Uplifting future cre leaders

We equip students to build rapport with the Commercial Real Estate professionals they aspire to become.

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Rotating images of Arlen Hooks with students interested in Commercial Real Estate from various universities during campus visits.
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Transforming strangers into sponsors.

numbers into names.

connections into careers.

Transforming strangers into sponsors. numbers into names. connections into careers.

In an industry that runs on who you know, your rapport speaks louder than your résumé.

Technical skills may get you noticed, but relationships get you selected. Many Commercial Real Estate programs teach students how to build financial models, but we teach them how to build rapport.

While you can’t predict when a job will open up, you can position yourself to be top of mind when it does. Every student hears about the importance of networking, yet very few learn how to engage in meaningful conversations before graduation.

But don’t worry—you’re not as behind as you might think. As long as you possess humility, initiative, and tenacity, Rapport CRE is here to help you leave an impression that CRE firms want to bet on.

Prioritize people over postings.

hey, it’s arlen!

Arlen Hooks Rapport CRE headshot. Taken for commercial real estate website.
Digital signature that says "Arlen Hooks" in blue text. 
mentor •  speaker  •  believer

I broke into this industry without any connections, and so can you.

I went from a political science major at Notre Dame to transacting multi-million dollar deals at JLL, the second-largest Commercial Real Estate firm in the world. I found a way to create opportunities for myself, and now help others do the same.

While its good to learn from your own mistakes, you’ll save time learning from mine.

Blue quotation marks overlapping the testimonials section.

  • "I have really taken your advice and insights to heart and see it coming to fruition, not just in landing more interviews and internship opportunities, but in being able to help point others in the right direction based on what I’ve learned."

    Carlos Del Rio | University of Maryland ‘26

  • "I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to listen to you today, especially as someone still adjusting to Duke, the U.S., and Western culture. Your "big bro" advice was refreshingly honest and deeply helpful. I’ll carry it with me not just in recruiting, but in shaping my college journey and beyond."

    Annie Nguyen | Duke University ‘28

  • “Your guidance on defining my ‘why’ and approaching the CRE industry as a whole was both practical and inspiring. I’ve always believed in the power of perseverance through adversity, and your story helped realign my perspective on the value of staying true to myself.”

    - Nehemiah Smith | UNC Chapel Hill ‘26

  • “I truly see it as a blessing from God to have someone with your character, expertise, and genuine personality share your wisdom with us. Also, thanks for all the insights about JLL and how you broke into the field.”

    - Felipe Santos | University of Central Florida ‘27

  • “I just wanted to reach out and express some gratitude to you, because honestly, that was one of the best discussions I've ever sat through. Not everyone goes the extra mile to provide actual advice beyond the usual 'you need to network'."

    - Deepali Pasham | UNC Chapel Hill ‘27

  • "I had to let you know how valuable your presentation was to me. I've never been able to relate to a speaker in the way I related to you. I truly appreciate you spending your invaluable time with us."

    Lucas Sutliff | University of Michigan ‘27

  • "You helped me create the momentum I needed during the recruiting process, and knowing I could count on you really made a difference. My network has expanded and my communication has improved tremendously."

    Hernan Hernandez | Pepperdine University ‘22

  • "It was truly inspiring to hear how you’ve maintained your faith in God throughout your career journey. I'd love to continue our conversation about Christianity and how it has shaped your career and life. It’s always encouraging to connect with someone who balances their faith with such a successful career."

    William Nwodo | UMass Boston ‘27

  • "It can be hard to relate to guest speakers sometimes, as they can just be out of touch with current college students. I found it very easy to connect with you, both personality-wise and professionally."

    Luke Lynch | University of Michigan ‘26

  • "You definitely have the passion to teach, tell a story, engage an audience, and inspire others. There are huge barriers for getting started in CRE, especially as a minority, and I can’t be more excited about this program."

    Manuela Fonseca | University of Central Florida ‘25

  • "You were outstanding today! I couldn’t have been more impressed. Everyone is raving about your talk and how well you related to the students. We are so lucky you took the time to come visit and appreciate you more than you know."

    Andrew Hunt | Marquette University Executive Director

  • "Thank you for what you had to say yesterday. I think being able to see Christ in the workspace is something that can be overlooked, even by Christians. You were a great reminder to keep God's plan in mind even through my job search."

    Sims DeLong | Washington & Lee University ‘27

  • "Thank you for the work you’re doing. Your words both during the presentation and in our conversation afterward carried real meaning, value, and accuracy. I’ve been inspired to begin giving back to younger students by sharing the same lessons that have helped me get to where I am today."

    Simon Gonzalez | Florida International University ‘25

  • “As a transfer student, I often felt behind, unsure how to break into real estate beyond personal investing. You’ve given me valuable insights into CRE, along with the reminder that what I see as my timing may not always be God’s timing for me.”

    Allen Gaskins | University of Maryland ‘27

  • “I just wanted to say this was genuinely one of the best guest speakers and career events I’ve attended, largely because of how relatable your experiences were. It meant so much to me that you took the time to educate and encourage me. I’ve always put in the work, but as an immigrant without family familiar with the system here, I often felt behind to the real estate game. You changed my mindset on what's possible.”

    Aiin Khalilzadeh | University of Maryland ‘26

  • “I get your point about not stressing—if I stay consistent and keep showing value, I’ll be ready when the right moment comes. What you said at the end really hit me: your support in helping me compete for opportunities in CRE and launch my career forward means so much.”

    Donavin Hamer | Coastal Carolina University ‘26

  • "Thank you for staying and opening up about your walk with God. I went into that meeting unsure of what to expect, but I left with a life-changing perspective. Your testimony taught me so much, and I hope we can continue to grow together in faith, strengthen ourselves in the Word, and make an impact on others."

    Collin McDonald | University of Michigan ‘28

  • "Arlen! Big THANK YOU for coming all the way out here! Your presentation was very authentic and relatable. I truly believe everybody in the room felt it. Keep this going!!!"

    Hanin Ahmed | University of Arkansas ‘25

  • "Your gift for storytelling and your ability to inspire others is remarkable. I’m excited to witness all the incredible things you’ll accomplish and the many lives you’ll impact along the way with this program. As our last guest speaker of the semester, it’s safe to say you closed our Spring Speaker Series with a bang!"

    Hellen Tellez | University of Houston ‘27

Group photo of Arlen Hooks with students pursuing Commercial Real Estate, wearing formal business attire.
Photo of Arlen Hooks with a student next to a banner that says "Undergraduate Real Estate Scholars, University of Houston"
Photo of Arlen Hooks with a student pursuing Commercial Real Estate, wearing formal business attire.

Ready to make your next CRE connection count?

With the right mindset, questions, and storytelling, you can build a rapport that transforms you from a number to a name in this extremely competitive industry.