“Approach work with eagerness to learn, humility, and a willingness to assist others”
David Wilson | Essentials Solutions Manager | Prologis
Years with company/firm: 1
Years in field: 7
Years in real estate industry: 1
Real estate organizations / affiliations: SIOR, NJMHS, NAIOP
How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry?
I am involved in transforming the Industrial Real Estate Industry, specifically with Prologis Essentials. Prologis is the global leader in logistics real estate, known for its innovative solutions tailored to customers’ needs. My role as Essentials Solutions Manager focuses on customer centricity and growing Prologis Essentials. Essentials provides product and service solutions for our customers’ operations, energy & sustainability, mobility, and workforce. Our platform delivers next-generation solutions to address our customers most critical challenges. We have meticulously chosen and evaluated a network of national and local partners who provide top-notch services and equipment for industrial operations. As the overseer, promoter, and closer of business for one of Prologis’s largest markets, NY/NJ, I am responsible for ensuring Essentials success in this region.
Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career?
I have been fortunate to have several role models in my life, ranging from supportive family members to exceptional managers. The one who had the greatest impact on me was my first manager after college, Agnes Smithey. I had the privilege of working with her at Pella Windows and Doors, where she was launching a sales training program. I admired her passion for the work and learned from her ability to empower others to excel. I strive to emulate her values in my day-to-day and hope to lead and create opportunities for others the way she does.
What impact has social media/networking had on your career?
Throughout my career, I have actively sought out opportunities to get involved with industry groups and network. When I worked at Pella Windows, I engaged with local building societies such as NARI and NIBA. Now at Prologis, I participate in real estate and material handling societies, including SIOR, NJMHS, NAIOP. These groups provide valuable insights into the industry and allow me to meet exceptional individuals who foster beneficial connections. I am also on LinkedIn. Using that platform to remain connected to past colleges, connect with new ones, and keep up to date on industry trends.
What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?
One of the qualities that has been integral to my career success is being an active listener. Listening is the foundation of providing outstanding customer service and driving sales. Before offering a solution, you must understand the landscape and the customers’ challenges. This is where this quality directly intersects with my work—Prologis Essentials offers various solutions for our customers, and my role involves actively listening to their pain points and providing the best-fit solution.
What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today?
To achieve success, one must be willing to fail and able to persevere. I deal with rejection daily and have often been the youngest among more experienced colleagues throughout my career. However, I have learned to brush off setbacks, embrace critical feedback and keep moving forward. To get to where I am today, I’ve learned it’s important to set aside ego and make the next all. Additionally, accepting that you don’t have all the answers and being transparent about it is crucial. When faced with uncertainty, I make a commitment to find the answers and follow through on my word.
What was the most defining moment for you?
A defining moment for me was recognizing when it was time to leave a job and venture into another industry. Although this decision may carry negative connotations for some of my generation, I believe that if approached thoughtfully, it can shape one’s career positively. By giving your best for six years and continuing to do so even as you transition out, you set yourself apart from others. During these transitions, it is essential to maintain strong relationships and never burn bridges.
What outside activities do you enjoy during your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy the simple pleasure of doing nothing, or as the Italians say, ‘la dolce far niente.’
What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college?
You are at the beginning of your journey, and what you accomplished (or didn’t) in college no longer defines you. Approach work with eagerness to learn, humility, and a willingness to assist others. If you invest in these qualities, you will become an asset in any career you pursue. Remember, you cannot succeed alone, so form friendships and build up your peers.