Mike Harris is originally from Texas and moved to Florida to attend the University of Florida (UF) where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Urban and Regional Planning and Real Estate as well as a Master of Science in Real Estate degree. While at UF, he was also a pole vaulter on the track and field team and was a part of three national and two SEC championship teams. Mike moved to Naples in April of 2020 after accepting a job with Halstatt Real Estate Partners, and he is an active member of the Young Professionals of Naples in addition to serving on the board as Development Director.
YP: Did you grow up in Naples?
MH: I did not. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, but spent most of my summers in Sanibel Island, Florida where I developed a love and appreciation for Southwest Florida. It was my goal to find a way to move to Southwest Florida one day and was blessed to accept a job with a private equity commercial real estate firm in Naples upon graduation from the University of Florida. I officially moved to Naples in April 2020 and haven’t looked back since.
YP: Did you always want to be involved in real estate?
MH: Yes. What initially sparked my interest in real estate was building patios and porches for elderly people with my grandfather in his elderly community as a kid. I loved it so much that I also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to further understand the construction process.
YP: How has your passion grown?
MH: Since then, I’ve gained valuable experience through college internships working in residential and commercial brokerage, property management, and private equity. Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to revise the seventeenth edition of the Brueggeman and Fisher Real Estate Finance & Investments textbook where I was officially published. I also developed my own real estate excel modeling course, called Financial Analysis with Real Estate Modeling, currently being used at multiple universities across the United States. All these experiences solidified my passion for real estate and am happy I continue to work in the industry.
YP: What is your current involvement in the real estate industry?
MH: Currently, I work as an associate for Halstatt Real Estate Partners where I underwrite different investment opportunities, take an active role in asset management and reporting on current investments, and support the rest of the team in their day-to-day operations.
YP: How have you chosen to give back to the community?
MH: I currently serve on two board positions and am a part of one committee. I serve as Development Director for the Young Professionals of Naples and as Treasurer for Habitat for Humanity NextGen, which supports the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Collier County through advocacy and fundraising, while also working to empower young professionals to raise awareness of the critical need for affordable housing for our generation and the next. I also serve as a member on the matching needs committee which helps plan for the volunteer expo each year.
YP: What motivates you to be so involved?
MH: I enjoy giving back to the community! My involvements have allowed me to not only make a positive impact in the community I live in, but also helped me to meet other like-minded individuals who share a similar passion.
YP: Is there anything else you would like to share?
MH: I enjoy being a part of the Young Professionals of Naples and having the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people! This organization has helped me to establish friendships and visit different parts of Naples. I would recommend to anyone looking to get involved, meet new people, or explore Naples to join Young Professionals of Naples!