Tell us a little bit about your father, George's background and what drew him to the field of real estate. How does George's legacy continue to influence Killian Pacific's values today?
My father, George, grew up very simply. He was adopted and raised by a single, hard-working mother, in SW Washington. Sports were a centering force in his life and, after graduating, PSU offered him a scholarship to play in college. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue higher education became a steppingstone in his life. George was a go-getter from the start. His first job was selling insurance, which became a gateway to thinking about real estate. He liked that through hard work, you could help control your destiny.
George's first real estate deal was a small residential development. Despite having no experience and limited capital, he worked tirelessly to find an equity partner and lender. At the last minute, the equity partner tried to negotiate a deal directly, leaving out George. However, in an unprecedented move, the lender decided to increase the loan and stick with George instead. This was all thanks to his credibility and the authentic relationship he'd built with the lender.
Strong relationships were the throughline in his work and personal life. He modeled integrity, humility, and curiosity. George's focus on relationships also shaped how he valued community. What we now call Placemaking really began with his intentional efforts to collaborate with local institutions and partners, emphasizing a long-term business investment outlook and attention to quality. These are characteristics that we model at Killian Pacific today.
You created the George Killian Building Impact Fund to honor George, but also invest with intention in the PSU Center for Real Estate's vision. Share more about what motivated the firm's philanthropy.
George believed in the spirit of giving back more than you take, and we feel the PSU Center for Real Estate embodies many of the values we hold dear. We want to open doors for students who, like my father, are hard-working and smart but may not have access to the same opportunities in this field. PSU is a beacon of diversity and innovation, and we are committed to uplifting and advancing opportunities for future real estate professionals.
We also believe in Portland and know that if PSU thrives, Portland is better for it. We are also committed together to ensuring a bright future for this city.
What advice would you give to students that want to embark on a career in real estate?
Prioritize authentic relationships. Get involved in the community and attend as many industry events, as possible. Be curious and proactive. And, go to the PSU Center for Real Estate!