Real estate has played a role in Justin McKinnie’s life since childhood. He attended open houses and property closings alongside his father, who intentionally exposed him to the industry. However, McKinnie didn’t immediately enter the field. Instead, he earned a B.S. in agricultural sciences with a concentration in biotechnology from Tennessee State University in 2018.
“It wasn’t until later that I truly understood the transformative power of real estate—not just for individuals, but for entire communities,” he said.
After spending nearly a year as a biotechnology management intern for the Walt Disney Company, McKinnie assessed what pathways could offer a sustainable career and the potential to establish generational wealth. Real estate seemed both viable and exciting. His father suggested he explore the commercial side of the business, where the biggest deals take place.
McKinnie built valuable experience as a real estate analyst for Hope Community Capital for almost three years before moving to Grandbridge Real Estate Capital, where he researched acquisition opportunities, helped create financial models, and underwrote loans totaling more than $800 million. While there, he decided to deepen his expertise and enrolled in Robinson’s M.S. in Commercial Real Estate program.
McKinnie expanded his skills through commercial real estate modeling, market analysis, financing, and investments courses and worked hard to become fluent in industry speak.
“The program was great,” he said. “I had a lot of hands-on opportunities and grew my real-world, practical knowledge.”
For example, McKinnie and a group of peers participated in the annual case study competition hosted by NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties) Georgia’s School Challenge. McKinnie and his teammates developed a strategy to deploy $250 million in commercial real estate equity across Atlanta’s metropolitan statistical area over five years.
“We engaged with industry leaders who provided critical insights that shaped our investment assumptions and strategy,” he said. “They offered practical perspectives on market dynamics, underwriting considerations, and risk mitigation. Their feedback was instrumental in refining our financial models and overall presentation.”
At around the halfway point of his graduate studies, McKinnie applied for a senior acquisition analyst position at Bolden Capital Group, a firm that owns and operates more than 700 multifamily units in the metro Atlanta area. He approached his interview with confidence in what he brought to the table and landed the position in January 2024. He completed his master’s degree the following summer.
Near the end of the program, McKinnie’s grandmother fell ill. Even while balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and a new job, he regularly made the 4-hour drive to Quitman, Georgia, to spend time with her. That difficult experience taught him to prioritize loved ones, stay disciplined, make the most of every hour, and plan ahead to stay on top of deadlines.
“The habits I forged under pressure have become integral to how I operate professionally and personally,” he said.