Get to Know - John Lewis

"GET TO KNOW BRES" Meet one of our newest brokers, John Lewis. Brokerage Services-

Kansas City!

1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Kansas City and currently live in the Volker neighborhood in Midtown Kansas City, Missouri.

2. What did you want to do when you were growing up?

I was always interested with architecture – buildings, houses, and cities in general.   Although this was not the path I ultimately went with I feel that my current position allows me to integrate these interests with my business degree.

3. Describe your college experience

Different than expected – I started out at Ole Miss my freshman and sophomore years until I transferred to Rockhurst University.   While at Rockhurst I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan, Puerto Rico studying International Business and Spanish.   My biggest goal was finishing college in four years which I was able to do thanks to Rockhurst’s flexibility with my transfer credits!

4. What was your first job?

I have had several jobs while in high school and during college but working here at BRES is my first full time job following my graduation from Rockhurst in August of 2014.

5. How did you end up working within Commercial Real Estate as a broker?

Real Estate in general has always been an interesting subject to me.   As I was studying in college and beginning to actively search for careers that I thought would be a good fit for me, it seemed like an obvious choice.   I began networking with people that I knew in the industry and was presented the opportunity to work for Block Real Estate Services, LLC (BRES).

6. Do you have any immediate or long-term goals within your current position?

Immediate goal:  Being new to the business my goal is to learn as much about the industry in this early stage, as well as getting my name out there and networking to build up a client base.
Long-term goal:  To have a track record of success in brokerage as well as having a portfolio of properties in which I have ownership in.

7. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over the years?

It is important to set goals, work hard, and take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you.

8. What are your favorite volunteer activities?    

Every first Sunday of the month I volunteer to serve food at the Morning Glory Café - the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s food kitchen located in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.  I have also been involved with Project Uplift, a homeless outreach program that serves both sides of the State Line.

9. What’s your must-read publication each day?

The Wall Street Journal is my go to for national and world news – as well as to follow the market but I also enjoy reading the Kansas City Star and Kansas City Business Journal to keep up with what’s going on locally in KC.