Brendan George
Senior Vice President, Advisory & Transaction Group
CBRE
Detroit
Brendan George has long been recognized as one of the most trusted commercial real estate professionals serving the Detroit market. That’s what happens when you’ve helped a steady stream of clients reach their real estate goals during a career of more than three decades.
It helps, too, that George’s peers say that no one outworks this industry veteran or boasts a deeper knowledge of the Detroit-area commercial real estate market. Add to that a knack for closing even the most complicated of deals? And you have the recipe for a commercial real estate powerhouse.
Today, George is a senior vice president in the Advisory & Transaction group at CBRE in Detroit. His career in the CRE industry just passed the 30-year mark, with 23 of those years taking place at CBRE. his industry veteran’s primary focus is on office brokerage in suburban and downtown Detroit. But George also represents several Detroit-based corporate clients with multi-market office and industrial requirements throughout North America.
How has George built such a strong and steady career in an industry known for its peaks and valleys? He points to his resiliency. This trait, he says, is the primary attribute of a successful broker.
“You’re going to take some hits in this business. It is inevitable,” George said. “It’s the ability to get up, dust yourself off and keep working that separates consistent performers from those who throw in the proverbial towel.”
George also credits his ability to see the big picture as helping maintain perspective during the inevitable downturns in the real estate brokerage industry. After all, every successful broker is going to run into a down market.
The secret to surviving those tough patches? Never stop working.
“An early mentor taught me that losing a deal is not the end of the world. Stay at your desk and keep grinding,” George said.
George began his CRE career at a local boutique firm following graduation from the University of Michigan. But he wasn’t always certain that a career in commercial real estate was in his future.
“I have a history degree from UM and have yet to figure out how that relates to my chosen career path,” George quips.
George has also pursued career learning opportunities, earning both his CCIM designation and State of Michigan Brokers license.
George and his wife Valerie have two teenage sons. He is active with his church and spends the summer months exploring mountain-biking trails throughout Michigan and boating on East Bay in northern Michigan. Eschewing the industry convention, George refuses to play golf.
“To be a good golfer means you basically can’t have any other activities in the summer months,” he said. “Better to be an average bike racer and sailor then just a good golfer.”
