Get to Know Our Team: Bella Holmes

Bella Holmes, Intern

Why did you choose to intern at Sturges Property Group?

For a while, I wanted to do residential real estate as my internship. However, ever since I saw large signs throughout the streets of Fort Wayne advertising buildings for Sturges, I began considering it. After researching what the company is and what they do, I came to the conclusion that even if I was not 100% set on commercial real estate for my future career, this internship would still give me insight into the business world and hopefully allow me to narrow down what it is exactly I want to do in the future. Through many connections, I began interning here in August 2025!

What were you hoping to gain from this experience?

I was really just hoping to gain knowledge about business as a whole. I’ve always wanted to major in it, but I’ve never actually worked within a business environment until I began interning here. I was definitely hoping to gain some guidance about my future and wanted to throw myself into this environment to help me decide what I would like, or not like, in my future career.

Describe some of your daily tasks, outings, different teams you worked on, etc.

Throughout this experience, I have worked very closely with the brokerage and marketing departments. I frequently attended showings and site visits with Neal and Phil, and I have also spent a lot of time prospecting and organizing for them. I have got the chance to assist Kendall in making videos of a variety of different properties, as well as taking interior and exterior photos. I have also completed a few tasks for accounting, a Matterport scan for TI Source, and occasionally a project for property management.

What new skills have you gained, if any?

I have definitely gained experience in Microsoft programs, especially Excel. Additionally, I have vastly strengthened my communication, organization, and time management skills through interning here.

Did this internship provide you with any insights that you hadn’t anticipated?

Before this internship, I had no idea of all the steps behind the purchasing of a property. I also did not realize that Sturges had their own affiliate companies, so it was really cool to see how all the companies worked together to provide for all the needs of their tenants and prospective buyers.

Does this internship relate to your long-term education or career goals? If so, how?

This internship is definitely related to my long-term education goals and career goals. Although I do not know exactly what type of business I would like to study, being at Sturges has given me an opportunity to oversee what each type of business does and gain knowledge on the day-to-day tasks that they complete. Additionally, being here has given me a chance to experience what it’s like to work within an office and has allowed me to form many connections.

What advice would you give to future interns?

It’s important to go into the internship with an open mind. Since my time here, I have noticed that not everything is going to be the same every day, and it's necessary to be flexible. Additionally, don’t be afraid of what tasks you will have to complete. Some of the tasks I completed seemed very difficult when I received them, but when I received the guidance and support, they really are not bad to do!

Rapid Fire Questions

• Planned college major: Business Exploratory
• My hidden talent: Schedule organization, definitely a necessary talent with a busy schedule!
• One profession I would never try: I would absolutely never try to do anything electrical or mechanical.
• An activity that should turn into an Olympic sport: Pickleball
• Favorite Fort Wayne restaurant: My favorite food is definitely from Cork 'N Cleaver, but I also love the downtown setting at Nawa.
• Favorite holiday: 4th of July