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In Their Own Words: Wes Rogers '95
Editor's Note: Athens Academy alumnus Wes Rogers '95 was recently featured in the new "In Their Own Words" section in the spring issue of Accent. Due to space limitations, we were unable to print Mr. Rogers' article in its entirety, so we are pleased to make it available here. Special thanks to Mr. Rogers for participating in this wonderful spotlight feature!
I am President and CEO of Landmark Properties, a vertically integrated real estate company specializing in the development, investment, management and construction of student housing communities across the country. With approximately $700 million of student housing currently under construction, Landmark was recently recognized as the largest developer of student housing in the country.
I am President and CEO of Landmark Properties, a vertically integrated real estate company specializing in the development, investment, management and construction of student housing communities across the country. With approximately $700 million of student housing currently under construction, Landmark was recently recognized as the largest developer of student housing in the country.
After graduating from Athens Academy in 1995, I attended the University of the South (Sewanee) for two years then transferred to UGA where I received my BBA in Finance. After four years in the working world, I went back to UGA to get my MBA. Upon obtaining my MBA in May 2004, I then co-founded Landmark Properties.
Athens Academy provided me a great foundation for success in college and my business career. More specifically, the math and writing skills I acquired at Athens Academy provided me with a leg up over most of my contemporaries in college and beyond.
What advice would you give to a current student at Athens Academy who might want to pursue a similar career?
[At Landmark], our hiring criteria varies on what position we’re looking to fill. That said, we hire a lot of young people, and for most entry level positions, I generally look for naturally intelligent, hardworking people with strong math skills and a decent understanding of finance and real estate. My recommendation would be to not only make good grades, but to also get a job while in school. There are a lot of students with great GPAs, but we look for motivated students who worked while in college. This exemplifies the strong work ethic we look for and allows one to pick up some real working experience.
What in your life makes you most proud?
I’m most proud of my family—my wife and two boys. I’m also very proud of the team that we’ve built at Landmark. We’ve got a great group of hard-working, smart, professionals who conduct themselves with the utmost of integrity while also maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all these people around me.
What was your first job and what is your favorite part of your current job?
My first job was working at a car wash during the summer after my senior year of high school. During college, I interned for a large real estate development firm, Archstone Communities, which helped me figure out what I wanted to do after graduation. My first “real” job after college was as a Financial Analyst for Wachovia in their Corporate and Investment Banking Group. I did this for about a year before striking out on my own. While I learned a lot about underwriting real estate in my first job, it also helped me realize what I didn’t want to do.
My favorite part of my job would be recognizing opportunities that we ultimately turn into reality. It’s very rewarding for us to come up with an idea and turn it into a fully operational student housing complex that meets our financial projections.
Athens Academy
Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. For over 50 years, Athens Academy has pursued its mission of Excellence with Honor through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership.
