This fall we welcomed Jack Wallace as the newest member of the Center for Real Estate Studies Advisory Board. Read more about Jack’s experience and vision for real estate at TU.
Can you tell us your background and what made you become interested in real estate?
I graduated from TU with a Marketing degree in 1989 and began my career working for renowned interior designer Charles Faudree. His international acclaim and numerous publications provided me with invaluable insights into the design world. Growing up with a father in construction, I was familiar with building projects, but this role allowed me to explore the design aspect deeply.
After five years with Charles, I launched my own design business, which I successfully ran for 15 years. During college, I also obtained my Real Estate license and sold investment properties to family members. As the internet transformed how people accessed design materials, I decided to return to Real Estate. I partnered with John Sawyer to create the Sawyer Wallace Home Collection, and together, we became the top-selling team at Chinowth and Cohen Realtors for several years.
Combining my Marketing degree and design experience has enabled me to offer exceptional value to clients in the Real Estate market, and I’ve truly enjoyed this journey.
You’ve been appointed as a new member of TU’s Center for Real Estate. What made decide to join this organization?
I have a deep passion for Tulsa and the University, and I’m excited about the opportunity to use my background to help students prepare for successful careers in Real Estate. There’s often a glamorous portrayal of this profession in the media, but I’m eager to provide students with a more realistic perspective on the field I love.
I believe that Real Estate is a fantastic career choice for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I’m particularly enthusiastic about the chance to help broaden diversity within the profession.
How do you see TU’s Center for Real Estate growing in the next few years?
I’m eager to explore what the program currently offers and identify ways we can enhance practical experiences for students, preparing them to enter the Real Estate business with confidence. Hands-on experience across all facets of the industry is crucial, especially since many young people may lack firsthand experience with home buying or mortgages. By providing a comprehensive education, we can help them build the credibility they need to succeed early in their careers.
What are some fun things you like to do in your spare time?
I am a co-founder of the Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp, and I’m proud to continue helping run this program as we celebrate our 10th year. Each summer, we welcome aspiring young performers from around the world to Oklahoma. Last year, we had students from five different countries join us for 11 days of intensive Musical Theater instruction led by professionals from New York and Los Angeles, many of whom are Tony and Emmy award winners.
One of the core values of our camp is teaching gratitude. Each day, I conclude our sessions with an hour dedicated to conversations and workshops focused on living in gratitude. Our goal is to nurture not only talented performers but also amazing, happy individuals. Many of our past students have gone on to work professionally in the arts, while others have become inspiring members of their communities. I take immense pride in being a part of their journeys.
If you could go back in time to your early twenties, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell my twenty-something self that everything will be okay. No matter what life throws your way, you always have yourself, and you can always discover gratitude and love. It’s not a question of if hard times will come, but rather when. Just keep moving forward and continue to find beauty in yourself and those around you.