Andrew Shephard
Andrew Shephard is a
real estate developer from the Atlanta area who has been instrumental in the
area’s booming housing market. His expertise spans numerous subjects and he has
been an industry powerhouse for the better part of 3 decades.
Interview
What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject was mathematics. I enjoyed the subject because it offers
diverse perspectives to problem solving and is highly valuable in the job market.
What was your first job?
Soon after graduating from college, I took up a job as an IT consultant. My
duties entailed advising clients on IT matters and improving company IT
structure and infrastructure. More recently, I’ve been able to apply this
foundation to keep my real estate endeavors up-to-date with the latest trends
like Big Data and Master
Data Management.
What led you to choose your current industry?
The real estate sector offers plenty of opportunities to job prospects and
seasoned professionals. The opportunities come in the form of high earning
potential, on-job incentives and being your own boss. Since graduating from
college, I truly wanted to infuse my IT background with the rigors of real
estate. It is interesting to note that the lucrative, but highly versatile
sector enforces players to adapt to changing market dynamics and trends to stay
competitive.
How have your previous jobs prepared you for your current job?
The real estate industry is always on the move. For this reason, rich solutions
that take into cognizance data evolution are necessary. MDM Software solutions
are specially designed to empower businesses. Real estate players, including
brokers and consultants can benefit a lot from the entrenchment of a location
master data repository. This kind of data can easily be connected to real
estate maintenance applications to manage essential items like security access
systems, automated car parking and elevators, among other vital
installations.
Can you recall your best day at work?
I remember the day we roped in a renowned construction equipment maker. The
coming on board of the firm infused much-needed revenue and did a lot to enhance
our visibility and credibility. Being at the center of the deal earned me lots
of plaudits, which made me feel very special.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Staying motivated in the workplace is a key factor of production. Motivation is
also important in enhancing the employee, employer relations. I have formed a
habit of listing the items I want to accomplish accompanied by fitting
recompenses as a way to keep my spirits high in the workplace. For more clarity
and purpose, I usually divide the goals into intermediary targets.
Which business ideas do you feel excite you the most?
Thinking off the cuff, my list includes a la carte online school. A number of
online education enterprises have been established that allow industry experts
and opinion shapers to offer online courses through video and live streams. I
like the idea because it is highly interactive, deeply diverse and allows
students to take classes both on and offline.
Have you ever used non-traditional techniques to attract business?
For real estate, my preferred marketing techniques are newsletters, Google Ad
Words and professional photography. These strategies have proven to be
effective time and again.
What personal achievements are you most proud of?
My ability to utilize IT expertise to find real estate solutions, has been
instrumental in ensuring successful deal executions and completions as well as
maintaining a steady cash flow. However, the personal achievement I am most
proud of is buying a house in a prime location in Georgia.
What words of wisdom would you have liked to share with your younger self?
Statistics indicate as many as 75% of all real estate transactions go through brokers and other intermediaries. Real estate consultants are best placed to help clients find a property that matches their budget and expectations. If you are starting out in the industry and are serious about achieving success in the short term, you need to hone your communication skills; stay in touch with trending technologies and understanding the psychology of clients.
