Each month we’ll be highlighting different Young Leader members who are taking charge right here in Dallas. This month, meet Fred Ragsdale, an Associate at JLL.
What’s been your biggest success over the last 12 months?
Completion of a 400K SF warehouse lease in the Alliance area. I also completed the Hotter than Hell 100 mile bike race in Wichita falls.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve overcome in the last year?
Being new to the Dallas industrial real estate market, and getting to know the major players in the market.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Burger King… The biggest lesson, don’t make me choose between a the first date I had ever had (and it was homecoming dance), and burgers. I wish I had something more inspiring.
Who has been your greatest inspiration in life and why?
My mother and father (I know I cheated), My mother is a residential broker in Prosper. She has pushed my sisters and myself to get into real estate, we all fought her, and we all now work in the business in one facet or another. My father because he is a walking life lesson about consistency and being diligent. Through him we (my sisters and I) have learned how be steadfast and persevering. This all came after my Burger King Experience.
What would you tell an 18-year-old version of yourself?
God has blessed you with everything you need to succeed. Trust him and go boldly.
Fun fact?
I almost got into the NFL. I had the opportunity to workout with several professional teams right after my undergrad while I was in graduate school.
Who would play you in a movie and why?
Any movie about getting to a place in life that you nor your family have seen. People that aspire for greatness (typically) inspire me. It’s always interesting to see the beauty of the struggle, and small successes that eventually lead to the larger ones.
What is your hobby/passion?
I really enjoy volunteering. I am work with a homeless shelter in the area, and also am a Big in Big Brothers Big Sisters. Opening minds, impacting others, and getting a different perspective is always good for the soul. Also I am a serious Kansas City Chief’s fan (Super Bowl Champions), and do quite a bit of road cycling around Dallas.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I have really enjoyed being apart of Young Leaders. I have met some really great people while being apart of the group, and I am excited to see how the relationships blossom in the years to come
