Industry jump to JLL reinvigorates sales professional

Jackie Shropshire, Senior Vice President at JLL-Chicago, spent 18 years nurturing a career in medical sales. A natural connector, Jackie enjoyed building personal relationships and developing an extensive network. Driven by his love for new challenges and understanding of what pushes people, he ran a thriving business. For most, leveraging years of industry knowledge and relationships would be satisfying enough, but Jackie isn’t someone interested in coasting through life or remaining comfortable.

“Complacency doesn’t drive success; being pushed does,” Jackie says.

Jackie’s network put him in touch with JLL. A dear friend and successful JLL industrial broker­ floated the idea that Jackie’s talents in medical sales could serve him well in real estate.

Jackie Shropshire and his family. 

At first, Jackie wasn’t convinced. Why jump ship mid-career to work in a completely new industry? After many conversations, he began to see how JLL could be the right fit for him. 

“A majority of previous companies I worked for have always been centered around tech and innovation,” Jackie said. “In JLL, I saw an organization not only committed to tech and innovation, but to developing best practices around those initiatives. I recognized the opportunity for growth within the organization, and I saw JLL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion as huge sparks to consider the transition from my medical sales background to real estate. I had not yet been in an organization as committed to tech, innovation, growth and D&I as JLL. They’re not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.”

Jackie embraced the challenge and took the risk of a mid-career industry change. His talent for building relationships and providing essential solutions for his clients segued easily into his new career and continues to be his service focus. He connected what he loved best about medical sales into real estate, focusing on life sciences and integrated services.

“The best years of my life in sales were on the ground, focusing on the day in and day out of serving my customers. JLL lets me do that, but with more growth opportunities. I can’t think of another industry that provides me with that incentive,” Jackie said. “I feel alive again, and motivated knowing a new opportunity could present itself at any time.”

Even though Jackie didn’t have extensive real estate experience, he found a nurturing atmosphere and supportive team of mentors to assist with his growth and learning. He appreciates how his JLL colleagues recognized the strengths he brings to the table.

For Jackie, the best part of taking the risk has been the new relationships he’s built. “At JLL, I’ve surrounded myself with successful people who will only help me achieve my goals and push me to succeed. JLL set me up with mentors, we have consistent calls analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. We are always thinking about professional growth. JLL has that kind of winning culture and mentality.”

Today, Jackie is the Senior Vice President, leading JLL’s Chicago Industrial business. As the Industrial lead, Shropshire oversees day-to-day operations for the Chicago region, including managing a team of more than 50 professionals and pursuing integrated business development opportunities.