Meet Jake Michels | Commercial Real Estate Broker & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Michels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has always been an inherent part of my life, to some extent. However, I have come to reframe risks as acts of faith. Through personal growth and prayerful reflection, I have learned that without embracing risk and stepping out of our comfort zones, there can be no significant change.

In 2020, amidst a period of profound adjustments, I found myself engaged in deep self-reflection. At that time, I held the position of Vice President for a Housing Developer in the Hudson Valley Region of upstate New York. Working with the company was a truly fulfilling experience, and I cherished my time there. Despite this, I contemplated my future aspirations and realized that South Florida held the key to the next chapter of my life.

With utmost clarity, I recognized that relocating to South Florida was where I wanted to establish myself and embark on new endeavors. In my most recent role, I had the privilege of overseeing 3,000 units of multi-family housing spanning across three states. While it may have seemed like a significant risk to some, I made the decision to step down from my position and pursue content creation and commercial real estate sales & leasing.

The magnitude of the professional risks I was about to undertake paled in comparison to the personal experiences I had already encountered. In 2018, after a 15-year search, I finally found my biological father right here in South Florida! Discovering an entire family and forging a close bond with my father, who has become one of my closest friends, was a transformative experience. These life-altering encounters have put the concept of risk into perspective.

Through the lens of personal growth and the profound connections I have established, taking professional risks seems insignificant. It is through these acts of faith that I have learned the true potential for growth, fulfillment and peace.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I work as a commercial real estate broker at Berger Commercial Realty in Fort Lauderdale, while also engaging in content creation for my personal brand across various social media platforms. In both of these roles, I draw upon my extensive life experience and background in multi-family and commercial real estate management to provide expert insights into the South Florida market and professional challenges.

My journey into real estate began with my work experience in London, where I sold commercial insurance. However, my career took a different direction when I assumed the role of overseeing an emergency homeless shelter and an emergency housing center in New York. This experience presented me with unique challenges and further shaped my passion for people and their well-being.

Following a challenging battle with acute liver failure, I was fortunate to be offered an entry level position in property management. This opportunity propelled me to make intentional career choices focused on gaining extensive experience and expanding my knowledge in areas such as people management and large-scale portfolio management. Throughout my career, I have successfully led teams of up to 80 individuals and collaborated with accomplished ownership groups. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of working with people from diverse backgrounds, allowing me to meet them at their current stage and assist them in achieving their goals.

Whether I am working for an Owner/Seller or a Tenant/Buyer, transparency and responsiveness are key principles that underpin my work. In an industry where many factors are beyond our control, I make it a point to prioritize timeliness and communication, providing honest and accurate feedback, even when the deal is at risk. Ultimately, my goal is to build long-term relationships with my clients based on trust.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, when you’re in Fort Lauderdale, you simply can’t miss out on the beach experience! One of my favorite things to do is to take my friends to either Las Olas beach or Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for a walk after enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Floridian, which happens to be a short walk from my house.

For a relaxing lunch, I always recommend heading to Lauderdale by the Sea, grabbing a refreshing drink, and securing a perfect beachside table at Aruba Beach Cafe. Returning to Las Olas beach, if they’ve never been, I would suggest experiencing the lively atmosphere, music, and cash bar at the iconic Elbo Room.

At night, there’s nothing quite like strolling along Las Olas and stopping for a waterfront dinner at Casa Sensei.

When friends or family come to visit, one of my top priorities is taking them to my Dad’s patio, affectionately known as the “Cafe,” where we can unwind with Cuban cigars and savor a nice scotch with Bob Marley playing in the background.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without the immense love, joy, and protection I have discovered through my relationship with God. The unwavering prayers and support of my Christian family and friends have provided a comforting shield throughout my numerous journeys. My fiancée, Jenna, has been my steadfast supporter and confidant, continuously teaching me the importance of celebrating each day through her boundless love and infectious laughter.

I am profoundly grateful to have been raised by two loving grandparents, who, although they have sadly passed away, will forever reside in my heart. At present, my father, Jim, who played an integral role in my upbringing, and my biological father, David, serve as my ultimate cheerleaders and trusted advisors, always ready to lend an ear and offer guidance.

Website: jakemichelsonline.com

Instagram: Jakemichels_CRE

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmichels/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakemichels

Other: Email: Jacobmichels121@gmail.com Jmichels@bergercommercial.com TikTok: Jakemichels121