Meet Blake Troiani, Dallas Industrial Market Analyst and new HLC team member!
Blake was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and he attended Trinity Christian Academy from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. During his tenure at TCA, he tried ALL the sports, settling on soccer as his favorite. He committed to the game at the young age of twelve, and this commitment eventually led him to play for the Fighting Scots at Gordon College in Boston, Massachusetts. Blake graduated with a BA in Finance and Business Administration and then stayed on for a year at Gordon College as an assistant soccer coach before joining us at HLC!
Blake serves as a Market Analyst in the Dallas Industrial Division. In his role, he is responsible for assisting in project leasing assignments, as well as marketing and business development efforts of the Industrial team and other HLC clients.
What brought you to HLC?
It was God thing for sure! I knew I wanted to get into real estate and also be part of a company with a culture that has an emphasis on growth and people. Everyone at HLC knows they are part of something bigger than themselves, and it was apparent the second I set foot in the office. This career is about relationships, which is inspiring to me and something that I want to be a part of. It is one of the core values here, so I knew it was the place for me. I didn’t think that an internship would turn into a full-time job, but here we are!
How do you hope to grow here at HLC?
In my faith, as a person and as a professional.
You are a new addition to the crayon box, what color are you and why?
Vibrant green or yellow – I’m always on the go. I’m outgoing and friendly, and I can be the life of the party sometimes!
Which HLC value resonates the most with you and why?
Golden Rule. I think it’s a big part of who I am as a person – I like to put others before myself, and it brings me joy to see others grow and succeed.
What three words would you use to describe the HLC culture?
Grit, compassion and fun.
If you could tell one person “thank you” for helping you become the person you are today, who would it be and why?
The obvious answer is my parents, because they have sacrificed so much to get me where I am today. Aside from them, my head coach at Gordon, Derek Potteiger. He pushed me to be the best person I can be – on the field, in the classroom, in my faith and as a person. He instilled in me so many qualities and principles that have made me who I am today: pursuing excellence in all things; the desire to succeed and help others succeed; the importance of giving all of yourself to something you believe in; never settling for mediocrity; never giving up; and always giving back.
What are three interesting things about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume?
1. I have an achilles tendon in my knee along with three screws as the result of an injury in which I tore my PCL, MCL and part of my meniscus playing soccer with my buddies two weeks after my college soccer career ended!
2. My family were some of the original settlers of Texas. They came from Germany through Galveston and settled in Leakey, Texas.
3. At one point I was able to solve the Rubik’s Cube in under a minute.
How do you spend your free time?
I love to play golf and watch sports – I enjoy anything sports related. I also like the outdoors – hunting and fishing.
What would your autobiography be called?
“Life is About the Journey, Not the Destination”
Favorite quote?
It comes from the part of the Navy Seal Creed: “We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders, I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations. I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.”
What could you teach me to do in five minutes?
How to tie a fly for fly-fishing.
What was the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
Jack Ryan. I like the CIA, detective storyline.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
I gave my parents a cooking class at Sur La Table.
If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
A lion. They are the “king of the jungle,” and they would do anything to watch out for, protect and provide for their family.
Last meal?
Whataburger Patty Melt!
Welcome to HLC Blake, we are glad you are here!