Marco Gonzalez
Growing up, Marco Gonzalez watched his dad run his own business. Now a junior at GSU, Gonzales is starting to build his own path in business, learning in real time through classes, leadership roles and a job in commercial real estate.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Tell me about yourself.
I’m a junior studying business management, born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Growing up, my dad ran his own business after studying business management, which sparked my interest in entrepreneurship early on. That influence pushed me to seek hands-on experience while in school, which is how I got involved in real estate. After meeting my mentor, T. Dallas Smith, I found a path that allowed me to fully express my entrepreneurial drive. Fast forward to today, I work as a commercial real estate broker, with a focus on tenant representation, at the firm T. Dallas Smith & Company.
What is Puerto Rico like, and what is your favorite thing about it?
I come back every Christmas, and Puerto Rico already feels like paradise, but during Christmas, it’s 10 times better. If you ever get the chance, that’s the best time to visit. I love how easy it is to get to the beach. There’s a good beach almost everywhere, and the water is warm year-round.
After graduating, do you see yourself working in Puerto Rico or in the U.S.?
I’d love to do what I do in Atlanta but in Puerto Rico. The culture there is different, so the services might not translate the same, but I’d definitely be interested. Whether it’s investing or continuing my current work, I’d love to do it there.
Will you stick with real estate as a career?
It’s the beginning of a career. We help companies, both big and small, with their real estate needs. That includes buying assets like land, buildings or warehouses and leasing office or industrial spaces. We provide more of a consulting role, especially for tenants.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
The flexibility, especially with time. Not having to clock in and clock out is a big plus. I also enjoy meeting people. I’m very sociable, and being a people-person really goes hand in hand with this industry.
How have your classes at GSU helped you in the industry?
Classes like business communication and psychology-based marketing have helped a lot. That said, you really learn the most by being out in the field and being put into real situations.
What has been your biggest accomplishment, academically or professionally?
Academically, being part of the President’s Cabinet in Student Government Association (SGA) has been a big accomplishment. It’s meaningful to have a voice for students, especially for people from my background, like Latino students. Professionally, getting clients and closing deals within my first six months has been huge.
Can you tell me more about your involvement in SGA?
I got involved with SGA through an internship at T. Dallas Smith & Company. I met the SGA president at the time, and we connected. He later recommended me to the current SGA president, and one thing led to another. I ended up in the President’s Cabinet as a University Senate liaison. I represent SGA in the University Senate, help address issues, and serve on the Budget Committee and Student Life Committee.
Who or what has had the biggest impact on you professionally?
People at my firm, especially T. Dallas, who brought me into the industry. He is a GSU alum and has provided a lot of guidance, and I try to pay that forward.
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
Short term, it’s continuing to develop my real estate career, bringing in clients and finishing school. Long term, I want to be well established in my career and find ways to give back, whether that’s serving on boards, participating in nonprofits or staying actively involved in the community.
