In this episode, host Jessica LaRusso sits down with Bethany in a wide-ranging conversation, discussing her non-traditional entry into commercial real estate, her career progression, and the lessons learned along the way. Bethany shares the story behind founding Foresite, the company's unique culture, and how it has become the largest retail firm in South Texas relying solely on internal data. 

They also delve into Bethany's passion project, the CRE Launch Program, which aims to cultivate new talent in the industry. The episode covers key insights into the retail sector in San Antonio and Southern Texas, reflecting on trends, challenges, and opportunities. Bethany also provides valuable advice for younger brokers and emphasizes the importance of good old-fashioned marketing and long-term perspective in CRE.

• Meet Bethany Babcock: Career Highlights
• Bethany's Unconventional Entry into CRE
• Climbing the Ladder: From Receptionist to Property Manager
• Mentorship and Career Shifts
• Lessons from the 2008 Financial Crisis
• Balancing Leadership and Likeability
• Daily Habits and Personal Life
• Founding Foresight Real Estate
• Innovative Practices at Foresight
• Challenges as a Young Female Broker
• Family-Oriented Culture at Foresight
• Leveraging Internal Data for Success
• Client Relationships and Transaction Stories
• The Challenge of Training in Commercial Real Estate
• Launching a Virtual Training Program During COVID
• Growth and Expansion of the Training Program
• Current State of the Retail Sector in Texas
• Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Retail
• Advising Clients and Brokers in San Antonio
• Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Watch “Building Relationships and Coaching the Next Generation of CRE” on YouTube

Bethany Babcock has worked in property management, leasing and investment sales for over 20 years. She founded Foresite Real Estate in 2014.

In 2018 she was named by the San Antonio Business Journal as one of the “40 under 40”. Bethany is one of very few brokers in San Antonio to have received national awards in the categories of both top leasing agent and top investment sales agent. She has been published online with Forbes and featured in the Business Journal as well as been a guest speaker for the South Texas CCIM Symposium. Bethany also enjoys guest lecturing for the Real Estate Finance Department at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

In 2020 Bethany opened up Foresite’s own training program to those outside of the company and created the “CRE Launch Program” which has worked with students from more than 10 universities and 20 different brokerage firms to develop and retain new talent in the industry.

The unique culture at Foresite has lured industry veterans as well as developed exceptional talent internally and in 2022 and 2023 Foresite was named #1 Best Place to Work for Small Businesses by the San Antonio Business Journal.

Bethany graduated from UTSA double majoring in International Business and Finance. She went on to earn her MBA with a concentration in Finance from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, a board member for Adult and Teen Challenge of Texas and is a mother of three.

About Crexi’s Commercial Real Estate Podcast: