CREFC Miami 2025: Young Professionals Network Fosters Career Growth
Networking and attending industry conferences to learn trends and insights are among the most advantageous ways young commercial real estate finance professionals can advance in their careers. This year, Gabriel Rondon, Analyst, Structured Asset Management at Arbor and a CRE Finance Council (CREFC) Young Professionals Network member, was selected as one of the network’s ambassadors at CREFC Miami, giving him a golden opportunity to expand his professional horizons.
CREFC provides a platform for junior CRE finance professionals to foster meaningful business relationships and gain relevant industry knowledge through networking events, seminars and panels. Rondon recently participated in a CREFC Miami recap webinar with the network, where he and fellow members shared their top conference takeaways. Among them, Rondon explained how one conference panel discussed data that show developers are expected to deliver 508,000 new multifamily units in 2025, the highest level of completions since the 1970s. However, completions are expected to significantly decline in the second half of 2026 and 2027, and demand is quickly filling these deliveries.
“As more properties reach completion, investment opportunities will expand, which could increase transactions,” Rondon said. “A higher volume of sales will provide stronger market comparables, enabling investors and appraisers to establish clearer property valuations.”
Other webinar speakers noted the cautious optimism they heard from several panelists and how continued high home prices are just one factor contributing to the multifamily sector’s strength.
Helping Young CRE Professionals Gain Strong Foundations
The Young Professionals Network organizes monthly virtual and in-person educational and networking events for CRE professionals who are 30 years of age or younger, in addition to offering discounted rates to CREFC conferences and seminars. Network members are surveyed by region for ideas for future programming to ensure educational and industry needs are met.
Rondon said that by actively participating in organizations like CREFC, young professionals can gain a competitive edge and open doors to new opportunities.
“But it’s not just about networking — it’s about contributing, learning, and positioning young professionals as thought leaders in the field,” he said. “When we take initiative beyond our day-to-day tasks, we not only elevate our careers but also add significant value to organizations like Arbor.”
Rondon, who joined Arbor in 2024 after graduating from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management, sought resources like the CREFC Young Professionals Network to help grow his CRE finance knowledge.
“I never stop learning because life never stops teaching,” he said. “The learning process isn’t easy, but every day you’re getting one percent better.”
Arbor understands the benefits of providing educational and mentoring opportunities to our team, and many of our employees are also actively involved in mentoring initiatives with organizations like CREFC and Project Destined.
Learn more about the Young Professionals Network in the video below.
Interested in the multifamily real estate investment market? Contact Arbor today to learn about our array of multifamily, single-family rental, and affordable housing financing options or view our multifamily articles and research reports.