Thanks to a partnership between the Department of Defense Skill-Bridge program and Phoenix West Commercial, U.S. Air Force veteran Brandy Braveboy has a new opportunity as a commercial real estate agent.
A native of Tempe, Braveboy spent 20 years in the military with more than eight years of service overseas. Her interest in commercial real estate was piqued during a flight home to visit family when she caught a glimpse of the view over Tempe Town Lake.
“A long time ago, Tempe Town Lake was a run-down area,” she recalled. “Now it’s an amazing area of the Valley with so many community features. There was even a magazine in my airplane with an article on how Tempe Town Lake is now an attractive submarket for commercial development. I hardly recognized it,” Braveboy said.
Skill-Bridge is a program that establishes training avenues for local military veterans with their career transitions. It helps them to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. Skill-Bridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences and provides service members with an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas.
“There is so much potential in the West Valley commercial real estate market now,” said Bobbie Mastracci, CCIM, SIOR, Designated Broker/Principal of Phoenix West Commercial. “I’m thrilled to support the Skill-Bridge program and to have Brandy joining us as an agent. There are great opportunities for her and other veterans to learn and succeed in this industry.
Mastracci established a connection with the Department of Defense, starting with Luke Air Force Base. She developed an innovative training program that includes commercial real estate buyer/seller and tenant/landlord representation, investments, leasing, and sales training for transitioning military members.
Over the years, Braveboy’s interest and desire to transition into the commercial real estate industry have increased while following the Valley market from overseas and various duty locations. With a strong love for her community, Braveboy is now a resident of Buckeye and eager to contribute her passion and dedication towards commercial real estate growth in the West Valley.
“The Skill-Bridge program provided a list of several businesses that love to support the veterans,” she said, “but I didn’t see anyone from the commercial real estate industry on the list. Living in the West Valley, I knew Phoenix West Commercial was the No. 1 firm, and I knew Bobbie Mastracci had a great reputation. I told myself, ‘that’s where I want to be.’ I want to prove myself and my work ethic not only through my service to my country but towards my community right here in the Valley as well.”
You can learn more about the DOD Skill-Bridge program online https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Ken Moinester Photography.
