A CONVERSATION WITH FLORIDA CCIM CHAPTER , EAST COAST DISTRICT PRESIDENT ,
Erik Johnson , CCIM
Erik Johnson , CCIM , is a seasoned real estate advisor with expertise in various sectors , including retail , office , industrial , land , medical , and more . Johnson brings a high level of professionalism and proficiency to the commercial real estate industry .
Johnson ’ s services cover a wide range of roles , including buyer representation , seller representation , and tenant representation . Whether working with owner-users or investors , Johnson is equipped to provide strategic guidance and personalized solutions tailored to his client ' s specific needs and objectives .
With dual licensure in both Florida and Michigan , Johnson offers comprehensive market knowledge and insights across multiple geographic regions . This allows him to effectively navigate local market dynamics , identify opportunities , and negotiate favorable outcomes on behalf of his clients .
Johnson ’ s dedication to delivering exceptional service , combined with his in-depth understanding of the real estate industry , makes him a trusted advisor for individuals and businesses seeking to achieve their real estate goals . Whether clients are looking to acquire , sell , lease , or invest in commercial properties , Johnson provides expert guidance every step of the way .
He currently serves as a District Representative on the Florida CCIM Chapter ’ s Executive Committee . He served as East Coast District President in 2023 and is doing so again in 2024 . He was the winning ticket holder in The CCIM Institute Foundation ’ s Chapter Member Challenge , winning The Florida CCIM Chapter the grand prize . We wanted to check in with Johnson to learn more about him , his involvement in the Florida CCIM Chapter , and how The CCIM Institute Foundation has impacted his career .
CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE MORE BACKGROUND ON YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS ? I have been in the industry for more than 17 years , transitioning from a career in commercial lending with regional / community banks to commercial real estate sales / leasing . I ’ m the broker / owner of Gator Commercial Real Estate based in Palm Beach Gardens and an associate at Milliken Realty in Ann Arbor , Michigan . I reside in Jupiter , Florida , with my wife Lisa , two sons , Landon ( 13 ) and Hunter ( 2 ), and dog Baxter . My passions include spending time outdoors and in warehouses .
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE CCIM INSTITUTE AND WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A CCIM ? I ’ ve always been impressed by members of The CCIM Institute . From my experience , Designees always seem to stand out in a crowd and particularly in a transaction . I knew those were the people I wanted to do business with . After giving a presentation at an industry meeting in my banker days , I was offered a scholarship by Wayne Kleinstiver , CCIM . Although I didn ’ t fully comprehend the value proposition at the time , I did eventually pursue my Designation after the transition to the brokerage world to help validate and compete . I ’ ve also had several amazing mentors , including Bill Milliken , CCIM , based in Ann Arbor , Michigan .
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS DISTRICT PRESIDENT ?
Our biggest accomplishment was hosting our first-ever commercial real estate symposium in 2023 . We saw an opportunity and organized a gathering of local members to participate in an Economic Forecast . Topics discussed included public policy , affordable housing , and a fivecounty State of the Market featuring Palm Beach , Martin , St Lucie , Indian River , and Okeechobee Counties . It was a sold-out event , and we ’ ll continue building upon its success .
WHAT IS A MAJOR GOAL FOR YOUR DISTRICT THIS YEAR ? Just like a parent wanting the best for their children , we want to leave it better than how we found it . We have exceptional talent within our board and committee teams . My goal is to create space for them to focus on education and networking for our members . We ’ ve recently hired administrative help to support this mission and are fully embracing technology to streamline traditionally clunky volunteer processes . I believe volunteering should be a two-way street and should be considered an investment of our time , not an expense . I respect our team ’ s time and encourage their growth with aplomb .
WHAT KIND OF RESOURCES DOES THE FLORIDA-EAST COAST DISTRICT PROVIDE THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE REGION ? We structure our education and networking events to best help meet our current and future members ' needs . A significant portion of these activities are intended to provide meaningful market knowledge . While this is the mission of many of our chapters / districts , there are a variety of member types we support . For example , Palm Beach County alone generates more agricultural revenue than any other county east of the Mississippi River and is also the budding home to “ Wall Street South .” The four other counties we encompass have unique stories to tell and respective market dynamics .
WHAT IS YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE CCIM FOUNDATION ? The East Coast District is a proud and consistent supporter of The CCIM Institute Foundation . We have 30 scholarships available at a chapter level .
Florida CCIM Chapter encourages attendance and engagement at all The CCIM Institute meetings and events , including mid-year and annual governance meetings , The CCIM Institute ’ s Chapter Officer Training , and the C5 + CCIM Global Summit . The chapter also hosts The Florida CCIM Chapter Meetings in January and August , and their own Chapter Officer Training for incoming leadership , which allows their chapter to network with all of the districts and chapter leadership throughout the state . ■
Scan to get connected and learn more about the Florida CCIM Chapter and its districts .
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