Josh Sterling’s journey into real estate wasn’t a straight path—it was shaped by family, friends and a growing appreciation for the impact of economic development.
As a Real Estate Analyst for the Hampton Roads Alliance, and the newest member of the team, he’s now in a role that blends market intelligence, business strategy and community engagement to help the region thrive.
A Family Rooted in Real Estate
Born in Chesapeake and raised in Virginia Beach, Josh grew up surrounded by real estate. With a mom as a residential realtor and a grandfather as a commercial developer, real estate was always part of the conversation.
But like many young people, he wasn’t initially sure what he wanted to do.
That changed when he got to Virginia Tech, where he majored in Commercial Real Estate with a minor in Property Management. Influenced by friends who were studying real estate, he discovered a passion for the industry and set out to explore the many facets of the field.
From Internship to Opportunity
Josh’s first real taste of the industry came during an internship at The Miller Group, a commercial real estate firm. While there, a mentor arranged for him to visit the Hampton Roads Alliance, along with other major businesses in the region.
“That experience stuck with me,” Josh recalls. “I got to see firsthand how the Hampton Roads Alliance supports businesses and drive economic growth.”
After graduating, he spotted a Real Estate Analyst position on the Alliance’s website, applied and got the call.
Today he plays a key role in helping businesses find opportunities in Hampton Roads.
Making an Impact at the Hampton Roads Alliance
In his role, Josh works closely with the Business Intelligence team, providing critical insights that help businesses make informed decisions about investing in the region.
One of the most exciting aspects of his job is seeing major projects come to life—from new industrial spaces and warehouses to food and beverage developments and even the new casino in Portsmouth.
“The Alliance does a great job of advertising the region and helping businesses understand the advantages of being here,” he says. “It’s exciting to see everything come together—workforce, available land, site development—it’s all an investment into the future of Hampton Roads.”
