee_leasing.hou
Image Credit:
Jordan E. Marble
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