After pursuing a lifelong dream of playing in the big leagues and completing a brief career in minor league baseball, Chris Marchildon, a recipient of NAIOP’s 2016 Developing Leaders Award, paused to decide his next career step. While meeting with his current business partner, he realized that the traits and experiences he had spent years cultivating – hard work, preparation, commitment and competition – were essential to a successful career in real estate. Marchildon now spends his days as a senior associate for CBRE and continues to be active in the baseball community in a coaching capacity.
Since joining CBRE in 2010, Marchildon has been involved in 114 sales transactions totaling more than $1.84 billion in value. In his previous role with CBRE’s research department, Marchildon developed an expertise in market analysis, construction progress, tracking tenant leasing activity and compiled sale transaction data in support of CBRE professionals.
After joining NAIOP Arizona eight years ago, he became active in leadership roles on the chapter’s Developing Leaders Steering Committee, including serving as Developing Leaders chairman. He was nominated as the chapter’s NAIOP Rookie of the Year in 2012 and received the award for Most Outstanding Developing Leader of the Year by the chapter in 2014 in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the chapter and the industry. Among his many achievements, he established a philanthropic partnership with a local charity, St. Vincent de Paul, to serve those in need. NAIOP asked this ambitious industry star to share more about what inspires and motivates his success.
NAIOP: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Marchildon: There are a couple of rewarding aspects that stand out: No two days are exactly the same; every day provides new opportunities. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment towards the end goal of servicing our clients is also extremely rewarding. Finally, the relationships developed in the business are second to none and have provided me terrific friendships over the years.
NAIOP: What is your ultimate career goal?
Marchildon: The ultimate goal is to be remembered as someone who emulated the values of respect, integrity, service and excellence. At the end of my career, I want to look back and reflect on the positive impact I had on my community, family, clients, colleagues and friends. I hope that I will have established myself as an expert in my craft and have a reputation for providing exceptional service to my clients. I also hope I had the opportunity to mentor as many people as possible, give back to those less fortunate and afford exceptional opportunities for my family.
NAIOP: How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career?
Marchildon: When I first joined CBRE in 2008, I was encouraged to get involved in trade organizations in order to cultivate my relationships and develop my network. NAIOP was the first organization I joined and it was immediately apparent that I would “get out of it what I put into it.” As I reflect upon the previous eight years as a NAIOP member, the truth of those words has never been more apparent. NAIOP has allowed me the opportunity to develop some of my strongest friendships, grow my client base, participate in philanthropic actives and deepen my knowledge of public policy across Arizona.
NAIOP: Who has been an inspiring or influential figure in your life?
Marchildon: My mom has always been my biggest supporter over the years. My business partner, Barry, has taught me everything I know in this business. My wife, Summer, motivates me to be the best person I can be every single day.
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. The recipients of the 2017 Developing Leaders Award will be recognized at CRE.Converge 2017 in Chicago.
