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Running Got This Attorney Got Through the Market Crash

ORLANDO—“The market decline in 2008 was unprecedented in my time, staying calm and focused in this turbulent time was supremely challenging.”

By Jennifer LeClaire | jenniferleclaire | | Updated on July 12, 2016
After starting his career at Liberty Property Trust and Lincoln Property Company, Todd Watson is now serving as senior vice president of DCT Orlando and Central Florida. After starting his career at Liberty Property Trust and Lincoln Property Company, Todd Watson is now serving as senior vice president of DCT Orlando and Central Florida.
ORLANDO— Todd Watson traded in his lawyer shingle for a commercial real estate career—and he got in just before the crash . He’s been in the industry for over 10 years and has climbed the industry ladder. After starting his career at Liberty Property Trust and Lincoln Property Company , Watson is now serving as senior vice president of DCT Orlando and Central Florida. He oversees the leasing, acquisition, and development activities for the region. GlobeSt.com caught up with him to talk about his story and his challenges in part one of this exclusive interview. GlobeSt.com: How did you get your start in commercial real estate?  Watson: I was a young attorney and was feeling frustrated by documenting these complex commercial deals, and I wanted to be a part of them. So, after watching commercial brokers negotiate deals and collect large commission checks at closings I made the move to become a commercial broker. GlobeSt.com: What have been some of the key turning points in your career?  Watson: While at Lincoln Property Company , I saw the 2001 downturn and understood that there are ways to make deals in a rising and falling market. When I moved to DCT in 2010 it was the greatest turning point in my career. The company empowers its market officers to make the deals and manage the entire platform, which provides a wide view of commercial real estate operations. GlobeSt.com: What was the biggest challenge you’ve had to navigate in the commercial real estate industry?  Watson: The market decline in 2008 was unprecedented in my time, staying calm and focused in this turbulent time was supremely challenging. GlobeSt.com: How did you get through that challenge?  Watson: I read every piece of information available in order to understand where the world was headed. I then found an outlet to shed the stress and worry—running. I found that running really cleared my mind and kept me focused during that time. Central Florida CRE remains strong with Multifamily, Retail and Industrial leading the way. Are You In The Know? How can you profit? Join us at RealShare Central Florida on September 7th for impactful information from the leaders in Central Florida CRE. Learn more.

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