Rising Star - Rafi Fazari - Kilroy Realty Corp.

Article written by BOMA International

Our very own BOMA member, Rafi Fazari, Property Coordinator at Kilroy Realty Corporation was recognized by BOMA International as a Rising Star. Below is an excerpt from the article written by BOMA International. Read the full article here.

Original thinking, a thirst for knowledge and—most importantly—enthusiastic dedication to the future of commercial real estate are common traits among this year’s “rising stars.” The four emerging professionals recognized here, who were nominated by BOMA International members, leave no doubt that the industry is full of prospects and opportunities as these capable and confident individuals help shape their careers and lead by example.

Rafi Fazari - Kilroy Realty Corp.

Although early January 2023 marks the one-year anniversary of Rafi Fazari’s commercial real estate career, his observations and proficiency today demonstrate that he already has reached a long way round what can only be described as a steep learning curve. He is property coordinator with Kilroy Realty Corp. in Bellevue, Washington, cross-training in two of the company’s buildings: the 429,000-square-foot Skyline Tower (his primary oversight, along with a property manager) and the 488,000-square-foot Key Center (which houses Kilroy’s regional office and the majority of its local staff).

Looking back, Fazari’s entry into the industry was purely timing and happenstance. While in college completing a business management degree, Fazari worked on his father’s Oklahoma residential properties, but was unaware of prospects in the distinctly different commercial real estate arena. Through CRE connections when he relocated near Seattle, “I landed a job,” he recalls. “I love it; everything falls into place perfectly.”

Short-term goals are about learning the basics. “Every day, I find out something new that happened that I have to deal with, so I’m really focused on mastering the knowledge of the building and the knowledge of my company,” Fazari says. Mentors have eased the process, especially a senior property manager at his previous company “who took me to new levels. He threw new challenges at me during my seven months there, and I learned so much.”

That relationship also led to an introduction to the local BOMA/Seattle-King County chapter. “My senior property manager said, ‘Go to every BOMA. Do everything you can do.’ So, I did. Then, I was awarded a J. Michael Coleman Scholarship to attend the 2022 BOMA International Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, and going to the classes there, along with the trade show, opened up my thinking.” This mindset also extends to Fazari’s desire to pay back, specifically to mentor new people coming into the industry “once I master the basics.”

He adds: “I know a lot of people in my position are afraid to go to their superiors and ask for visibility, see what they’re doing, see how they do things. I am always knocking on doors, exploring and asking for responsibilities. You have to challenge yourself if you want to get better.”

A recent local TOBY Award for Skyline Tower further validates Fazari’s philosophy. “This is the oldest high-rise in Bellevue and my property manager and I went against newer buildings. Going through the application process and the walk-throughs was stressful, but it definitely has paid off.”