We are excited to welcome Mike Dement to the K2 Crew! Mike joins K2 with over 20 years of commercial real estate experience in Dallas including construction management and brokerage. He leverages his leadership and real estate background to oversee K2’s strategic planning and client services efforts. Mike’s intellectual approach and holistic view of each project are a value-add to his clients and team. Prior to joining K2, Mike worked at Trammell Crow Company, CBRE, and Altschuler and Company. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Southern Methodist University where he lettered for four years on the basketball team. Outside of work, Mike is an avid hunter and want-to-be golfer. He and his wife Lauren share two children, Lennon and Charlotte.
Take a look at our interview with Mike below, where he shares his personal and professional anecdotes as well as advice for newcomers in the industry:
What is your favorite part of your job?
- This is a fast paced and challenging industry, and it allows me to use my creativity and real estate background to serve people and clients in an all-encompassing way – beyond just the construction component. It’s enjoyable seeing a project come together from an initial vision.
What is your favorite building in Dallas and why?
- Recent developments have truly reset the bar and I’m excited to see a finished 23Springs, however I’ve always considered Metlife’s Park District project to be at the top of my list. Weir’s Plaza was also very well done.
Did you have a mentor during your early career? Who was it and what did you learn from them?
- I’ve been fortunate to have many influential people involved throughout my life/career. Of course the first being my parents who I owe everything to. The person most directly responsible for my career in real estate is Chuck Anderson. Chuck has always instilled that honesty, hard work, and persistence will pay off in this business while always keeping God at the forefront.
What do you love most about working in this industry?
- I truly appreciate the relationships you’re able to build amongst peers and even competitors. I am still doing business with the person that hired me as an analyst at Trammell Crow 20 years ago. Not every industry is as people-centric as this one – it is one of the many reasons I love what I do.
What do you like to do in your free time?
- When free I mostly spend time with my wife a two girls, however you can usually find me golfing or hunting when I’m not with them.
If you could choose another profession, what would it be and why?
- From a very young age I wanted to be a fighter pilot. Yes, Top Gun is my favorite movie.
Do you have a favorite famous or inspirational quote that you would like to share?
- Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. – Seneca
Favorite dish at your favorite restaurant in Dallas?
- Filete Cantinflas at Javier’s
Which tv show could you watch over and over again?
- TV Show – Ozarks, Yellowstone, or Billions
- Movie – Dumb & Dumber
City Life or Country Life and why?
- Country life. Does this need an explanation?
What excites you most about the future of commercial real estate in Dallas?
- The pace. Dallas is still a young city by most standards with what feels like a lot of momentum and room for growth.