Young Professional Q&A: Jake Wilburn

Jake Wilburn with Moriah Brokerage Services has a deep affection for his family, his state, and his clients. He believes in putting people first and loves to help people solve their commercial real estate issues, even when they aren’t straightforward.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: I live and work in Edmond and have called Edmond home for about eight years now.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school? 

A: I originally grew up in Tulsa. After graduating high school in 2013, I attended Abilene Christian University (ACU) for my first 2 years. After feeling drawn back to OK, I transferred to Oklahoma Christian (OC) in Edmond in 2015. I graduated from OC in 2017 with a BBA in Business Management and have lived in Edmond ever since.

Q: What did you do before working with Moriah Brokerage Services?

A: Prior to being employed by Moriah, I completed a handful of internships throughout college and had one career. The first career I found myself after graduation was in the Building Materials Manufacturing industry, during my 5-6 years there, I eventually moved into the Sales Management role. That career would end up being a good transitional posting into Commercial Real Estate Brokerage. However, one of my internships back in 2015 was a perfect fit, I interned for a summer with CBRE at their Dallas office.

Q: How did you get involved with your current organization?

A: I knew I wasn’t planning on being in Building Materials Manufacturing forever, and I always knew I wanted to get back to the Commercial Real Estate field in some capacity. Back in 2019, I was originally scouted for a Commercial Brokerage position but had to turn it down due to various reasons. Well, 2022 rolled around and at this point we have little girl, with another on the way, and pursuing that role at this time felt right. So, I reached back out to the brokerage who had scouted me, and it turned out they were hiring again. One thing led to another, and now I work for Moriah.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A:  There are many things I love about my job. I enjoy who I work with. I enjoy a flexible schedule. I enjoy getting to meet and work with new people in my area.

However, the most enjoyment from my role is derived from doing good service on behalf of my clients. Participating in a successful transaction whether buying, selling, or leasing is like Christmas morning. In most cases, Clients look to upsize, downsize, or start anew, so finding them the best fit isn’t always easy or straightforward, but it is always worthwhile when their pursuits are realized.

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A:  My family comes first, my wife, two daughters, and dog (also female) run my life outside of work, in a good way of course. Regarding personal hobbies, you can usually find me golfing or exercising at my local gym. 

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A:  The best thing about Edmond is how it makes me feel. When I think of Edmond, I think of good people, good schools, good churches, beautiful surroundings, and safety for my family.

Q: What is your number one tip for other professionals, either for work or life in general?

A: Regardless of where you are, in work or in life, put People First. To often we put finances, our hierarchy among peers, or our possessions first. I think you’ll find these come in abundance when you put the Person (and their needs) first.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Teddy Roosevelt. 

This is a quote I’ve adopted over the last few years, and it tends to put things into perspective. Without going in-depth, Apples to oranges, your path is totally different than your peers, no better, no worse, and worrying about it only hurts yourself.