Name: Craig de Beer
Title: Associate, LS Estates
What I do: What I love about my role is that I get to be involved on our projects in many different ways, I prepare cashflow models to monitor the performance of projects, manage project financials including all costs and invoices. I also work closely with the investors, reporting on the performance of each project and manage leasing transactions.
Why I got into the property industry: I got into the property sector because it allowed me to combine my love for architecture and finance.
How I did it: I was fortunate to have the opportunity to do some job shadowing for a property manager. This gave me a really good insight into the property industry and led me to start studying real estate at undergraduate level at University of Pretoria.
My first proper job: My first proper job was interning for CBRE in Poland. I worked in the capital markets team. At the time, Poland was undergoing an investment boom, which meant I had great exposure to a growing market.
My inspiration(s): My dad. I learnt a lot of the property basics from my dad at a young age.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: I think like many people, Covid brought a whole new set of challenges. Something I found particularly difficult was having to have rent payment discussions with office tenants when the pandemic first hit. It was a very tough time, but the industry is adapting to the changing market and needs of tenants.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: People tend to think that the property industry is dry and unexciting. In reality, you’d be surprised to see how much creativity is involved in the work we do. Each project comes with its own set of challenges, being creative is key to most aspect of the day-to-day job.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: My biggest bugbear is how unresponsive and slow the sector is to change. The adoption of technology could simplify a lot of property processes.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I’d definitely like to take on bigger, more complex projects across multiple sectors.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Being from South Africa myself, I grew up admiring Nelson Mandela for his passion and drive for change. I’d invite him to all my dinner parties!
What I do in my downtime: I like to keep myself active. When I’m not at the office, you’ll find me either running or cycling. I recently took part in an ultramarathon across South Africa, it was challenging, hot and exhausting but I loved it!
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this If I wasn’t doing what I do now, I’d still be in the sector but probably as an architect. I’m fascinated by buildings so wouldn’t see myself in another industry.
My advice for someone just starting out: Early on in your career, you should be chasing experience and personal development. Make sure to immerse yourself in positions that can offer you this.
My motto/mantra: “Show me the incentive and I will show you the outcome.”
