IAMC Member Spotlight

As an organization, IAMC fosters relationships that turn into both business partnerships and long-term friendships. The path to corporate real estate varies widely, and our members come from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds.

We thank Rob Downey, Director of Real Estate for American Residential Services / Rescue Rooter, for sharing his!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
   I am from Lawrenceburg, TN (home to Davy Crockett and Fred Thompson), but I have lived in the Memphis area since 1996. Currently, I am the director of real estate for American Residential Services, L.L.C. / Rescue Rooter, (ARS) one of the country’s largest home services companies. As an aspiring history major and overachiever, I read a set of encyclopedias over a summer when I was 10 years old.
    
2. What led you to a career in corporate real estate?
   My dad wanted me to be a doctor, but I could not pass the math requirements, so I turned to history so that I could go to law school. Working for a law firm in downtown Memphis, I realized that was not my path either. The law firm represented ServiceMaster, so I asked for an opportunity there and a lease administrator position was available. That was March 24, 1997, and I have not looked back.
    
3. What does your current role entail?
   As the very first director of real estate for ARS, I have the responsibility of standing up a Corporate Real Estate Department which includes overseeing transactions, facilities, security, signage, the corporate office as well as the new lease management software. Currently, we have 100 leases under purview. I have one lease administrator on my team. The ARS culture is very entrepreneurial and allows for its leaders to grow, make decisions and be an integral part of the growth of the company. Making the move to ARS has been the best professional decision I have ever made.
    
4. What’s your favorite part of working in this industry?
   Relationships. I thoroughly enjoy meeting people, getting to know them (on a personal and a professional basis) and figuring out where they fit into the framework of my network, i.e., where can I help them, is there a friend that could help them or vice versa or how can the new relationship further my career in CRE?
    
5. What’s one skill or insight from your work that other IAMC members might find valuable?
   Always give people a second chance. You never know what someone is going through at that moment in time you meet them; a recent death, job transition or just having a bad day. Of course, these travails will come out in their interaction with you. Give them the grace of that second chance and you will be surprised at their reaction and better response.
    
6. What inspired you to join IAMC, and how has it benefited you professionally?
   All of the ServiceMaster RE department management joined IAMC in 2002, and when I reached Project Manager in 2003, I also joined. The networking opportunities are second to none and the chance to be present with my peers has proven invaluable to my career. These personal relationships have provided great perspective as well as yielded many friends in the industry I would not have otherwise had the good fortune to meet.
    
7. What IAMC resources or events have had the biggest impact on your career?
   The forums and being a member of different committees over the years. It cannot be understated, “Get Involved” to get the most out of IAMC.
    
8. Have you formed a connection through IAMC that led to an unexpected opportunity or collaboration?
   I value all of my connections through IAMC. There are many that have evolved into opportunities, there are some that are in the works and other connections that are just starting out (met so many new people in Indy).
    
9. What’s a memorable moment from an IAMC event that stuck with you?
   During my very first Forum in Charleston, Spring 2003, my team won the IAMC Golf Tournament. On the first hole, I chipped in for eagle to set the tone for the winning day. Craig Morgan was on that great team.
    
10. Fun Facts: Let’s get to know you!
    1. What was your first job? Working maintenance at the golf course.
    2. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Intuition
    3. What’s your favorite way to unwind outside of work? Golf
    4. What’s one thing still on your bucket list? Being able to play golf @ Pinehurst with both of my sons.