As part of our series, CRE Future Leaders, we caught up with Lucas Fryman, director at Interra Realty. Fryman left the third-party logistics industry—where he ranked within the top 10 percent of his firm in overall sales volume for four years running—to join Interra in 2016. With an in-depth understanding of Chicago sub-markets Fryman prides himself as a trusted resource when it comes to market insight for existing as well as future clientele.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, where did you go to school?
I am a Chicagoan through and through, although I grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb about 25 minutes north of downtown. Both my parents were born in Chicago, and that drives my passion to continuously learn about the city’s long history. I attended New Trier High School and the University of Iowa. After I graduated from Iowa in 2012, I moved to the West Loop and haven’t left.
When you were young, what did you aspire to be?
I wanted to be a starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, but quickly realized my fastball velocity wasn’t quite there.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My mom has been a residential broker for 35+ years. When I was little, I used to go to showings with her, hang out with her at the office while she did paperwork and listen in on her phone calls with clients and attorneys. To this day, we still talk about what we see in the market and deals we are each working on. Real estate brokerage is in my blood.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
I was fortunate to get my start in the business under the tutelage of Interra founders David Goss and Jon Morgan. They made sure I was right in the thick of things from the beginning by giving me direct exposure and involvement in their deals. That was something that really helped my progression as a broker. I still turn to them for advice on a daily basis.
What does a day in the life of Lucas Fryman look like?
I get a head start on the next day the night before by creating a list of pending items so I know what I need to tackle ahead of time. In the mornings I am ready to go after grabbing some coffee and heading into the office. Once there, l start the day by checking databases and industry-specific publications so I can be as informed as possible about what’s taking place in the Chicago real estate world. As the day progresses, I’m on the phone with clients and prospects, catching up on emails or out touring buildings. After work, I like to go to the gym and then relax with dinner at home and my favorite TV shows.
What do you like most about your job?
Real estate brokerage is a people-centric business, and I really enjoy meeting new people. There is such a wide variety of characters in real estate, and it’s always interesting to hear so many different thoughts and perspectives. I also very much like the independent nature of being a broker—you can control your own destiny and truly do get out what you put in.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you haven’t already?
I’d like to eventually do a deal with every broker in the Interra office. I’m really proud to be a part of this shop, and I think everyone here has something to learn from one another.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
Hanging out with friends, family and my girlfriend. Also, on the golf course.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Where do you hope to go next?
My favorite place is Tulum, Mexico. But I have a trip planned elsewhere this winter—heading to Italy and France.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
Pat Kennelly at Interra Realty.
