As part of our series, CRE Future Leaders, we caught up Packy Doyle, an associate within the Industrial Services Group at NAI Hiffman. Doyle specializes in industrial real estate, including leasing, building sales, landlord and tenant representation. He also provides real estate strategies and solutions to manufacturing, distribution and warehouse companies on corporate relocation, site search analysis, build-to-suit alternatives, acquisition, disposition, leasing services and other matters.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, where did you go to school?
I grew up here in Chicago as one of five kids, attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park and then went to the University of San Diego to study business administration and communications.
When you were young, what did you aspire to be?
Like most kids growing up I’m sure my aspirations ranged from athlete to firefighter, and I changed my mind daily. In the end, I knew I didn’t want a 9-5 job sitting behind a desk. I wanted to work with people and get a chance to solve their problems.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I did not have my eyes set on industrial real estate, but my uncle introduced me to this industry and I quickly took a liking to the demanding and competitive nature of the business. NAI Hiffman is where I got my start, and I am very appreciative for the opportunity to work with and learn from this group.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
In the big picture, it is countless family members that I rely on, but industry specific I lean on Dan Leahy and Adam Roth.
What does a day in the life of Packy Doyle look like?
My time on the Eisenhower every morning allows for my fix of sports radio. One of the benefits of this industry is that every day brings new challenges and opportunities. The constants in my daily calendar include servicing existing clients by being a resource for them and providing market insights, prospecting for new business and finding any way to dig up a new project.
What do you like most about your job?
The competitive nature of the industry, the opportunity to present solutions for clients, the ability to add value when there is opportunity to do so, and there is always an opportunity to learn. There are good days and bad, you quickly learn not to dwell on a bad day, learn from it and turn tomorrow into a positive.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you haven’t already?
I look forward to continuing this career path, learning every day and establishing myself as a reliable and contributing member of the real estate industry.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
I spend my free time with friends and family. My parents recently moved to Indiana, we have two weddings this year, my brother is coming home from his service with the Navy next month, a college graduation this summer, and a lot of travelling to see my brothers/cousin’s college football games around the country. So, there is always something on the schedule.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Where do you hope to go next?
I have been fortunate enough to leave the country twice, both times to Ireland. Hawaii is on the radar.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
Kevin Scott at Molto Properties, Scott Gibbel at ProLogis and Thomas Grusecki at JLL.