Success in commercial real estate often seems to require deep industry connections or substantial startup capital. But what if the path to building a thriving brokerage firm started with a temp agency mix-up and an unwavering commitment to creating value?
Bethany's journey from administrative assistant to co-founder of Foresite Commercial Real Estate offers a masterclass in turning limitations into advantages. Her story demonstrates how strategic decision-making, coupled with a clear vision for work-life integration, can create opportunities for both personal success and industry transformation.
Building Success Without Traditional Advantages
When Bethany started in commercial real estate at 18, she had no industry connections, no college degree, and limited work experience. Rather than seeing these as insurmountable obstacles, she focused on creating value through skill development. "I bought an Excel book and committed to becoming the office expert," she recalls. This dedication to mastering fundamental tools led to increasingly complex projects and regular interaction with property owners.
This pattern of turning potential disadvantages into strengths continued throughout her career. During the 2008 financial crisis, when she lost her job and could only find commission-only work, she used the challenging market conditions to build deep relationships with clients who would later become the foundation of her business.
The Power of Strategic Sacrifices
Bethany's approach to building her career challenges conventional wisdom about work-life balance. Rather than seeking immediate equilibrium, she strategically front-loaded her effort in her twenties. This included:
- Working full-time while taking night classes to graduate debt-free
- Spending three years in investment sales making minimal income to gain invaluable experience
- Reinvesting all early commissions back into her company to fund critical hires
These sacrifices weren't just about financial success – they were investments in creating future flexibility and building a sustainable business model.
Innovative Leadership in Practice
When Bethany founded Foresite in 2014, she had a specific vision: creating an environment where both clients and employees could thrive. This manifested in several innovative approaches:
- Implementing flexible schedules that allow parents to prioritize family time
- Creating a comprehensive training program that has evolved to serve multiple firms
- Building a culture that values both high performance and personal well-being
The results speak volumes: Foresite has grown to manage over 90 properties with a team of 37 people, while maintaining its position as San Antonio's #1 Best Place to Work.
Creating Industry Impact
Perhaps most remarkable is how Bethany has leveraged her success to address broader industry challenges. When COVID-19 disrupted traditional internships, she transformed Foresite's internal training into the CRE Launch Program, now helping develop talent across multiple markets.
This program exemplifies the power of solving problems beyond your immediate business needs. By making commercial real estate more accessible to new talent, Bethany isn't just building her firm – she's strengthening the entire industry.
Key Lessons for Professional Growth
Bethany's journey offers several valuable insights for professionals at any stage:
- Focus on skill development over credentials. Her early investment in becoming an Excel expert created opportunities that formal education alone couldn't provide.
- Use market challenges to build relationships. The connections she forged during the 2008 crisis became the foundation for future success.
- Think long-term about work-life integration. Strategic sacrifices early in your career can create more flexibility and control later.
- Solve problems beyond your business. Addressing industry-wide challenges can create unexpected opportunities for growth.
Looking Forward
As commercial real estate continues to evolve, Bethany's approach to business building offers a blueprint for sustainable success. Her story demonstrates that with the right mindset, strategic patience, and commitment to creating value, it's possible to build something meaningful while maintaining your values.
The path to exceptional achievement doesn't always follow traditional routes. Sometimes, it starts with a temp agency mix-up and the courage to make the most of unexpected opportunities.