Get to Know Our Team: Shelby Wilson

Shelby Wilson, Project Coordinator & Licensed Real Estate Broker

I am a native of… Pendleton, Indiana

How I got into commercial real estate, construction, and project management: I started working at Menard's during my undergrad in the Paint and Building Materials Department. While obtaining my Masters I was promoted to HR Manager at Menard's. Once we moved to Fort Wayne, I immediately took a job with Sturges in the Property Management department where I gained more experience with building maintenance and construction knowledge. I then took a role as Construction Admin learning the ins and outs of construction on the backend (contracts, change orders, submittals, etc) and soon went on to a Project Management position for TI Source for a while. Essentially gaining experience in both construction management and property management I was setting myself up to be diverse in all that Sturges has to offer. Now, I am showing buildings to clients I was once only helping to maintain and manage buildouts and remodels. Full circle!

Quick rundown of my day as a Project Coordinator: FIRST, coffee! Then, I typically check emails, set up showings, tour prospects through various listings, negotiate and administer LOI’s, RFPS, and leases, run lease financial analyses, update clients on new deals, help our brokerage department streamline team meetings and goals, and more! Keep the bossman up-to-date on all the other teams in brokerage and current deals going on.

What is the most crucial skill to have in your line of work? 2 things... A sense of urgency AND organization!

What project are you working on now that you are excited about? Overall, getting the CRE Office Market back-up and running.

We all know project setbacks are inevitable. So, how do you handle a problem when it comes up? I like to utilize my resources, gather different opinions and advice, and then make my decision. Lastly, learn from the experience and have a takeaway.

What is one thing you want people to know about the Project Management profession? Whether you're a Project Manager, Project Coordinator, or part of a project team, developing strong interpersonal and communication skills is essential for a successful and fulfilling career in project management.

Rapid Fire Questions:

Favorite Fort Wayne restaurant: Junk Ditch or Baker Street I literally can’t pick, I actually have way more than that.

Dogs or cats? I have both, I can’t just pick, but my 3 dogs get to pick their own toys out at the pet store if that tells you anything.

Hobby or hidden talent: Photographer on the side

Person you’d want to be trapped on an elevator with, living or dead: I think I am required to say my husband, but outside of that, the comedian & podcaster, Theo Von.

One thing you’d love to have in Fort Wayne: A trendy health bar downtown Fort Wayne!