Tobias Bajtel & Julian Männel provide insight into their success stories

How did your success story at Engel & Völkers begin?

Tobias: Engel & Völkers has, in a way, accompanied me my entire life. Anyone who deals with real estate knows the logo, the wordmark, and the colors. The global Engel & Völkers network and exclusive properties simply belong together. You notice this even when you are on vacation, walking past shop windows and always seeing the most beautiful properties in the region on display.

Julian: The network is one of the most important success factors. Whether you work in real estate or in the financing sector – at some point, everyone comes across Engel & Völkers. We gained access back then through our extended circle of friends.

What did your first working week at Engel & Völkers look like?

Julian: After 18 years in the financial sector, I jumped straight into the world of Engel & Völkers Commercial at the turn of the year – so to speak, new year, new job. On the first day, I still asked myself whether my decision had been well thought through. I came from a secure job and did not really feel any pressure to make a change. But by the second day, I already felt completely at home. The large E&V family, the new challenge, and the team adventure truly excited me. By the end of the week, all doubts had disappeared. To this day, it was the best decision!

Tobias: It was challenging because at that time Corona was still very present and the offices were quite empty due to remote work. In addition, there was a demanding onboarding process, which my team made easy for me. I never had any doubts.

What have been your biggest successes and challenges so far?

Tobias: The past year itself was the greatest challenge. But in difficult times, you recognize who is a true partner by your side. We were able to settle in quickly – also thanks to the successful implementation of various team-building measures.

Julian: The year in which we wanted to change was certainly one of the most difficult, but in retrospect also the best year for a change. Many companies had to make a fresh start. Our team managed this quite well. Our success concept consists of seeing ourselves as a unit that supports one another and works toward a common goal. If conflicts do arise, they are addressed openly right away and resolved in the best possible way for all parties.

What goals do you have for the coming year?

Tobias: We want to continue growing as a team – both in terms of the number of employees and in cohesion and process structure. We have an exciting year ahead of us, full of challenges.

Julian: From our perspective, we have currently reached a stable price level. Now it is about looking ahead and making 2023 a successful year for both our team and Engel & Völkers.

How are you supported in achieving these goals?

Julian: We regularly take part in internal training sessions at the Engel & Völkers Academy. At the moment, the focus is, for example, on the topic of “ESG in the real estate industry.” There are also regular training courses to ensure that our employees are always up to date and can provide the best possible advice to their clients.

What are the most important advantages that Engel & Völkers Commercial offers its employees?

Tobias: Especially in Berlin, we have enormous brand recognition and decades of experience in the market. We also like to communicate our market leadership in the sale of apartment buildings, which we have held for a long time. As a result, clients often approach us and say: “You are the biggest and most experienced on the market.” This is, of course, an important factor that gives our new employees confidence. You are not working for a small brokerage, but are part of one of the largest brands in the industry.

Julian: We are like a second home. Our team members enjoy coming to the office and spending time together. On the one hand, this is due to the great people who come together here, and on the other hand, to the many benefits offered to employees: exercising together, barbecues on our rooftop terrace, and team events both in Germany and abroad. I have not experienced this with any other employer before. If you want to be successful together, you should also have fun together.

What do you recommend to young people who are interested in a career at Engel & Völkers Commercial? Do you have any insider tips?

Tobias: A lot of patience and openness toward the team help. The Engel & Völkers platform basically offers all the opportunities needed to be successful. However, it also takes time. You have to understand the market, the district, every neighborhood. To be a good sales consultant, you need to know your city. If you can draw on these resources, you have everything you need to celebrate your first successes.

Julian: Our application process is kept lean. At our applicant days, we also convey within a single day how Engel & Völkers Commercial works and try to make the practical side as tangible as possible. That is why I say: Apply now!