Early Lessons in Ownership
John Boyett didn’t learn real estate from textbooks. He learned it in Napa Valley, California, watching his father fix units, manage tenants, and protect the value of everyday rental properties. Those early lessons—about ownership, accountability, and treating people fairly—became the foundation of a career that would eventually place him at the helm of CBRE’s top Multifamily Investment Sales team in Los Angeles County.
Long before leading complex transactions, Boyett understood that real estate is ultimately about people.
From the Football Field to the Marketplace
Before his career in investment sales, Boyett’s first proving ground was the football field. At the University of Oregon, he was a four-year starter, three-time captain, and a key contributor on multiple championship teams.
After college, he took that discipline to the professional level, playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, and Ottawa Redblacks. The experience sharpened his mental toughness and reinforced habits that still define him today.
“Preparation is everything,” Boyett often says.
That mindset carried seamlessly into real estate. Just as football requires studying film and understanding opponents, success in multifamily investment sales requires deep market knowledge, precise data, and an ability to anticipate client needs before they arise.
A Day Built on Discipline
Boyett’s days still reflect the structure of an athlete.
He starts early—often before sunrise—using the quiet hours to review market reports, respond to emails, and identify the three priorities that will define his day. Client calls and property tours fill his mid-morning, when his energy is highest, while afternoons are reserved for negotiations and follow-up.
Before the day ends, he checks in with his team and then disconnects to spend time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two young children.
“Productivity isn’t about doing everything,” he says. “It’s about doing the right things, over and over.”
Consistency Creates Trust
Within just a few years of entering the industry, John Boyett closed more than $500 million in transactions and earned CBRE’s Senior Vice President title after only one year.
Yet he attributes his success less to momentum and more to consistency.
His approach is simple: show up prepared, follow through, and build long-term partnerships instead of short-term wins.
“People remember honesty and follow-through,” he explains. “Most business comes from relationships, not transactions.”
Turning Ideas Into Execution
Boyett brings a practical mindset to innovation. Whether developing a new investment strategy or refining a marketing approach, he starts by writing things down, breaking concepts into steps, and inviting input from his team.
Small-scale testing comes first, followed by refinement and execution—much like building a playbook.
For him, the process is just as important as the outcome.
Watching the Future of Los Angeles Real Estate
Looking ahead, Boyett is particularly energized by the rise of adaptive reuse.
In markets like Los Angeles, where land is scarce, transforming underutilized properties into housing or mixed-use developments represents both a creative challenge and a sustainable solution. It’s a trend he believes will shape the city’s future.
“It combines creativity with sustainability,” he says. “That’s exciting.”
Leadership Through Teamwork
Boyett’s leadership style is rooted in humility and collaboration—lessons reinforced early in his career.
At one point, trying to handle too much on his own cost him a deal. The experience taught him that success isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about trusting others and building a strong team.
Delegation, mentorship, and teamwork are now central to how he operates.
Mastering Yourself, Not Just the Market
Ask Boyett what separates great professionals, and patience is the recurring theme.
Early on, he felt pressure to move fast and win quickly. Over time, he learned that lasting success comes from consistency, self-control, and staying in the game longer than most.
He holds one belief that often surprises people: competition isn’t about beating others.
“It’s about mastering yourself,” he says.
That mindset shapes how he measures progress—on the field, in business, and in life.
The Fundamentals Never Go Out of Style
When pressure builds or focus slips, Boyett keeps his response simple: step outside, take a short walk, and slow the pace. Not every problem needs an immediate answer, and clarity often comes with space.
For Boyett, the fundamentals never change:
- Prepare relentlessly.
- Write things down.
- Value relationships.
- Build strong teams.
- Make time for what matters most.
In a business defined by numbers and negotiations, John Boyett stands out by proving that the strongest results still come from the simplest fundamentals: discipline, trust, and people.
Pallavi Singal is the Vice President of Content at ztudium, where she leads innovative content strategies and oversees the development of high-impact editorial initiatives. With a strong background in digital media and a passion for storytelling, Pallavi plays a pivotal role in scaling the content operations for ztudium’s platforms, including Businessabc, Citiesabc, and IntelligentHQ, Wisdomia.ai, MStores, and many others. Her expertise spans content creation, SEO, and digital marketing, driving engagement and growth across multiple channels. Pallavi’s work is characterised by a keen insight into emerging trends in business, technologies like AI, blockchain, metaverse and others, and society, making her a trusted voice in the industry.
