We recently had the opportunity to connect with Jayson Pocius, a dynamic professional whose career seamlessly weaves together a background in sports, education, and real estate. Known for his expertise in land acquisition and his passion for real estate design, Jay Pocius shared insights into his professional journey, personal values, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Jayson Pocius is a multifaceted individual with a diverse background spanning sports, education, and real estate. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Jayson’s passion for sports was inspired by the Chicago Bulls’ legendary success in the 1990s. This enthusiasm for teamwork and strategy eventually carried over into his professional pursuits.
Jayson earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Roosevelt University between 2008 and 2011. Following this, he obtained an MBA from Loyola University Chicago from 2013 to 2015, equipping him with the academic foundation to embark on a career that combined his love for design and business.
Jayson’s transition into real estate began with establishing several LLCs for rental properties in Chicago. By delving into real estate analytics and investment strategies, he cultivated a deep understanding of property acquisition and management. Today, Jayson Pocius holds a pivotal role in land acquisition at KB Home, where he analyzes, acquires, and underwrites future residential developments.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jayson’s passion for basketball continues. He previously served as Special Assistant to the Head Coach for Roosevelt University’s Men’s Basketball team and remains an avid college basketball enthusiast. In his free time, he enjoys playing beach volleyball and pursuing real estate design and investing.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
I started investing in real estate with rental properties, which sparked my passion for design and interior aesthetics. I initially began my college journey at UNLV, majoring in architecture, but later switched to finance, which gave me a broader understanding of business operations.
Reading extensively about real estate further fueled my interest. A key influence has been Hasani Steele, a friend and mentor. His attention to detail, high-quality standards, and design innovation inspired me to learn what it takes to develop properties from the ground up. Watching Hasani’s approach to gentrifying areas like Bronzeville in Chicago showed me the transformative power of thoughtful real estate development.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
I realized I could merge my passion for design and finance by focusing on property investments. Establishing LLCs and managing rental properties in Chicago taught me valuable lessons about risk, opportunity, and the impact of real estate on communities.
How would you describe your personal and professional values?
I value integrity, creativity, and a commitment to quality. Professionally, I strive for excellence in every project, ensuring the results positively impact communities. Personally, I believe in balance—working hard but also making time for family, hobbies, and self-care.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Embrace change and the opportunities it brings. Don’t be afraid to pivot from a path that doesn’t fulfill you. Real estate is where my passion lies, and it has brought me both success and happiness. Networking and building relationships early on is another lesson I’d stress—they are invaluable for career growth and development.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?
I take breaks to reset mentally, often engaging in physical activities like weightlifting, hiking at Red Rock Canyon, or playing beach volleyball. These moments help me refocus on the bigger picture and approach challenges with renewed energy.
How do you define success?
To me, success is about achieving financial freedom while loving what you do. It’s also about maintaining a healthy work-life balance—working hard but also being present for family, hobbies, and relationships. Success means creating a positive impact through your work while enjoying personal fulfillment.
Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader you consider your greatest example and inspiration? Why?
Hasani Steele of the Steele Consulting Group is a major influence. I’ve had the privilege of working with him for four years, focusing on gentrification projects in Chicago’s south side neighborhoods. His level of detail and commitment to quality is unparalleled. Watching him transform communities with thoughtful design has been inspiring.
Another inspiration is Ryan Serhant from Million Dollar Listing New York. Ryan’s journey from starting with nothing to launching his own brokerage resonates with me. His drive to lead one of New York’s top real estate brokerages is a testament to perseverance and vision.
Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?
I support several organizations, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and Roosevelt University’s Men’s Basketball program. Additionally, I’m passionate about addressing overlooked communities. Currently, I’m working on projects on the eastside of Las Vegas, aiming to bring much-needed development and revitalization to the area.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
Building and managing several real estate LLCs in Chicago stands out as a major achievement. It required balancing financial risks with design creativity and taught me the value of strategic decision-making. Additionally, my work with KB Home in land acquisition has allowed me to contribute to impactful residential projects.
How do you see the future of real estate development evolving?
The future of real estate lies in sustainability, community-oriented design, and technology integration. Developers must consider environmental impact and prioritize building communities that foster connection and growth. Innovations in smart home technology and data-driven analytics will also play a significant role in shaping the industry.
What’s Next for Jay Pocius?
I plan to continue growing within KB Home while expanding my personal real estate portfolio. My focus remains on creating meaningful developments that positively impact communities, both in Chicago and Las Vegas. Additionally, I aim to mentor aspiring professionals in real estate, sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
We would like to thank Jayson Pocius for sharing his insights and experiences with our readers. Through his dedication to design, real estate, and community impact, Jay exemplifies the qualities of a true innovator and visionary in the field.
