University of Denver Autumn 2025

The People Who Shape Us

Opening Doors

With the help of mentor Jeff Nickless (MBA ’11), grad student John Schrader is laying the building blocks of a successful career in Denver’s tight-knit real estate industry. When John Schrader decided to switch careers and pursue a graduate certificate at the Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management, he knew he had a lot to learn. What he didn’t know was that some of his most valuable lessons would come from a mentor he hadn’t yet met. “I saw an email about the

network can make or break your career. So, for someone like John, mentorship is invaluable—I can help open doors for him and create opportunities that he otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to.” For Nickless, who was mentored by family members and colleagues early in his own career, giving back felt like a natural next step. But the relationship has been mutually beneficial. “John’s focus and drive have inspired me,” he says. “Being a mentor has helped me think creatively about my own leadership. I wouldn’t trade

“Your network can make or break your career. So, for someone like John, mentorship is invaluable—I can help open doors for him and create opportunities that he otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to.” Jeff Nickless (MBA ’11)

mentorship program and jumped on it,” says Schrader. “These kinds of opportunities are a big reason I came to DU. I was looking for guidance—someone to talk to who could help me make sense of the career I was stepping into.”

the experience for anything.” The two agree that mentorship isn’t just about experience—it’s about honesty, humility, and persistence. “I don’t sugarcoat anything,” says Nickless. “I try to give John a

That someone turned out to be Jeff Nickless (MBA ’11), vice president of land acquisition at Toll Brothers, a national homebuilding company. The Burns School’s alumni-student mentoring program paired the two, and from their first early morning coffee, they clicked. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know John,” says Nickless. “He’s a sponge. He listens, asks smart questions, and really wants to understand the industry. It’s refreshing—and it’s challenged me to think more deeply about how to support someone just starting out.” Schrader, who works as a site superintendent for Stone Cloud Design Build, a Denver homebuilder, says their conversations helped him build both knowledge and confidence. “Jeff’s given me an inside look at what different roles are like in the industry, what the day-to day looks like, and even helped me think through job opportunities,” he says. “It’s been invaluable.” In Denver’s tight-knit real estate market, relationships matter. “This city may be growing fast, but it’s still a small world when it comes to real estate,” says Nickless. “Your

real look at what the industry is like—good, bad, and everything in between.” Schrader adds: “For me, it’s about listening, being curious, and respecting Jeff’s time. But it’s also about being persistent. The value of mentorship is there; you just have to show up for it.” Though the formal program has ended, both say the relationship is far from over. “I think this program has created a lifelong friendship for John and me,” says Nickless. “As he continues in his career, I want to keep being an ear for him and help him in any way I can.” Schrader hopes to pay it forward someday by becoming a mentor himself. “My advice for future students is not to leave any doors unopened. The Burns School makes all these resources and opportunities available, and even if you’re not sure what you’re going to get out of it, it’s worth exploring.” 

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At a Stone Cloud Design Build site in Denver, grad student John Schrader (left) and his mentor, Jeff Nickless (MBA ’11), reflect on a relationship grounded in honesty, humility, and persistence.

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2025