02-16-2026
Steve Cook, managing director of investments at Kennedy Wilson, joined Purdue’s Dean V. White Real Estate Scholars for dinner on February 5 to share career insights and advice drawn from more than two decades in commercial real estate. The informal gathering gave students a rare opportunity to engage directly with a senior industry leader, hear real-world perspectives on today’s market and learn what it takes to build a successful career in the field.
Cook discussed the early stages of his career, which began at Schnitzer West, where he gained hands-on experience across all aspects of real estate transactions. He later moved to Kennedy Wilson, a global real estate investment firm with $31 billion in assets under management and core platforms in rental housing and industrial real estate. In his current role, Cook specializes in investment strategy and deal execution.
Throughout the discussion, Cook emphasized the critical role that networking has played in both launching and advancing his career. He encouraged students to be proactive in building professional relationships and to seek out opportunities to learn from experienced mentors. He also shared insights on navigating competitive markets, particularly in the industrial sector, and stressed the importance of perseverance and adaptability in an industry shaped by constant change.
Cook’s experiences highlighted how career paths in real estate are rarely linear. Instead, success often depends on being open to new opportunities, learning from setbacks and developing a strong professional network that can provide guidance and support over time.
The dinner was an exclusive professional development event for Dean V. White Real Estate Scholars, designed to connect students with industry leaders and prepare them for future leadership roles in commercial real estate. Events like this complement the academic curriculum by giving students direct exposure to real-world practice and career trajectories.
