Igniting Opportunities: Flyers in Real Estate Sparks Student Success : University of Dayton, Ohio

Real estate is a dynamic industry with endless opportunities, and a new student organization at the University of Dayton (UD) School of Business Administration (SBA) is helping students capitalize on that potential. Flyers in Real Estate (F.I.R.E.), founded by students passionate about property investment, is connecting students with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed. From workshops and industry speaker events to mentorship programs, F.I.R.E. plans to light the path for students interested in building successful careers in real estate.

The real estate industry offers a wide array of career opportunities, but many students may not know how to break into this competitive field. F.I.R.E. was created to bridge that gap by offering SBA students the chance to learn directly from industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and build a network of mentors. The organization not only sparks an interest in real estate by broadening students’ knowledge of the industry but also helps them develop the skills and connections necessary to thrive.

Flyers in Real Estate was founded in the summer of 2024 by Jackson Needham (finance ’26), Adam Hoffman (marketing-management ’26), and Charlie Carr (finance ’25), who now lead the organization as president, vice president, and vice president of finance, respectively. From the beginning, the team set out to create a space where like-minded students could explore various aspects of real estate and connect with industry professionals.

Founder and President Jackson Needham shared his vision: “As a driven student with ambitions to succeed both professionally and academically, I founded Flyers in Real Estate to give UD students more exposure to the real estate industry. During the spring of my sophomore year, while networking with industry professionals before leaving for a study abroad semester in Australia, I realized that many other universities with established business schools had real estate clubs. I knew that UD could benefit greatly from such a club, as real estate is an essential facet of the business world.” Needham then enlisted the help of his motivated friends, Adam Hoffman and Charlie Carr, who handled much of the groundwork for Flyers in Real Estate while Needham was abroad.

SBA business courses provide students with exposure to a broad range of career possibilities, and the addition of a real estate organization like F.I.R.E. further enhances their opportunities. By offering real estate as another component in their arsenal, students can expand their skill set and career options, adding a valuable tool to their professional toolbox.

Flyers in Real Estate has already garnered significant interest, with more than 75 students signing up within just two tabling sessions at campus events. This early success is a promising indicator of the club’s potential to thrive. The team is eager to provide value to its members by offering professional experience, real estate investing insights, and valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals.

“We aim to provide value to all of our members, no matter what field of study they are pursuing. We hope our members will gain professional experience, learn more about real estate investing and the commercial real estate industry, attain internships, and help build the legacy of Flyers in Real Estate from this point onward. Real estate is such a powerful wealth-building tool that we believe anyone can harness and understand to help achieve their goals. Also, for students considering a career in the real estate industry, we hope to bring insight into different facets of the industry through our guest speakers and events,” Needham said.

Looking ahead, F.I.R.E. plans to expand its reach by collaborating with real estate programs at other universities and offering students hands-on experiences, such as site visits to development projects around Dayton. The organization also aims to leverage the SBA’s extensive alumni network by bringing real estate professionals back to campus to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders. With a focus on long-term success, Flyers in Real Estate is committed to becoming a permanent fixture at the University of Dayton, ensuring future students have opportunities to explore and thrive in the ever-evolving world of real estate.