Bryan Zupan has been a leasing agent with Urban Igloo since our early days. Being a part of our team from the beginning enables him to provide a unique perspective on what it takes to be successful in our business.
This month, he was promoted to Sales Manager. Looking forward to his new role, Bryan chatted with us about finding his footing in DC, the role of relationship building in real estate and more.
Thanks for joining us, Bryan. You are not a DC native; how did you learn the ins and outs of the city so quickly?
It just took time to get to know the area including driving around and talking to residents to learn the details of what the neighborhoods offer and really what makes them unique. The neighborhood descriptions on our website were very useful as well.
What would you say it takes to be a successful Urban Igloo Leasing Agent?
This is a very personal face-to-face business so building and maintaining relationships is one of the most important factors. With the renters as our clients it goes without saying we need to provide good customer service to them with proper follow up and understanding their needs.
The landlords also play a large role in our ability to offer the inventory that we have; again the relationships with the management staff allows for easy access and cooperation in the lease process. And being self motivated and organized doesn’t hurt either.
You started out in the retail leasing business. What are the major differences and similarities between the residential and retail leasing markets?
In retail leasing there is less personal emotion. In most cases, the person on the other side of the table is also making a business decision for the company they represent. In residential, the clients are making decisions that affect them personally since this is about their home. Much more emotion is involved when it comes to people making decision like this which makes it important to provide support and justification of their thoughts, wants and needs to help them prioritize.
What has been your most rewarding placement?
I am not sure that I am able to pick out one in particular. It does seem the bigger the challenges the renters have had before they start working with Urban Igloo, the greater the value we can offer.
Congratulations on your new promotion to Sales Manager. What are you most looking forward to in that role?
I become involved with Urban Igloo in the very early stages of the business and I have been successful as a leasing agent. This new position now allows me to take a larger role in the overall success of the company as well the success of the other agents and therefore make a larger impact.
Read September’s interview with leasing agent Capri Baylor.
