Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and this article is not intended as a substitute for advice from the appropriate legal, zoning, financial, construction and/or tax professionals. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is made without warranties or representations

Welcome to the sixth episode of EZ Deals, your go-to podcast for all things real estate brokerage and investment. Each episode, we dive deep into the wild world of real estate, sharing the strategies and experiences that have led to our success.

In this episode, we are thrilled to feature Trey Wheeler, Vice President of Acquisitions for Tailwind Investment Group, a multifamily syndicate based in Newport Beach. Trey’s journey in the real estate industry is both inspiring and enlightening, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to carve out a successful career in commercial real estate.

Trey Wheeler’s Blueprint for Building a Successful Career in Commercial Real Estate

Trey’s journey into real estate is anything but typical, and we had a blast chatting about how he found his way in this exciting industry. After graduating from the University of San Diego, Trey kicked off his career in corporate finance, only to quickly realize it wasn’t the right fit for him. That’s when he made the leap into residential real estate, determined to find a path where he could really make an impact and grow his skill set. His relentless pursuit of a career he was passionate about led him through various corporate roles, each one getting him closer to where he is today.

During our conversation, Trey dropped some serious knowledge on career building. He talked about the power of networking and how essential it is to surround yourself with successful people in the field you want to break into. One of his key tips? Get as close as you can to someone who’s already doing what you aspire to do. It’s all about learning from their experience and soaking up as much exposure as possible.

Trey also shared a personal story from his early days working for an Institutional Tax Advantage Money Manager in Seattle. He recalled how the daily grind, watching senior colleagues who seemed more like zombies glued to their phones, made him reevaluate his own career path. Instead of just going through the motions, Trey used his commute time to devour self-improvement and business real estate books. That decision eventually led him to turn down a promotion and take a bold step into real estate investment brokerage—a move that truly paid off.

We also dove deep into the art of prospecting high-level clients. Trey’s approach is all about quality over quantity. He emphasized the importance of presenting yourself as a human and taking a sniper approach—focusing on those key clients who can make a big difference. This mindset, especially when dealing with big-ticket customers, has been a game-changer for him.

As we wrapped up, I asked Trey for his top three pieces of advice for those just starting out in their careers. His thoughts on the impact of internships and other finite projects in the early stages of a career are eye-opening. Trey believes these experiences can set the foundation for future success, offering a taste of what’s to come and helping you build those crucial early connections.

Catch All the Tips and Tricks About Making a Successful Career in Real Estate

So, if you’re looking for insights into making it big in commercial real estate or just need some inspiration for your own career journey, this episode is for you! Tune in to EZ Deals Podcast #6 and catch all of Trey’s invaluable advice. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with your network. We’ve got more incredible guests and stories coming your way, so stay tuned!

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Erik Egelko

Erik Egelko is a veteran of the commercial real estate business with a specialized focus on Investment Property Sales. In 2021 and 2022, Erik was the #1 ranked Broker in California for one of the largest CRE Firms as well as ranked in the Top 1% of brokers nationwide. He has extensive experience in a variety of asset types including: Retail Shopping Centers, Medical Office Buildings, Industrial Properties, and Multifamily Apartment Complexes. Over the course of his career, Erik has closed over $100,000,000 of commercial property sales throughout Southern California.