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Blake Hardison is a recent graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate. He currently serves as a Production Analyst in Debt & Structured Finance at Colliers. During his undergraduate studies, Blake gained diverse experience through internships in multifamily investment sales and retail leasing, while also serving in leadership roles such as the Panel Events Chair for the UW Real Estate Club and Captain of UW’s club lacrosse team. He successfully leveraged these experiences to launch his career in capital markets. In his current role, he supports the structuring and execution of financing solutions for commercial real estate assets.

Q: Blake, you are currently working as a Production Analyst in Debt & Structured Finance at Colliers. Could you walk us through what that role entails day-to-day and the types of financing deals or asset classes you are currently focusing on?

A: My position is somewhat unique in that I work on a lean, high-output team directly supporting Mark Plenge, a prominent CRE finance specialist in our market with over 3 decades of experience. Because of our small team, I serve as his right-hand man, handling everything from underwriting and financial modeling to preparing offering memorandums and client presentations.

My day is typically split; I spend about half my time in Excel running numbers and the other half managing deal flow and client communications. This involves everything from getting an initial look at new opportunities to coordinating with lenders to get deals across the finish line. Colliers is a Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS) lender for Fannie Mae, which allows us to originate debt directly. However, we also act as intermediaries, connecting borrowers with banks, life insurance companies, and CMBS lenders. Consequently, I get exposure to the entire field of capital sources, whether we are originating the debt on our own books or sourcing it externally.

Q: Your current role is highly analytical and finance-heavy. Looking back at the Real Estate curriculum at UW, were there specific courses, perhaps in real estate finance or investment, that provided the technical foundation you rely on most in your work today?

A: James Betzer’s Real Estate Investment and Finance class was instrumental. Since he is an active broker himself, he didn’t just teach the theory; he introduced us to the actual Excel tools and financial modeling techniques used in the industry today. Similarly, the specialized coursework in Argus and Vince Wang’s Excel-focused data analysis class gave me a significant technical head start.

Actually, my coursework at UW led directly to my current role. Mark Plenge came in as a guest speaker for James Betzer’s class. I made sure to grab his business card after his presentation, kept in touch, and that connection eventually led to the opportunity I have now.

Q: Before joining Colliers full-time, you held internships across different sectors, including Multifamily Investment Sales at CBRE and Retail Leasing at Real Retail. How did seeing these different sides of the industry, sales and leasing, help prepare you for the debt and structured finance side of the business?

A: My time in retail leasing was vital for building a foundational understanding of commercial real estate, though it helped me realize early on that my passion lay more on the investment side than in leasing. The internship at CBRE was the real eye-opener. It expanded my curiosity about capital markets and allowed me to see how top-tier producers conducted business.

I found that my personality was closely aligned with those of the brokers I met that summer, and I became attracted to the lifestyle that a merit-based industry such as ours allows. The mentorship and experience I received that summer solidified my passion for brokerage and made clear the type of career I wanted to build.

Q: You were actively involved on campus, specifically serving as the Panel Events Chair for the UW Real Estate Club. How did taking on a leadership role and engaging with industry professionals through those events impact your networking and eventual recruitment process?

A: While I’ve always been outgoing, stepping into a leadership role like this still demanded much personal growth. Being the Panel Events Chair pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the value of soft skills. It forced me to refine my communication style, coordinate with diverse groups of people, and manage logistics professionally. These are skills that are essential in my current role, and will be increasingly so in future roles I’ll step into. We had a great leadership group which made it fun as well, but it certainly aided my professional development and complemented the technical skills I was learning in the classroom.

Q: The transition from student to professional is a significant step. How did the UW Runstad Department’s alumni network or mentorship opportunities aid you in securing your role at a major firm like Colliers?

A: Growing and maintaining my network was everything. Senior year, I typed out a list of all my mentors and close-circle industry contacts, and no less than 90% of them could be traced directly back to a Runstad or UW event.

For example, at the Runstad Leadership Dinner my junior year, I met Evan Kaseguma from Ryan Companies. I followed up with him, and he invited me to shadow him for a day which included an architecture meeting, a property tour of Skyglass Apartments, and a lunch meeting with 3 JLL brokers, which was my first real look into the brokerage world. When I applied to my current role on Mark’s team at Colliers, Mark actually called Evan to get a character reference. Without that relationship, I might not be sitting here today.

Beyond that, my first mentor, Daniel Wang, was very generous to teach me the then-foreign language of CRE modeling, and was always one call away if I ever needed interview prep. And Aaron Fairchild, the UW professor I TA’d for during my senior year, was another key piece of my incredible support system.

Q: Now that you have successfully navigated the job market and started your career, what is one piece of advice you would give to current real estate students to help them maximize their time in the program and stand out to future employers?

A: At the risk of sounding cliché, you truly get out what you put in. If you put in the effort, you will find people who are genuinely excited to help you succeed. But you have to be the one to reach out and get involved.

My biggest piece of advice is to do things in person. Go to the events that the school and club put on. Get coffee with someone who interests you. And it’s important to stay consistent. Don’t let your relationships go stale; follow up and touch base with your mentors even when you don’t need something immediately. Real estate is a people business, and building those relationships starts the moment you enter the program.

Each year, Bank of America hosts the Affordable Housing Challenge. In a climate of rising housing costs, the competition invites students to engage directly with the complexities of affordable housing development.

Over a 12-week sprint, teams take on the role of affordable housing developers—identifying a project site, crafting a design concept, defining community partners, estimating total development costs, assembling a funding strategy, and building a full pro forma. The process requires both creativity and technical rigor, pushing students to translate ideas into projects that are financially and operationally feasible.

This year marked the largest competition in the program’s 35 year history, with a record 16 teams representing 10+ universities from across the U.S. The University of Washington, was represented by two interdisciplinary teams from across the College of Built Environments. The undergraduate team included Laura Haksworth (Community Environment and Planning), Teera Bangsaruntipya (Real Estate), Hailey Hellenkamp (International Studies and Political Science), Emily Van (Architectural Design), and Tsung-Pei Yu (Real Estate). The graduate team included Vincent Bub (MSRE), Kai Chang (MSRE), Vy Le (MSRE), Aysegul Pilavci (MSRE), Elgun Tarverdiyev (MSRE), Shuhan Yi (MSRE), and Nicholas Miranda (MArch).

Advancing to the final round, the UW grad team competed against UC Berkeley, Cal Poly, and cross-institutional teams from UNC Chapel Hill and NC State, and the Women’s Affordable Housing Network and received an honorable mention. Projects were evaluated across four criteria: project finance, design concept, community impact and support, and an overall “X factor,” with jurors representing a broad cross-section of the affordable housing field.

Team member Kai Chang reflects, “The experience was truly invaluable. The growth we experienced over the course of the 3 months was immense. Our level of comprehension dramatically increased. By the end, we were able to navigate an in-depth pro forma, funding policies, tax credits, and building codes with a much deeper level of understanding.”

The team’s proposal leveraged unique Seattle policies, including the Religious Organization-Owned Property Ordinance, to redevelop church-owned land. The project envisions 138 units, across one-, two-, and three-bedroom layout, with a focus on family housing and an average affordability target of 55% AMI.

Chang adds, “We’re proud to have been named a finalist. Given the rigor and reach of the competition, as well as the complexities of affordable housing development, I hope we’ve demonstrated the strength of the UW program.”

The challenge aims to empower the next generation of affordable housing leaders. Congratulations to both teams, and special thanks to instructors Arthur Acolin and Rico Quirindongo and partners from the industry and community including Jeff Bernard, Beth Boram, Eden Cano, Keith Carpenter, Al Levine, Lauren Mathisen, and Michele Wang for their guidance along the way.

Runstad X ULI Northwest Networking Event Recap On the evening of April 9th, the Runstad Department of Real Estate partnered with ULI Northwest to host their first-ever joint networking event, drawing more than 50 MSRE and BSRE students, ULI members, and Runstad Advisory Board members for an evening of conversation and connection in the beautiful second-floor lobby of Rainier Square. The event featured three speakers with deep ties to the city’s built environment:

● Rico Quirindongo, Director, Office of Planning and Community Development, City of Seattle

● Salone Habibuddin, AVP and Chief Real Estate Officer, University of Washington

● Carl Pierce, Director of Strategic Operations, Metropolitan Tract at UW Real Estate Development

The speakers touched on the rich history of the Seattle Metropolitan Tract, the 10-acre downtown parcel that UW has owned since its founding days, and its evolution into one of Seattle’s most significant developments. When UW relocated to its present campus in 1894, the Board of Regents chose to retain ownership of the original downtown site, a decision that gave rise to generations of landmark development. Today, the Tract is anchored by Rainier Square, the second-tallest building in Seattle, featuring office space, retail, and residential units, the very building in which the evening’s event took place.

Beyond history, the discussion centered on placemaking and the challenge of keeping downtowns dynamic amid the rise of hybrid work. The speakers offered a firsthand perspective on how Seattle’s urban core is being reimagined and what intentional, community-driven development looks like in practice. For Runstad students, the evening was a great chance to engage directly with both ULI members and Runstad Advisory Board members who are actively doing that work. As the next faces of the Seattle real estate industry, MSRE and BSRE students benefit greatly from the many new connections and new perspectives they gain by attending industry-focused events like this.

Alumni Spotlight: Jolin Fang, MSRE

Analyst, Blue Fern Development | Affiliate Instructor, University of Washington

Jolin Fang is an MSRE graduate who currently works as an Analyst at Blue Fern Development and an Affiliate Instructor at the University of Washington. After transitioning from a background in the tech industry, Jolin earned her Master of Science in Real Estate from the Runstad Department. She now combines her technical experience with real estate fundamentals to teach statistical analysis and data literacy to the next generation of industry professionals.

Q1: The Full-Circle Journey at UW

You’ve had a unique journey with the Runstad Department, moving from a student and Teaching Assistant in the 2023–2025 cohort to your current role as an Affiliate Instructor. Looking back at that transition, how has your perspective on the program’s value changed now that you are responsible for preparing the next wave of students for the industry?

A: Education has always been a core part of my identity. Throughout my career, I’ve gravitated toward teaching roles, whether as a tutor, mentor, or TA, which is why I was so eager to return as an Affiliate Instructor.

During my time as a student, I deeply valued how Runstad bridged the gap between the classroom and the industry. Bringing in active professionals to share real-world applications was incredibly impactful for me. Now that I’m on the other side, my perspective on that value has only deepened. I see my role as facilitating that same crossover: ensuring students master the fundamentals while understanding exactly how those concepts play out in the daily life of a real estate professional. I hope I can be the translation layer between theory and practice.

Q2: Leadership at the Tech-Real Estate Intersection

Your background includes significant leadership as a Program Lead for Harvard in Tech. You’ve seen firsthand how the industry’s ‘toolkit’ is shifting. For students who want to ‘future-proof’ their careers, what specific tools or technical skills should they be paying attention to right now?

A: My work with Harvard in Tech was a wonderful volunteer opportunity that allowed me to stay connected to my roots. I actually spent seven or eight years in the tech sector before transitioning into real estate. While real estate is traditionally a relationship-heavy industry which in many ways it will always be. I am fortunate to be at Blue Fern Development, a firm that is exceptionally entrepreneurial. We have an in-house technology team that allows us to provide unique value to our clients and the communities we serve.

In terms of “future-proofing,” I believe the players in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) who stand out over the next decade will be those who can effectively combine CRE fundamentals and the ability to leverage technology effectively; and that applies to CRE professionals too. However, it’s less about mastering one specific tool and more about maintaining a growth mindset. What’s more important is data literacy and technological curiosity. The sheer volume of new applications can be overwhelming. The key is to be comfortable working with tools you don’t fully understand yet, having the curiosity to learn them, and the vision to see how they can be applied to your specific ecosystem.

Q3: Translating Data Skills into Decision-Making

In RE397, you teach students how to use technical tools and statistical analysis. In your day-to-day role as an Analyst at Blue Fern, what separates someone who is merely ‘technically proficient’ from an analyst who can actually influence a firm’s final investment or development decisions?

A: The defining factor is the ability to combine analytical skills with the communication of actionable insights. In RE397, we cover fundamental statistical methodologies. These are crucial because they give you credibility. When stakeholders challenge your numbers, you must be able to clearly explain where that data came from, what its limitations are, and understand the numbers deep enough so you can defend your arguments.

However, data itself doesn’t make decisions, people do. Your managers, lenders, and JV partners aren’t necessarily data scientists; they want to know how your analysis informs a business decision. For example, they need to understand how a specific product mix affects absorption, and more importantly, how a single-digit shift in that absorption impacts the bottom line. You have to know your audience, understand their interests, and translate complex data into a narrative they can use to move forward.

Q4: Standing Out in the Class of 2026

For those graduating in Spring 2026, the market is increasingly competitive. What is one specific habit—technical, professional, or networking-related—that you consistently see in those who successfully break into high-level development roles in Seattle?

A: First, you must leverage the Runstad ecosystem. Our program is phenomenal at connecting students with industry leaders. The people who succeed are those who are intentional about fostering and maintaining those relationships.

Second, cultivate curiosity. We are living in a period of rapid change, and the real estate industry does not exist in a vacuum. Successful professionals stay up to date on the moving parts of the industry. As students, you have free access to a wealth of news and resources, use them. Being aware of current macro-economic environment isn’t just a bonus; it’s a requirement.

The Path to Blue Fern: A Quick Note on Networking

Q5: How did you find your current role?

A: It really started during my time in the MSRE program when I had the opportunity to intern at Red Fish Land under Scott Cameron, who serves on the Runstad Advisory Board. During my second year, I worked closely with Scott and many amazing colleagues. Through that experience, I was introduced to Blue Fern and after graduating from the program I joined the firm full-time. It was a great example of how the Runstad network and industry connections can naturally open doors for students.

The takeaway for students is that it all came back to the Runstad connection. I found the original posting through Eli Hellers’ weekly digest email.

When industry leaders in Seattle need talent, their first thought is often, “I’ll reach out to Runstad.” Make sure you are positioned to answer that call.

The Runstad Department of Real Estate is pleased to share the success of our 2026 Mentor/Mentee Mixer, held on Thursday, February 26th at Safeco Plaza and generously hosted and sponsored by BXP Inc. This year’s gathering brought together more than 100 mentors, mentees, alumni, Runstad Advisory Board members, faculty, and staff—each contributing to a vibrant evening of connection and support for our current students. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments while continuing to build new professional connections and strengthen existing mentor-mentee relationships.

Our department is fortunate to benefit from an exceptionally engaged community of alumni and board members who invest their time, expertise, and energy into the professional growth of our students. Their commitment strengthens the foundation of our program and reinforces the value of mentorship as a cornerstone of career development.

We look forward to supporting the 2025–2026 MSRE and BSRE mentor/mentee cohorts throughout the year and to continuing this annual tradition. Additional events will be hosted to further cultivate these relationships and enhance the mentorship experience.

Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere appreciation to the team at BXP Inc. for their partnership, coordination, and event support.

We also offer a special thank you to Runstad Advisory Board member Kelley Lovshin for securing an exceptional venue and helping make this year’s mixer possible.

The UW Real Estate Club is happy to announce a collaboration with Prologis and have the opportunity to do a deep dive and site tour of their Portside Development located in Tukwila.

Prologis is a publicly-traded company spanning over 1 billion square feet globally across 19 countries, with many diverse departments, including development & investments, capital deployment, property management, and solar.

This site tour was hosted by Jake Maxwell and Adi Cohen. During the tour, students were introduced to the scale and complexity of industrial development and to how logistics continue to play a role in large, modern supply chains. The Prologis team walked students through key elements of the Portside Development, including zoning, site selection strategy, long-term leases, and the planning required for success.

Students learned about the importance of location advantages, including proximity to major transportation corridors such as I-5 and nearby industrial hubs, as well as operational considerations, such as height restrictions and permitting requirements with development near Boeing Field. This discussion also highlighted how projects require precise coordination across multiple logistics teams. In addition to development strategy, the tour provided insight into the financial side of industrial real estate, including project and leasing costs.

This event served as a valuable opportunity for students to hear directly from industry professionals and connect classroom concepts, better understand career pathways in development, acquisitions, and asset management. Students were also able to engage with professionals, network, ask questions, and gain exposure to one of the most active sectors in commercial real estate. Experiences like this continue to strengthen the connection between the Real Estate Club and industry partners while building professional networks.

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to Jake Maxwell, Adi Cohen, and everyone at Prologis for hosting the site tour and sharing their time and expertise with our students. We also thank everyone involved in the Real Estate Club for taking time out of their day to make this event such a success!

The Runstad Department of Real Estate is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of our 2026 Real Estate Career Fair, held this past Friday, February 6, at the HUB Lyceum. This year’s event marked a significant milestone for our program with record student engagement and appearances from our industry partners.

We were honored to host 27 real estate companies and organizations representing global firms, developers and local professional associations: CBRE, JLL, Microsoft, Greystar, Hudson Pacific Properties, Stewart Title, NAIOPWA, CREW and more were all in attendance.

Over 110 students, representing our undergraduate majors and minors as well as our Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program, attended to explore internships and full-time career pathways.

Our annual Real Estate Career Fair provides a vital bridge between students and career pathways by offering face to face introductions between aspiring professionals and employers. The diversity of the participating firms spanning development, brokerage, and affordable housing offered our students a comprehensive view of the professional opportunities the industry has to offer.

This year we utilized the Handshake platform allowing both students and employers to easily register for the fair online.

Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere gratitude to Eli Heller and Nikita Anderson for their leadership in coordinating this year’s fair.

Furthermore, we would like to recognize the support from our student ambassadors, Corey Buckner (MSRE), Cameron Wilbur (BSRE), and Denny Fisher (BSRE), who were instrumental in the execution of the event.

To our employer partners: Thank you for your continued commitment to the next generation of real estate professionals. We look forward to the continued growth of our industry partnerships.

Interview by Denny Fisher, Runstad Dept of Real Estate 2025-2026 Undergraduate Ambassador

Carson Sharpe is a recent graduate of the UW Runstad Department of Real Estate’s Bachelor of Science in Real Estate program. He currently serves as a Real Estate Analyst at Microsoft. During his time at UW, Carson was deeply immersed in the program’s ecosystem, actively participating in the Real Estate Club, industry panels, and completing multiple internships. He successfully leveraged the department’s resources to transition into the corporate sector. In his current role, he supports the management of Microsoft’s global portfolio, focusing on strategic analysis and operational efficiency.

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Q: Carson, you are currently a Real Estate Analyst at Microsoft, which manages one of the largest corporate real estate portfolios in the world. Could you give us a snapshot of your day-to-day responsibilities and the types of projects you are working on?

A: My primary responsibility as a real estate analyst on the land acquisition team is to conduct market research, perform risk analysis, and lead cross-functional teams to make informed decisions. My work is largely focused on supporting the infrastructure for Microsoft Cloud Services. It involves pulling in inputs from various stakeholders to ensure we are making the best strategic moves for the portfolio.

Q: Looking back at your time in the program, are there specific courses or technical skills you learned that you find yourself using regularly in your role at Microsoft?

A: Two classes immediately come to mind that are pertinent to my everyday work. First was Keith Leung’s class on Real Estate Investment. What I appreciated most was the emphasis on critical thinking; we weren’t just given a formula, we were given business cases. We had to perform our own research and formulate a defensible thesis on the quality of an investment—learning to see the “forest” of the market, not just the “trees” of the property.

Second was Vince Wang’s Real Estate Data Analysis (RE 397). That course emphasized the importance of interpreting and utilizing data to make decisions, which is central to what I do now.

Q: Success in this industry often requires more than just good grades. What did you do outside of the classroom—whether through the Real Estate Club, competitions, or networking events—that helped you stand out during the recruitment process?

A: First, my past internship experiences were vital. They were an incredible opportunity to take what I was learning in school and apply it to the real world; everything “clicked” once I saw it in practice. I would recommend every undergrad prioritize getting an internship.

Second, I seized the opportunities provided directly by the Real Estate Department. I went to every career fair, in a suit, ready to talk to employers. It can be a little uncomfortable at first, but you have to do it to build the relationships that bring about opportunities. In fact, I met my current employer at a Runstad Department Career Fair.

Q: The UW Runstad Department is known for its strong ties to the local industry. How did the alumni network or mentorship opportunities impact your transition from student to full-time professional?

A: The adjunct professors provided incredible value because they are working professionals, not just academics. They provided insight from reality. For example, Jeff McCann would bring in examples from deals he was working on in real-time, which allowed us to see where “the rubber meets the road.” The real estate courses didn’t just teach the concept of a practice; they exposed me to the industry itself. Learning from a textbook is different than learning from a professor who shows you how the industry actually operates.

Q: Now that you are on the other side of graduation, what is one piece of advice you would give to a current student to help them maximize their time at UW?

A: You get out of it exactly what you put in. As I mentioned earlier: show up to things, do the extracurriculars, and try. You are going to fail more than you succeed at first—I faced plenty of rejection while going to career fairs—but I kept going. It is possible to just “get by” in the major, but you can get so much out of it if you push yourself.

The answer is always “no” unless you ask—whether that is asking for a job or asking professors for connections. Real Estate is a people business. When the time comes that people are hiring, if they already know you and what you are about, you are much more likely to succeed.

Transfer student Helen Lee shares lessons learned and offers advice to incoming students.