Getting to Know Our Readers – Ben Stevens and The Skyline Forum
Maintaining a vibrant, ever-changing blog is not an easy endeavor, and I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always fun. But what makes blogging worthwhile for Mike and I is the opportunity the blog creates to interact, either through email, phone, or social media with our readers.
Meeting Ben Stevens
Well, a few months ago a follower of our blog, Ben Stevens, reached out and asked to meet up. Ben is an MBA candidate with an emphasis in Real Estate and Urban Economics at the University of Wisconsin, and he was visiting Milwaukee over his winter break. He came by my office and we had a short but pleasant chat about real estate, travel, careers, and our families. I was impressed with Ben’s intellect, energy, and drive and he knew real estate well, despite being new to the industry.
Ben has a fascinating, non-traditional background. He spent the better part of his adult years as a writer and theologian living and studying in the United States and Europe. His interest in real estate and the reason for his career change, came because of interactions he’d had with several architect and urban planning friends in Europe. Over time, he developed a passion for the built environmental, and that passion drove him to return to graduate school and study the business of real estate.
The Skyline Forum
Since our meeting in Milwaukee, Ben and I have kept in touch and a few weeks ago, he asked to interview me for his real estate video podcast series – The Skyline Forum. It was a unique and rewarding experience. At the same time, it was intimidating to be “the expert” given that I’m still in the early years of my transition to institutional real estate – who am I to opine on institutional real estate? But I had fun doing it, and I hope you go check out the series and watch a few of his episodes; I think you’ll enjoy Ben’s temperament and humor, and appreciate the knowledge imparted from the architects, developers, and real estate professionals who have taken part in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Skyline Forum and Ben Stevens’ Real Estate Journey
Who is Ben Stevens?
Ben Stevens is an MBA candidate with a focus in Real Estate and Urban Economics at the University of Wisconsin. He has a non-traditional background as a writer and theologian and developed an interest in real estate through interactions with architect and urban planning friends in Europe.
What is The Skyline Forum?
The Skyline Forum is a real estate video podcast series created by Ben Stevens. It features interviews with architects, developers, and real estate professionals, offering insights and stories from across the industry.
How did Spencer Burton get involved with The Skyline Forum?
After meeting in Milwaukee, Ben Stevens invited Spencer Burton to be interviewed for The Skyline Forum. Spencer described the experience as “unique and rewarding,” despite initially feeling intimidated about being viewed as an expert.
What inspired Ben Stevens to pursue a career in real estate?
Ben was inspired by conversations with architect and urban planning friends during his time in Europe. These interactions sparked a passion for the built environment, prompting his decision to attend graduate school for real estate.
Why is The Skyline Forum recommended by A.CRE?
Spencer Burton recommends the series for its thoughtful interviews, Ben’s temperament and humor, and the insights shared by diverse industry professionals. “I think you’ll enjoy Ben’s temperament and humor, and appreciate the knowledge imparted.”
What makes Ben Stevens’ background unique in CRE?
Ben’s unique path includes years as a writer and theologian in the U.S. and Europe, giving him a distinct perspective on urban environments and the built world, which now informs his real estate studies and projects.
