UTEP Real Estate Students Tour Retail Hotspots with River Oaks
Why it matters: UTEP Real Estate students got a front-row seat to the business of retail development, touring prime commercial properties and gaining insight from industry leaders at River Oaks Properties.
Driving the news: Commercial real estate students, alongside Real Estate Club members, joined River Oaks for a guided tour of high traffic shopping centers, including El Paseo Marketplace and Eastlake Marketplace. The experience provided a deep dive into property acquisition, leasing strategies, and the mechanics behind building a thriving retail hub.
Behind the scenes:
- On-site learning: Stuart Shiloff, VP of Operations, walked students through River Oaks’ portfolio, breaking down the art of tenant mix, leasing negotiations, and long-term property management.
- Executive insights: The tour wrapped with a lunch from Jersey Mike’s — one of River Oaks’ tenants — followed by a Q&A with Gerald Rubin, Founder and Executive Chairman. He shared his path from real estate investor to corporate leader, including his tenure at Helen of Troy Limited.
- The big takeaway: Successful retail development is more than just location — it’s strategy, vision, and execution.
What’s next: The UTEP Real Estate program continues to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice, connecting students with top-tier professionals shaping El Paso’s commercial landscape.
