I advise my clients on the financial and investment feasibility of their commercial real estate projects. I structure the capital stack and utilize our capital partners to fund project debt and/or equity. I also provide a wide range of advisory services to real estate developers, investors and corporate clients. I organize investment partnerships to make preferred equity investments into commercial real estate, and acquire real property or whole loans. Lastly, I provide asset management services to small and medium-sized banks with properties in special assets.

EDUCATION | Bachelors degree from North Carolina State University

HOW TO GET STARTED | My path was highly uncommon, but it worked. If I had to suggest a natural path - then I would encourage someone to major in business finance or accounting to gain the necessary skills, go to work in a major commercial or investment bank for the training, and commit yourself to constant never-ending improvement by attending conferences and developing a healthy diet for books, magazines, and trade journals about the industry.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Honesty, integrity, logical, creative, service, patience, excellence and humility.

how I got started | I majored in computer engineering, but the technology sector was in recession when I graduated in 2001. I took a position with Salomon Smith Barney as a wealth banker, which introduced me to the world of capital markets.

why this job?| I have a passion for building relationships and my role critically depends on my ability to forge relationships between our clients and capital partners.

why I love this job!| Real estate development provides me an opportunity to change communities, so I enjoy the fulfillment of closing a successful project. I enjoy utilizing my talents to help my clients realize their investment goals. I LOVE meeting people and building relationships

my typical day| No day is typical! Every day is a grand adventure and it requires me to remain in a proactive state. My philosophy is that my clients are not entitled to me having a bad day.

what they are | The market is currently challenging due to the economy and instability in the real estate markets. Capital markets are still healing, so credit remains tight for new deals.

all about growth | Most people launch their own firm after serving at one of the large banks for a period. Of course, I took an unorthodox approach, and launched my firm after serving at a large bank for a couple of years.

my website| http://www.whartongladden.com