Member Spotlight: Grant Harrell

 

Professional Background

Current Role & Company: What is your current position, and what does your company specialize in?

Vice President & Director for the Charlotte Market - Cousins specializes in owning and operating Class A, trophy office buildings across the Sunbelt.

Career Path: How did you get started in commercial real estate, and what led you to where you are today?

Originally a Finance major, I got my first taste of real estate working in the REIT group at SunTrust focused on underwriting large, syndicated debt solutions. When I transitioned to Cousins, I was grateful to have people that were willing to teach me the business and truly invest in me, and I wouldn’t be here without them.

Area of Expertise: What are your key areas of expertise in commercial real estate (e.g., development, brokerage, construction, finance, legal, etc.)?

Asset Management, Finance, Development

Notable Projects/Deals: Can you share a project, transaction, or initiative you’re particularly proud of?

In December, Cousins acquired Vantage, a 639,000 SF lifestyle office building located in South End. Over the past 5 years, Cousins has been a net seller of office buildings in Charlotte, so this was a great transaction that took a true team effort to be add such a dynamic building to our portfolio.

Industry Insights: What’s one trend or challenge in commercial real estate that excites or concerns you?

Office occupancy, especially in the Class A category, continues to improve. We have continued to see increased return to office mandates from companies of all sizes across the country as they strive to boost employee engagement, strengthen culture, and increase overall productivity. I think those that create a dynamic, amenity centered office environment will continue to see the vast majority of activity moving forward.

 

Involvement in NAIOP

Role in the Association: What is your role within NAIOP Charlotte, and how long have you been involved?

I have been involved with NAIOP for 4 years, most of which was affiliated with the Atlanta chapter, and have recently joined the Charlotte chapter as a Board Member after our family moved to Charlotte.

Why You Joined: What motivated you to join NAIOP?

What drove me to join NAIOP originally was the opportunity to learn from and connect with other people in the industry.

Value of Membership: How has being a member of NAIOP benefited you personally and professionally?

Someone early on in my career gave me the great advice that Real Estate is a "contact sport." Having been able to build a network of not only colleagues but friends has been invaluable to me both in and outside of the office.

Advice for New Members: What advice would you give to someone considering joining or getting more involved?

Jump in - the more members with different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas is what makes this organization great.

Favorite Event/Initiative: What is your favorite event or initiative within NAIOP and why?

Developing Leaders - I had the opportunity to participate the DL program in Atlanta, and it gave me the chance to make impactful relationships with peers in the same stage of their career while getting unique exposure to leaders in the industry.

 

Personal & Fun Insights

Best Piece of Advice: What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

Never be afraid to get bruised in a new spot.

Favorite Way to Unwind: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Either spending time outside with my family or on a golf course.