Josh McDonald, AIA, LEED GA, Weber Thompson [NAIOP Member Profile]
Title & Company: Senior Associate, Weber Thompson
Brief description, size and scope of your company:
Weber Thompson is a 65-person firm specializing in mid- and high-rise multifamily residential, affordable housing, hospitality and commercial office projects. Currently, the firm has nearly 50 projects in various stages of design and construction, including an innovative, 150,000 square-foot office building in Fremont.
How long have you been with your company?
Four years.
What would you be doing if you weren't in CRE?
Although this is a 360 from architecture, I think I would enjoy being a chef. My wife may or may not agree.
What do you like best about your industry?
The ability to work with very intelligent developers and engineers on a daily basis. I really enjoy the collaboration effort that goes into everything from upfront work to make the project pencil on through to the technical construction drawing effort that takes place between engineers and architects.
What is the most memorable experience of your career (good or bad)?
I traveled down to the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) in San Francisco to attend the Golden Nugget Awards, because my previous firm had submitted a project I worked on. We ended up winning the grand award for outstanding renovated multifamily project. It was a complete surprise and a good way to kick off my career with my first project.
Which NAIOP committee do you serve on and why did you choose that committee?
I recently joined the MARCOM Committee because of the great people who work on the committee and to strengthen my own skills in marketing and communications.
What do you see as the biggest benefit of becoming involved in a NAIOP committee?
The number one benefit is meeting and learning from my peers. There are so many talented people in the NAIOP community and I've enjoyed the opportunities I've had to learn from them.
What do you do for relaxation/recreation?
I'm an avid bike-to-work guy, rain or shine. It helps me transition my mind for work or for home. I also have a real estate searching sickness. I'm always on Redfin or Zillow.
What is the number one item on your bucket list?
Live in another country for a few years.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in our industry?
Always work hard for your clients because they will never forget it and want to continue working with you.
What's an interesting or unusual fact that most of your fellow NAIOP colleagues probably don't know about you?
I'm a Washington State University alumnus who, through the ups and downs, have has had season tickets to Coug Football games for the last eight years. Go Cougs!
This article was submitted by NAIOP Washington State chapter and Marcom committee member Dail Bodziony of Columbia Bank.
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