In a world of constant change, taking on a new path can often feel like embarking on a journey of a hundred steps. Each step is a new challenge, opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, a chance to learn the new skills. As someone who has made the leap of faith from the mountain of hospitality to the dynamic field of commercial property management, I can vouch for the transformative power of such a transition.

My journey began in the financial sector – until the financial crisis struck and I had to explore another opportunity. The road to a new stage of my life led me to Ireland, where I have began my journey in the hospitality business, perfecting my skills in customer service, operations management, and team leadership. Years of perfecting my skills were recognised in a number of professional achievements and honoured by Irish Hospitality Institute award in 2019 for the best ‘’Food and Beverage Manager of the Year’’. While I thrived in the fast-paced environment, I found myself drawn to the field of property management – a field where attention to detail, customer relationships and strategic thinking are paramount.

The decision to make this move from the hospitality business to commercial property management was not made easy. It required careful consideration, self assessment and willingness to make a leap of faith into the unknown. However, I was determined to make a change and explore new avenues of professional growth.

With guidance from my colleagues, the first steps were to acquire all the necessary technical knowledge and skills in commercial property management, occupier and owner relations and lease agreements.

However, the career change from hospitality to commercial property management was not just about technical knowledge – it also required a shift in my mindset. While the hospitality industry focuses on creating experiences for guests, property management is focused on creating value for owners and occupiers. This shift in perspective allowed me to leverage my background in hospitality to enhance the user experience, improve engagement with suppliers and drive service standards across the portfolio.

Another important step on my professional journey was building a professional network and relationships in the real estate industry. I actively participated in networking sessions and attended industry events. By making professional connections and expanding my knowledge base I became more confident in my line of work.

As I progressed on my journey, I encountered numerous challenges and setbacks. From managing complex maintenance contracts to navigating complex lease agreements, each challenge presented an opportunity to learn and develop. By going through this experience, I was able to overcome all obstacles and gain confidence in my abilities.

Today, as I reflect on my journey from hospitality to commercial property management, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the real estate professional I am today. While the transition may have been daunting at times, it has been immensely rewarding.

In conclusion, the transition from hospitality to commercial property management is not just a career change—it’s a rewarding 100 step journey. So, take that first step and embark on your journey—you never know where it might lead you.

 

Author:              Alex Staskunas, Property Manager, Bannon

Date:                  7th May 2024