Ask Carson Patten why he likes working in commercial real estate and he’ll give you a lot of reasons.

• Career-oriented
• Team-focused
• Mentorship and support
• Diverse and challenging responsibilities
• Flexible, balanced work-home life
• Lucrative incentives and compensation

But by far, the number one factor that cinched the recent college graduate’s decision to join the Office Team at Martin Commercial was the ability to make a difference in the communities he serves.

“Working in commercial real estate at Martin brings you closer to the community,” says Carson. “You become part of helping a region grow and thrive and evolve. Knowing that you’re helping to make a difference to people and places is incredibly important in today’s world.”

Carson started out at Michigan State University thinking he would go to law school after completing his major in English and minor in economics. Mid-way through his sophomore year, he began to evaluate his options and chart pathways to success. He knew he had found his calling when he discovered the potential of a career he hadn’t thought of before.

“Commercial real estate rose to the top of my list,” Carson says. “The more I found out, the more I realized it fit my interests and work style. More importantly, commercial real estate was something I could see myself doing for a long time.”

Carson settled on his number 1 choice of careers, propelled by his junior year internship at Martin Commercial in 2018. At Martin, he was immediately immersed in a working team of experienced associates, given a voice at the table, and mentored by senior industry leaders. Within weeks, Carson learned about the complexities of real estate transactions in the retail, office and industrial sectors, and absorbed the nuances of building and maintaining business relationships. He internalized the importance of being nimble and responsive and flexible, and enjoyed the professional achievement that came with each and every day. What’s more, he was out-and-about, not bound to a desk or an office, and embedded in a community he had grown to call home.

“Martin gave me the chance to be hands-on from day one,” Carson says. “It was a fantastic experience to work with the best in the business on a variety of different transactions.”

Carson came on board full-time in June 2019 and works as an associate office advisor on Martin’s Office Team alongside Eric Rosekrans, CCIM, CPM, and Thomas Jamieson. He’s become a licensed salesperson through the State of Michigan, and is completing his requirements to obtain his CCIM designation.

Each day, Carson is inspired to align businesses and organizations with office spaces that suit their needs. In addition to consulting and managing, Carson analyzes data to present information that aids clients’ decisions. He prospects and pitches, helping to build economic prosperity by bringing new business to town. When faced with a challenge, Carson tackles it, drawing on the experiences and skills of his team members at Martin.

“I work on a great team,” Carson says. “I’ve been given the opportunity to learn from the best this area offers, and to be part of a team with a combined 50-plus years of experience.”

Originally from Colorado, Carson has become increasingly committed to Mid-Michigan. A resident of East Lansing, he enjoys the laid-back Midwestern culture, and the chance to work in a business that contributes to the stability and transformation of his adoptive state.

“Everyone I’ve talked to tells me that when you’re starting your career, it’s important to find the right fit and surround yourself with the best associates to learn from,” Carson says. “Martin really provides that team atmosphere and nurtures a culture that retains top-tier people focused on quality and excellence. They inspire you to be the very best you can be.”

Martin Commercial Properties is a full-service commercial real estate firm with offices in East Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Martin offers career-minded individuals the opportunity to grow and thrive in a team-oriented, supportive atmosphere, committed to the business of commercial real estate. Team members enjoy flexible scheduling, job education and training, incentive structures, and a Class A office environment. Interested in growing or starting your career with a market leader? Contact us at 517-351-2200.