Trevor Schneider, Assistant Vice President of the Office of Real Estate at the University of Florida, has carved a remarkable path in the commercial real estate industry. With over 20 years of experience, his journey has been shaped by a diverse set of experiences—from military service to brokerage, consulting, and property management. His story is one of adaptability, perseverance, and a passion for real estate that led him to his current role at UF.
From the Military to Real Estate
Trevor’s journey began with a commitment to serve. After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the University of Kentucky, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years. His time in the military offered him the opportunity to live overseas and receive intensive language training at the Presidio of Monterey’s Defense Language Institute, where he spent two years learning Russian. Following this, he was stationed just outside of London, gaining invaluable international exposure and discipline that would later shape his business acumen.
While Trevor had a long-term goal of attending graduate school, he first took an unconventional path—moving to Hawaii and working on a dive boat for two years. It was during this time that he stumbled upon his passion for real estate. He became fascinated with the unique challenges of property development in Hawaii, from its high costs to the impact of its terrain and historical preservation requirements. This newfound interest led him to research top graduate programs, ultimately choosing Georgia State University, which boasted one of the nation’s premier Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) programs.
Building a Foundation in Real Estate
While at Georgia State, Trevor interned with a real estate consulting firm, now known as RCLCO, where he developed expertise in feasibility studies, market analysis, demand projections, and financial analytics. This consulting background gave him a unique ability to quickly assess markets and identify growth opportunities. After graduating, he spent five years in consulting before transitioning into brokerage, working alongside a close friend from college to grow a successful firm.
Trevor eventually took the leap to start his own company, Schneider Real Estate Advisors, LLC, in 2005. Initially, he handled all asset types, from retail to industrial to landlord representation. Atlanta’s booming market provided ample opportunities, but when the Great Recession hit in 2007, Trevor learned a critical lesson in business diversification. He pivoted to working with banks on foreclosures and distressed properties, which introduced him to the world of commercial property management. Although property management provided a steady income, his true passion remained in brokerage—especially tenant representation for leasing and acquisitions.
As he gained more experience, Trevor discovered his niche in data center real estate. Recognizing the growing demand, he established a data center practice in Atlanta, working as more of a consultant than just a broker. This allowed him to get deeply involved in complex deals, adding another layer of expertise to his career.
The Move to Gainesville and UF
By 2018, after nearly two decades of the fast-paced commercial real estate world, Trevor was ready for a new chapter. Having spent years on the daily grind of commission-based brokerage, he was approached with an opportunity that aligned perfectly with his skills and interests—a role at the University of Florida. The position at UF allowed him to integrate his passion for tenant representation with a more structured and strategic approach to real estate.
Transitioning to a salaried position after years in commission sales was an adjustment, but Trevor embraced it. His role at UF has given him the chance to work on meaningful projects that impact the university and the broader Gainesville community. He works closely with various departments, including researchers, doctors, and the College of Arts, helping to facilitate projects that enhance the university’s infrastructure and mission.
One of his notable contributions includes assisting UF researchers with experiments at the Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, Trevor played a key role in establishing a disaster recovery data center in Atlanta, ensuring that Gainesville’s critical data is protected in the event of a catastrophic event.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Community Impact
Trevor is passionate about UF’s role in sparking economic growth, particularly in East Gainesville. He sees the university’s involvement in the Innovation District as just the beginning and hopes to further integrate UF’s real estate strategy with community development initiatives.
For those considering an entrepreneurial journey in commercial real estate, Trevor offers valuable advice: persistence is key, and success often comes from doing the things others are unwilling to do. Simple yet crucial actions—like making yourself available and consistently picking up the phone—can set you apart in the industry.
Trevor Schneider’s journey from the Air Force to commercial real estate and ultimately to the University of Florida is a testament to the power of adaptability and passion. His experiences across multiple facets of the industry have positioned him as a leader in real estate strategy, and his impact at UF continues to shape the future of Gainesville’s commercial landscape.