The Alfred A. Ring Distinguished Speaker Series brings prominent real estate professionals to campus to speak and interact with UF real estate students and faculty.

Daniel O’Keefe (BSBA ’90, JD ’95) is co-managing partner of the Orlando office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, one of oldest law firms in Florida. He handles real estate, land use and zoning issues. He is also a member of the University of Florida Board of Trustees and served as chair of the South Florida Water Management District, where he worked on Everglades restoration efforts.

In his Oct. 6 presentation, O’Keefe said his career — which also includes serving as a banker and a developer — has been built by cultivating strong relationships and winning others’ trust, including elected officials, investors, and members of nonprofit and governmental groups. He urged career-minded students not to focus so much on getting short-term gains as providing extra value. “Along with helping others you’ll build credibility,” he said. “Consider the long-term play and plant the seeds. You’ll reap the rewards — plus it’s a better way to live.”

James Andrew “Andy” Hogshead, principal of Realty Investor Capital, a boutique real estate equity investment fund, traced his career as a Wall Street investment banker, commercial banker and a build-to-rent housing developer. From 2007 to 2019 he served in top management roles at The Collier Cos., one of the largest owners of apartments in Florida.

Speaking Oct. 27, Hogshead reflected how overall business conditions and “random circumstances” repeatedly provided opportunities and then turned them off over the years. “Random circumstances are going to play an enormous role in your career,” he advised the audience. He noted that the recent rise in interest rates and threat of recession may bring a big shake up the real estate market. “Is it an opportunity or a calamity? Your reaction and planning will help you figure out how you navigate the change that will come.”