The workforce is changing. As of 2018, millennials are the largest generation working in the U.S. And Gen Z isn’t far behind: Born in 1995 + later, the oldest members of this post-millennial generation are graduating college and seeking employment. Not only does this age group embrace technology – they’ve never known life without it.

It’s said that we millennials “work to live” rather than “live to work.” These values have led to a shift in workplace environments + office design.

But the rise of working millennials isn’t the only factor changing industries like commercial real estate. Advancements in technology significantly impact the industry. (For example, the future of self-driving cars + more public transit will lead to a decreased need for parking garages.)

The demand for more work-live-play districts is another shift for the industry, as more and more millennials are moving away from city centers + rockin’ the suburbs instead, in a new wave called “the ‘hipsturbia’ era.” These suburban areas are seeing increased demand for recreation, retail and restaurants, like coworking spaces + coffee shops.

As the commercial real estate industry landscape has changed, so has the makeup of its employees. More firms are starting to look more like their customers (read: young, female, diverse).

Here's how Trinity Partners – who just celebrated one year in Columbia – is doing things differently when it comes to commercial real estate.

A commercial real estate firm with offices in Charlotte, Raleigh + Greenville (plus Cola), Trinity Partners strives to do things differently: They want their employees to solve problems creatively, without worrying about corporate rules or micromanaged processes.

They don’t believe in the “that’s just the way it’s always been done” mentality, and they want to see Columbia grow. Their young, energized team reflects the company’s core values.

Over the course of just one year in Columbia, team Trinity leased/sold almost 2 million square feet of office, industrial, medical + retail space; and sold 230 acres of land. The firm’s leasing portfolio includes 1.57 million square feet across 78 buildings served by a 12-person brokerage team.

While the firm’s local industry veterans accounted for much of this success, credit is also due to the firm’s several young, up-and-coming brokers, including Braden Shockley, Jake Nidiffer, Alex Waelde, Robbie Cook, and William Mills.

Read more about team Trinity and their first-year successes here. 🏙️ Ⓟ