Cushman & Wakefield’s Dan Bottiglieri on Passion, Persistence, and Building a Career in CRE

An inside look at how early ambition & the right mentorship launched a promising career in real estate

Dan Bottiglieri

Associate – Investment Sales

Years with company/firm: 3

Years in field: 3

Years in real estate industry: 4

Real estate organizations/affiliations:

Cushman & Wakefield Future Leaders (CWFL)

Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career?

The strongest influence in my career has been my team at Cushman & Wakefield. Every day, they push me to be the best that I can be and support me each step of the way. I’m especially grateful for the mentorship of Andy Schwartz and Jordan Sobel, whose guidance has shaped both my professional development and personal growth. I cannot thank them enough for their belief in me and the opportunity they’ve given me. I genuinely believe I have the coolest job in the world, and I’m thankful every day for the platform and people that make it possible.

Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you chose the field/profession you are in today?

My journey into commercial real estate began during the pandemic in 2020, during my sophomore year of college. I became interested in real estate investing but knew early on that residential wasn’t the right fit for me. I immersed myself in the industry by reading books, watching YouTube videos, and taking every course I could find to better understand the world of commercial real estate.

Once I had a rough foundation, I turned to LinkedIn to connect with professionals across the industry from brokers to developers. During my junior year alone, I was speaking with 5–10 new contacts each week. Through this outreach, I connected with Josh Cohen, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield, who offered me a summer internship in office advisory.

That internship was a turning point. Josh placed me next to Jordan Sobel and Andre Balthazard, where I was introduced to Investment Sales. At the end of the summer, Jordan encouraged me to stay in touch, mentioning that they might be looking to grow the team. Six months later, during my senior year, I was invited to join the Private Capital Group as the fourth member of their fast-growing team and I eagerly accepted.

It’s truly been the journey of a lifetime! I’m incredibly grateful for the path that brought me here and never take this opportunity for granted.

What were some of your early goals and did anything happen to change them?

When I first set my sights on a career in commercial real estate, my main goal was simply to break into the industry. At 21, I didn’t care what role I had to take—I just wanted to get my foot in the door and absorb as much as I could. I’m proud to have achieved that initial goal, and now my focus has evolved. Today, I’m committed to becoming the best broker I can be, while enjoying the journey alongside a team that makes the work incredibly rewarding.

What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?

One of the qualities that sets me apart is my genuine passion and enthusiasm for commercial real estate. I believe that energy comes through in every conversation, and it makes a lasting impression. First impressions matter, and people naturally gravitate toward those who love what they do. That enthusiasm not only helps build strong relationships but also drives me to keep learning, improving, and delivering results for my clients and team.

What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is my age. When pitching new business, I’m often up against brokers with many more years of experience. Rather than letting that hold me back, I’ve learned to reframe it as a strength. I position my young age as an advantage—I bring energy, fresh perspective, and a relentless drive to prove myself. Clients see that I’m fully invested in every deal and committed to delivering exceptional results. In many ways, that hunger has become my competitive edge.

What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college?

My advice to recent graduates is to think long term. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the highest-paying offer right out of school, but the early years of your career should be about building a strong foundation. Focus on roles that offer the best opportunities to learn, grow, and develop meaningful skills—not just the biggest paycheck. The right experience now will open far more doors in the future than short-term gains ever will.