Rainwater Helps UA Little Rock Students Dress For Success at National Real Estate Competition
A group of UA Little Rock students will compete in a national real estate competition in style, thanks to the generosity of Little Rock Business Owner Paul Rainwater.
For the second year in a row, Rainwater, owner of Q Clothier in the Promenade at Chenal, is donating his time and skills to provide custom business outfits for a team of UA Little Rock students competing in the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s Annual Real Estate Challenge in April.
The competition, held in Chicago, challenges students to develop a real estate proposal for a designated site. UA Little Rock’s team has a strong track record, winning the competition two years ago and securing second place last year. This year’s project focuses on a 10-acre site in the Bronzeville area of Chicago, previously home to a hospital.
Rainwater, who has been in the clothing business for more than 50 years, is outfitting the team with custom black suits and white shirts.
“A crisp black suit and white shirt is so clean and classic, and they can use it for other events in the future,” Rainwater said. “If you look good, you play good. I truly believe that.”
Senior construction management major Jacob Ivy is excited about both the competition and his new suit.
“I’ve always had trouble with clothes fitting, so it’s nice to get a measured suit,” Ivy said. “I’m about to graduate and start a new job at Baldwin & Shell, so I’m sure I’ll be using the suit for many years to come.”
Warren Hoyt, a senior finance major, Donaghey Scholar, and member of the Little Rock Wrestling team, echoed the excitement.
“It’s pretty cool to get a new suit. It will be great to have for my career and work,” Hoyt said. “Reid and I are roommates, and we are both excited to get custom suits because we’re on the job market this year. I am especially excited about attending a job fair before the competition”
Hoyt’s roommate and fellow team member Reid Nelson, also a senior finance major, said the competition has been a learning experience.
“I’ve never done anything like it before,” Nelson said. “I have no experience in real estate previously, and I am meeting a lot of new people and gaining a lot of new experience. Getting a new suit is awesome. I only have one other suit from my senior year of high school, so this is great.”
Adison Cummings, a senior double major in architectural and civil engineering, is the only returning team member from previous competitions.
“It’s weird being the only person on the team who’s done it before, but it’s exciting to experience it with a brand-new team and fresh sets of eyes,” Cummings said. “I really made good use of the suit I got last year, and I think the all-black outfit will be nice for job interviews, weddings, and any type of outings where a nice outfit is required.”
Rainwater said he is honored to support the students in this way.
“It makes me feel like I’m a part of community efforts, and it’s a skill that I can help others with,” he said. “I am just appreciative of being a part of the team and the school.”
The UA Little Rock team will compete in Chicago on April 5-6, bringing fresh ideas and strong preparation to the challenge along with a sharp new look to match.