Commercial real estate is often thought of as a relationship-driven business. People and relationships play key roles in the career narrative of Carly Glova, a recipient of NAIOP’s 2016 Developing Leaders Award, who found her dream job in helping others identify their perfect fit in the industry.
While studying finance at Penn State, Glova became enamored of the dynamic and tangible world of commercial real estate, and wrote her honors college thesis on commercial real estate analysis and trends. After nearly 10 years in commercial real estate finance, Glova founded an executive search firm serving the CRE industry. As president and executive recruiter of Building Careers, LLC, she uses her experience in the real estate industry to help employers recruit and retain top-tier talent. Glova previously worked as an associate, real estate finance, for BioMed Realty Trust.
Glova serves on the NAIOP San Diego Developing Leaders Council with a focus on university outreach through individual events and the NAIOP University Challenge. She also serves as the vice president of membership for the chapter’s Toastmasters Club. NAIOP set out to discover the inspiration and motivation driving this entrepreneur’s success.
NAIOP: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Glova: The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to assist employees on the path to their dream career while creating a connection with employers who are also inspired to succeed.
NAIOP: How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career?
Glova: Being a NAIOP member throughout my entire professional career has been the single most helpful element in growing my career and starting my business. When I initially hit a career crossroads, I reached out to my NAIOP network to learn more about their roles and companies. Having conversations with my peers and mentors regarding their ideal career paths led me to an interesting conclusion about my own. I discovered that understanding peoples’ motivations and providing the path and connections for them to get there is where I wanted to take my career. This NAIOP-assisted discovery was the catalyst to the founding of my recruiting firm.
NAIOP: What advice would you offer to other young professionals in commercial real estate?
Glova: My most important career lesson was realizing how essential and amazing my network is. Nurture, expand, exercise your network and resources and you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.
NAIOP: Who has been an inspiring or influential figure in your life?
Glova: My father, a fellow entrepreneur, has been an influential figure throughout my entire life. He has instilled values in me that gave me the courage to start and run a successful business.
This is part of a series of profiles of NAIOP’s 2016 Developing Leaders Award recipients, who have distinguished themselves through exceptional commitment and contributions to the industry. This prestigious award was presented at NAIOP’s Commercial Real Estate Conference 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Watch this two-minute video to learn more about NAIOP’s Developing Leaders program. Applications are now open for the 2017 Developing Leaders Award. NAIOP Developing Leaders are invited to apply online for the award. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 23.
