Rob Foss

Meet Rob Foss

What is your role at Avison Young?

Senior VP, Retail & Mixed Use.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I interviewed with several offices in New Orleans and took a job at a CRE firm there as a grunt - doing anything for everyone in the firm.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

My wife.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

You will succeed. Be determined, creative and teachable. Look for creative ways you can add value to someone - even on a consulting basis while you have another job. Being a female may allow you to stand out - look at it as an advantage. Interview around - do your homework before you meet with each person - know who you really want to work with and when you get in front of them don't just ask them for a job, ask them about the things they need help with, what they just can't seem to get to - offer to do that on a consulting basis. Know what you're good at - where your giftings are, and know where you struggle - lean in to your places of strength and get better at the stuff you're not as strong at. Read the NBJ, WSJ and others, listen to podcasts, start the CCIM class, get your real estate license.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I took fencing in college and was pretty good.