Unveiling Tristan-Jason Oschmann’s Bold Journey to Commercial Real Estate Success

Success in real estate is far from an overnight achievement. It takes grit, perseverance, and a willingness to start from the ground up. Every day brings new challenges, but for those who push through, the rewards are remarkable. It’s about embracing the grind, learning from every experience, and staying committed to long-term goals.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tristan-Jason Oschmann—known to many as TJ—on my podcast. Tristan is a commercial real estate expert at API Property Group in Durban, and his story is both inspiring and insightful. During our conversation, he shared his unique journey, his perspectives on the industry, and his vision for the future.

This blog post dives into the lessons and insights from our chat, offering valuable advice for anyone seeking inspiration or guidance in their career.

Tristan’s Transition Into Commercial Real Estate

Tristan’s career began far from the world of real estate.

Growing up in Cape Town, he learned early on the value of hard work and resilience. After finishing school, he explored a variety of roles, from hospitality to call centres, and even operations management. These early experiences weren’t just jobs; they were stepping stones that shaped his strong work ethic and sharpened his people skills.

For Tristan, the decision to transition into commercial real estate wasn’t taken lightly. After spending years in roles that offered little financial growth or professional satisfaction, he knew it was time for a change. He was motivated by a desire for career progression, financial security, and the chance to apply his diverse background to a new challenge.

Commercial real estate offered all of that—and more!

Mastering the Art of Commercial Real Estate: Lessons from Tristan

Tristan’s journey into commercial real estate is filled with valuable lessons. From overcoming challenges to staying ahead of market trends, his insights offer a roadmap for building a successful career in this dynamic field.

Overcoming Challenges in the Field

One of the biggest hurdles in real estate is starting without a guaranteed paycheck.

As Tristan shared, real estate demands resilience and self-motivation. Every morning, agents wake up without a fixed salary, knowing their success hinges entirely on their efforts. Tristan’s journey is a testament to the importance of pushing through those early obstacles.

He also spoke about the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. It’s easy to get consumed by the demands of clients and the unpredictable nature of the market, but balance is crucial.

The Rewards of Specialisation

Tristan highlighted why he chose to focus on commercial real estate. Unlike residential markets, which can stagnate during economic downturns, the commercial sector offers unique opportunities regardless of the economy’s state. Whether businesses are expanding or downsizing, they always need space to operate.

The work is dynamic and rewarding, giving agents the chance to interact with a variety of clients and help them make significant business decisions.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Tristan emphasised the importance of being available for clients at every step of their journey. From finding the right mortgage brokers to negotiating deals, his goal is to offer comprehensive support.

However, he’s also mindful of maintaining boundaries to protect his well-being.

He shared how he manages client expectations, particularly when inquiries come in after hours. By responding promptly but setting clear boundaries, he ensures that both his professional and personal commitments are respected.

Staying on Top of Market Trends and Grabbing Opportunities

Tristan has a keen eye for market trends. He spoke about how, post-COVID, there’s been a surge in demand for larger office spaces and in-person collaboration. While the industry has been impacted during the pandemic, there are factors driving recovery in the office market.

Small businesses are also on the rise, seeking their first premises, while larger companies are expanding their footprints.

These trends are positive indicators for the commercial real estate market, and Tristan takes pride in helping clients capitalise on these opportunities.

Vision for the Future

Tristan’s aspirations go beyond closing deals. His short-term goal is to achieve financial stability, enabling him to invest in commercial properties.

In the long run, he hopes to own and lease his own spaces to create opportunities for other businesses to thrive. His focus on building a legacy is both inspiring and reflective of his commitment to the industry.

Quick-Fire Questions

We ended the podcast with a couple of fun quick-fire questions, which revealed more about Tristan’s personality.

• Podcast vs. Book: Tristan prefers podcasts, as they allow him to multitask during his commute. His choice reflects his ability to maximise time and stay informed—a quality that’s essential in today’s fast-paced world of podcasting.

• Ice Cream vs. Biltong: For Tristan, it’s impossible to choose one over the other. Both are essential staples in his South African lifestyle.

  
  

These light-hearted questions provided a glimpse into the personal side of an agent who is both driven and grounded.

Follow the Success Builders Podcast for More Insightful Conversations with Real Estate Icons!

Tristan’s journey reminds us that success is built on adaptability, hard work, and strategic thinking. His experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in their career, whether in real estate or beyond.

If you found Tristan’s story as inspiring as I did, I encourage you to tune into the Success Builders Podcast. Each episode brings you closer to incredible industry leaders who share their knowledge and experiences to help you grow.

Ready to take the next step in your real estate journey? Connect with me for expert guidance when buying, selling, or investing in South Africa.

Let’s build success together!