JaVaughn Porter

Real Estate Advisor / Production Analyst

Cushman & Wakefield | Boerke

I attended UW-Milwaukee and later received my bachelor’s degree in Finance and a certificate for entrepreneurship! While attending UW-Milwaukee I worked at UW Credit Union for about 4 years to be able to apply my knowledge from the books in the corporate world. That led all the way up until August 16th, 2019 where I took my leap of faith as an entrepreneur and haven’t looked back since! In conclusion, I’m enjoying my entrepreneurial journey because it’s brought me endless joy!

Q) What do you enjoy the most about commercial real estate?
A) There are a couple of things that I enjoy most about commercial real estate. One thing I enjoy is the learning aspect, there is an enormous amount of criteria to learn and great people to learn from; I feel like I have the best of both worlds when I can meet new people & learn new information all at one time! The other enjoyment I get out of the commercial real estate is helping people continue their business in the home state that I was born and raised in, to see their faces light up with a smile because their business is doing good really makes my day!

Q) What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A) Never live in the gap, Live in the gain” This was told to me by Jeff Hoffman & the reason why I feel that this is one of the best pieces of advice that was given to me is because it was a habit of mine to compare myself to others in this field who has a lot more experience in this industry than I do & who are very successful in their business, and that isn’t fair to myself because I’m just getting started and I have to realize that this is a process and there aren’t any shortcuts to be that extraordinary broker.

Q) What is your favorite quote?
A) “Believe you can & you’re halfway there!”

Q) Where did you grow up?
A) I was born in West Allis, but I grew up in Milwaukee, WI for most of my life

Q) What was cool when you were growing up but isn’t cool now?
A) Yo-Yo’s were definitely a cool thing to have growing up, I haven’t seen one in person in about 10+ years

Q) Favorite thing about Wisconsin?
A) My favorite thing about Wisconsin is watching the Bucks basketball team, I have watched them ever since a young kid and it felt even more astonishing that we brought home the championship last season!

Q) What’s your favorite place to travel to?
A) My favorite place to travel to is Las Vegas, there is always something to do and always a place to go.

Q) Which projects are you involved in/most excited about?
A) I haven’t had many projects just yet, but honestly, I’m excited about them all because I’m learning so much about the industry and all the players in the process of closing a deal.

Q) If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be?
A) Jermaine Cole AKA J. Cole; I would love to have lunch with this rapper because the lyrics that he puts in his music are always heartfelt and he has the vision to make the world a better place, and I share that vision with him.

Q) What made you choose commercial real estate?
A) I chose commercial real estate because I have a strong passion for it, I love the city that raised me, and I want to give back to my community. What better way to devote my time to helping the community see the changes they want to see & help bring businesses into Wisconsin that can further develop us as a state.

Q) What is a goal you would like to accomplish within your commercial real estate career?
A) One of my goals to accomplish in real estate is to be as knowledgeable as I possibly can so that I can bring value to every client that I come in contact with, not only my clients but whoever I can bring value to.

Q) What do you hope to get out of your membership with CARW?
A) With the CARW membership I hope to learn as much as possible, I want to be knowledgeable about the process from everyone’s point of view, so I don’t have a one-sided perspective. I also want to make relationships and connect with classmates and guest speakers so that if a time ever comes up, I can help bring value to their lives as well.

Q) Is there anything else you would like to share with other members?
A) I can’t wait to meet everyone & have a great learning year!