Building Talent and Trust from the Ground Up: How Newcastle Investors Grows Culture with Intention

In this episode of Beyond the Offer, hosts Rosanna Snedeker and Bill Gates sit down with Mark Tumiel, SVP of Human Resources, and JC Rivera, Head of Talent Acquisition at Newcastle Investors, a Chicago-based real estate firm specializing in boutique retail and multifamily living. Together, they’ve created an HR and recruiting partnership rooted in long-term strategy, people-first operations, and deep community ties across the Windy City.

This conversation is full of tactical hiring advice, retention strategies, and perspective for HR and TA leaders building programs from scratch inside fast-moving, high-impact companies.

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From Tactical to Strategic: Building the HR Engine at Newcastle

When Mark joined Newcastle, HR was viewed as largely tactical. His first initiative? Transform the function into a strategic partner with a seat at the table—and bring recruiting fully under HR’s umbrella. Hiring JC as the dedicated Head of Talent Acquisition was a key step in that evolution.

“I needed someone who woke up every day thinking about hiring, brand, and candidate experience. That was JC.” — Mark Tumiel

Together, they’ve built out the infrastructure, tools, and culture necessary to support a complex, growing organization with roles across maintenance, property operations, and corporate functions.

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Talent Strategy in a Two-Brand Business

Newcastle’s hiring needs span two core areas: residential property management (under the Reside Living brand) and corporate real estate development. JC’s approach is consistent across both:

• Support managers like partners, not gatekeepers
• Build community before there’s a job opening
• Align every hire with the company’s long-term vision

Whether it’s sourcing an asset manager or a maintenance technician, the mindset is the same: quality over speed, relationships over transactions.

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Why Trade Talent Is So Hard to Find—and What They’re Doing About It

One of JC’s biggest recruiting challenges? Maintenance and engineering roles. With fewer people entering the trades and high demand across industries, finding skilled talent who also align with Newcastle’s values isn’t easy.

Their solution?

• Day-in-the-life videos embedded in job descriptions
• Referral bonuses targeted at internal networks
• Flexible and inclusive candidate sourcing (even from Uber rides and restaurants)

“You can’t just post and pray. You need to tell the story—and get in front of the right people in the right ways.” — JC Rivera

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Creating Culture with Transparency and Ownership

Mark and JC both emphasize autonomy, clarity, and creativity in how they lead. Instead of micromanaging, they empower their team to take initiative—whether that’s improving candidate experience or integrating DEI more deeply into hiring practices.

Their HR team also plays a central role in communicating organizational change, from leadership transitions to soft rebranding efforts and ensuring employees stay engaged even during slow hiring cycles.

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Real Estate Industry Outlook: Retention, Growth, and AI

Looking ahead to 2025, JC and Mark share what’s top of mind for real estate talent teams:

• Continued focus on internal promotions and mobility
• Anticipating AI’s impact, especially on recruiting workflows
• Preparing for a return to growth in real estate development as the market stabilizes

“Strong leadership will matter more than ever. Every hire we make now has exponential impact.” — JC Rivera

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How They Unwind

Despite the intensity of the work, Mark and JC keep perspective through routines that ground them. Mark’s back on the Peloton three times a week with a family group text for accountability. JC leans into family nights and date nights with his wife—non-negotiable blocks that help reset and recharge.

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Listen to the Full Episode of Beyond the Offer

From leading with empathy to building high-impact recruiting systems from the ground up, Mark and JC share a playbook that’s both strategic and refreshingly human.

Tune in now via Hirewell’s podcast library.