Jayson Pocius, originally from Chicago, IL, is a seasoned real estate professional based in Las Vegas, NV. With a robust educational background that includes a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Roosevelt University and an MBA in Finance from Loyola University Chicago, Jayson has skillfully transitioned from a career in financial services to a dynamic role in real estate.
His initial foray into real estate began with managing several LLCs for rental properties in Chicago, a venture that sparked his interest in real estate analytics and investment. This experience laid the groundwork for his current position with KB Home, focusing on land acquisition. In this role, Jayson is responsible for analyzing, acquiring, and underwriting future residential real estate developments.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Jayson’s personal interests reflect his diverse abilities and passions. He played a significant role in college basketball as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach for Roosevelt University’s Men’s Basketball team. A lover of sports, Jayson spent his youth captivated by the Chicago Bulls during their 1990s heyday and continues to engage in physical activities such as beach volleyball each summer.
A true real estate enthusiast, Jayson also enjoys real estate investing and design. He is in the process of selling several properties in Chicago, further cementing his footprint in the industry. Inspired by mentors like Hasani Steele of the Steele Consulting Group, Jayson continually sets and revisits annual and long-term goals to propel his career forward.
His philosophy is simple yet profound: personal and professional success are intertwined, influencing each other deeply. By focusing on providing quality outcomes that positively impact others, Jayson believes he is living the American Dream—making a direct and positive impact on people’s lives through his work and passion for real estate.
How does your company make money?
Our company makes money by developing residential properties. We acquire land, develop it into housing, and sell these homes at a profit. The real estate market drives our revenue, with the demand for new homes influencing our sales and profits.
In my role in land acquisition, I help the company save and make money by selecting strategic pieces of land for development. I analyze potential sites to ensure they offer a strong return on investment. My work is crucial in avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring profitable projects.
How does your company go about acquiring new customers?
Our company uses various strategies to attract new customers, including online advertising, open house events, and partnerships with real estate agents. We also maintain a strong online presence through social media and our website, showcasing our latest projects and customer testimonials.
How did you work your way up in this business?
I started in the real estate industry managing rental properties, which taught me the basics of real estate investment and management. From there, I moved into real estate analytics, which was a stepping stone to my current role in land acquisition. Each position provided me with critical skills and insights, contributing to my growth.
What made you want to work in this industry?
My passion for real estate began with managing rental properties, where I saw the potential to create value through smart investments and developments. The dynamic nature of the real estate market and the opportunity to tangibly improve neighborhoods inspired me to delve deeper into this field.
What is it that you feel makes you good at your job?
I believe my analytical skills, attention to detail, and persistence make me good at my job. I’m also highly motivated by challenges, which are frequent in the real estate industry. My ability to assess risks and foresee market trends helps me make informed decisions that benefit our projects and the company’s bottom line.
What are the perks of working in this type of business?
Working in real estate offers several perks, such as the opportunity to shape communities, the excitement of seeing projects come to life, and the financial rewards associated with successful property developments. There’s also a lot of flexibility in this line of work, allowing for creative and innovative approaches to projects.
What are the disadvantages of working in this field?
One of the main disadvantages of working in real estate is the fluctuating market, which can impact job stability and profits. The industry is highly competitive, requiring constant adaptation and learning. Long hours and the stress of managing large projects can also be challenging.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing a project transform from an idea into a thriving community. It’s fulfilling to know that my efforts contribute directly to building homes where families will create lasting memories. Additionally, overcoming the challenges of each project and meeting our development goals is incredibly gratifying.
Where is your industry headed? What excites you about the future of this line of work?
The real estate industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable and smart developments, which is exciting. Innovations in building technology and green initiatives are shaping the future of our projects. I’m enthusiastic about contributing to more environmentally friendly and technologically integrated communities.
What advice do you give people who want to get into your field of work?
My advice for anyone looking to enter the real estate industry is to start by gaining a solid understanding of the market and investment principles. Networking is crucial, so connect with professionals in the field. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding career path that requires dedication, flexibility, and continuous learning.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Yes, I am open to mentoring aspiring real estate professionals. Anyone interested can reach me through my LinkedIn. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences to help others grow in this exciting field.