Wisconsin real estate students recently embarked on an enriching field trip to Charlotte, NC—with its expanding skyline, vibrant streets, and thriving arts scene, Charlotte provided the perfect setting for students to gain insights into an evolving real estate market while connecting with alumni and industry leaders.
Led by faculty advisors Greg Reed and Arif Qureshi, the trip kicked off with a market overview of Charlotte’s real estate scene, followed by a site tour led by Compie Newman, Managing Director at CBRE Charlotte. Day one concluded with an engaging happy hour at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, where students networked with members of the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association (WREAA).
Key highlights included:
- Wells Fargo Real Estate Banking Overview: Students gained insights into banking’s role in real estate.
- Ballantyne Development Tour: Christina Thigpen and Nick Vosnock of Northwood Office led a tour of this 535-acre master-planned community with over 40 office buildings, four hotels, greenway access, and more than 100 acres of green space.
- Crescent Communities & Laurel Street Developments: Students explored a recently completed multifamily project with 285 luxury apartment units, a testament to Charlotte’s rapid growth.
- Event with UNC-Charlotte Commercial Real Estate Society: An insightful panel, hosted by the UNC-Charlotte Commercial Real Estate Society, focused on networking and mentorship in the industry.
- Entrepreneurship in Real Estate: Different Paths to Success: This panel featured Bob Sweeney (MSRE ’78) of RJS Properties and Bob Moore, Senior Managing Director of FCA Partners, who shared their journeys through alternative career paths in real estate, inspiring students to consider entrepreneurial ventures alongside traditional corporate roles.
This hands-on learning experience exemplifies the Wisconsin Real Estate Program’s commitment to preparing students for real-world success, reinforcing why it ranks #1 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.
A special thank you to our alumni, friends, students, and staff who brought this remarkable trip to life!
- James Anderson (BBA ‘09), Vice President, Riverside Investment & Development Company
- Dave Chandler, Managing Director, RJS Properties
- Lee Cochran, Senior Vice President, Laurel Street Residential
- Brittany Heath, Vice President of National Business Development, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company
- Bob Moore, Senior Managing Director, FCA Partners
- Darrell Palasciano, Broker, The Providence Group
- Mike Pfaff, CFA, Executive Director – REIT Finance Group, Wells Fargo
- Stuart Proffitt, Founding Partner, Proffitt Dixon Partners
- Arif Qureishi, Faculty Associate, Dept. of Real Estate, UW-Madison
- Greg Reed, Associate Director, Graaskamp Center, UW-Madison
- Rob Stanek (BBA ’01), CFO, Riverside Investment & Development Company Bob Sweeney (MSRE 1978),
- Property Manager, RJS Properties
- Christina Thigpen, SVP, Marketing & Communications, Northwood Development
- Michael Tubridy, Senior Managing Director, Crescent Communities
- Nick Vosnock, Director of Construction, Northwood Development
- Ryan Wilkinson, Senior Construction Manager, Riverside Investment & Development Company