Justin Spiller chose a career in real estate, because in his mind, the profession demonstrated itself to be the best way to gain and pass on generational wealth.
And he now plans to help investors in Jacksonville do just that as he’s taken a position focused on retail investment sales at Jacksonville’s Franklin Street office.
Spiller started his career in real estate as an attorney, but his real estate roots run at least two generations deep, he said, with his grandfather and uncle involved in the real estate profession in Ohio as appraisers and his father owned a Wendy’s in Atlanta.
Spiller said he focused on school, but was lucky enough that his time in the 40 yard dash nearly equaled his grade point average, eventually earning a scholarship at Brown University before earning his law degree from Emery University.
While he didn’t want to focus on the fact that he’s a minority, the fact is he is one of just two black brokers in Jacksonville at a major, national commercial real estate firm.
He points to his track record in academics as “initial qualifications” that have often opened doors that might not necessarily been available in the past.
And generational wealth is what brings him back to Jacksonville.
Spiller’s first stop in Jacksonville was with Rogers Towers, but in 2009, he shifted career paths from real estate attorney to brokerage by joining the Miami office of Marcus & Millichap to “gain his deal muscles” in one of the most competitive commercial real estate markets in the country.
He also helped found Tiktin Real Estate Investment Services in Miami.
While he cut his teeth in that market, he kept his family in St. Johns County for the educational benefits.
“I did not find a place to raise my family with the quality of life and education that’s available in Northeast Florida,” he said.“I am excited to be back in Jacksonville and join the Franklin Street team.”
Spiller believes he came back to Jacksonville at an opportune time, with Jacksonville emerging as an attractive investment for institutional capital.
“The Jacksonville market is attracting more and more investors from around the country and the world, and this is an opportunity to work with a team that’s well-suited to meet the needs and challenges of its clients through our holistic approach and the full range of services we offer,” Spiller said.
And he hopes to partner with owners in the market to help capture and pass on generational wealth.
