Lindsey Coakley

Real Estate Advisor (Industrial)

Cushman & Wakefield | Boerke

In December 2019, I graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s in Economics. I became interested in real estate while attending college working for a commercial real estate/development firm and had a positive entrepreneurial summer internship where I sold educational supplies (book girl) door to door – 100% commission – both endeavors reaffirmed my passion for commission sales and real estate. In January 2020 I started my professional career as an Alternative Investment Accountant at US Bank and after 2 years, I transitioned into industrial real estate for the last nine months I’m proud to note I’m a Real Estate Advisor at Boerke. I’ve been active in CARW as well as other real estate affiliations. I’ve also continued my education by recently graduating from Dale Carnegie Leadership training, as I believe it’s important to continue to further expand my knowledge, training, and credibility, with the goal to provide clients with the best experience.

Q) What do you enjoy the most about commercial real estate?
A) I enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit, networking activities, and go-getter mentality required to be successful in the competitive real estate industry. Being a competitive person with high integrity I approach my real estate career with the willingness to work hard, focused commitment, and willingness to understand my client’s vision and expectations. The real estate industry is challenging yet rewarding.

Q) What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A) Control the controllable. At times, the only things you can control in life are your effort and attitude. Within the commercial real estate industry, as well as many other careers, this attitude will help reduce stress and will allow you to perform your best with the tasks/hurdles ahead. It’s a practiced mentality.

Q) What is your favorite quote?
A) “Bloom where you’re planted.” You are where you are for a reason, so excel wherever you are and in whatever it is you’re doing.

Q) What made you choose Commercial Real Estate?
A) Growing up and working within the CH Coakley family business, I was exposed to industrial real estate at a young age. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December 2019 with a degree in Economics. During my sophomore year in college, I participated in an internship through Southwestern Advantage where I sold educational supplies (books) door to door in Pennsylvania, where I found my passion, and drive, and developed a strong sales entrepreneurship spirit. The following two summers I interned at the Alexander Company, a commercial real estate developer in Madison, which capitalized on my skillset and piqued my interest in commercial real estate. After graduating from UW-Madison, prior to the COVID outbreak, I secured a junior supervisor position with US Bank in Alternative Investment Accounting. Although I developed numerous transferable skills such as fund management, strong financial analytics, and enhanced client communications, I realized I needed to pursue a sales career in commercial/industrial real estate. Therefore, after 2 years at US Bank, I joined CARW and began networking with the focused goal to start a sales career in real estate. I’m happy to note I’m gainfully employed at Cushman & Wakefield | Boerke on their Industrial Team and my career path is now aligned with my real estate passion. I look forward to the ongoing process of growing and developing my career within Boerke, and I’m hoping to enhance my network within the CARW organization and make a positive contribution to the NextGen Program.

Q) What is a goal you would like to accomplish within your Commercial Real Estate career?
A) As my career continues, I hope to continue to gain a better understanding of the commercial real estate industry and all its facets, develop leadership skills, and add sales value to the Boerke organization and Wisconsin’s commercial real estate ecosystem. It is important I strive to help clients fulfill their real estate needs, successfully close deals, and continue to make professional connections while supporting local brokers and businesses around me.

Q) What do you hope to get out of your NextGen Experience?
A) In participating in CARW’s NextGen Program, I hope to deepen my understanding of commercial/industrial real estate, grow my network, and hopefully establish lifelong friendships. For the past few months, I’ve been focused on industrial landlord/tenant representation, appreciation of the fluid marketplace, and the urgency to continue to comprehend all the various aspects and parameters required to be successful. I believe participating in CARW with other like-minded and strong individuals will bring a sense of comradery and will excel in my career as I learn, grow, and develop from this dynamic group. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention CARW has already made a positive impact on my career’s trajectory and I’m excited to not only participate but hopefully make a positive contribution to CARW’s 2023 Next Gen Program.