John is a COB student with a knack for business. Having identified an organizational need on campus to then starting it and receiving immense recognition, he is an entrepreneurial superstar.

Recognizing a campus-wide need

“I was reading an article on how to maximize a college education for entering the real estate industry, and the article recommended joining your university's student organization for real estate. When I did not see one at our university, I recognized the opportunity to fill an underserved need. My good friend and UM-Dearborn student Josh Coulter and I joined forces to put the idea into action. Dr. Richard Kent and Dr. Michael Killey joined the potential organization giving us the faculty support required. We quickly hit all university requirements, and the Real Estate Association (REA) was officially created.

“In our first semester of operation, the association achieved 50 registered members including five executive board members and three faculty. The support from interested faculty and staff appeared immediately as well. Dr. Michael Molesky and Ms. Rita Agius both showed incredibly valuable support as guest speakers and with marketing.”

The awards that followed

"Two moments that most left their mark on me were receiving the Outstanding New Organization award and successfully hosting our guest speaker from Chicago. I'm not used to that level of recognition, so being invited to the Student Leadership Awards and being selected was very exciting. Hearing our name called, seeing Real Estate Association in huge letters on the screen, and walking up on stage to receive the award was a surreal experience that I will never forget. Our team worked so hard to make this a possibility."

A career in real estate

“My Finance and Accounting double major has prepared me well for my future career after graduation. I will begin working in commercial real estate development and real estate portfolio management in the downriver area. I'm happy that I stuck with both areas of study as two full majors. When at work, I can specifically recognize areas where my courses helped prepare me. As a future real estate developer, I'm proud to represent UM-Dearborn as I begin my career helping members of the downriver community.”