CIRE : WHAT SUPPORT STRUCTURES HAVE HELPED YOU DURING THIS PROCESS ? HAVE YOU RECEIVED HELP FROM COLLEAGUES , MENTOR FIGURES , ETC .? IS THERE A CCIM WHO INSPIRES YOU ?
GENTRY : My husband , Bryan , has been a huge support for me and has helped me every step of the way in managing our CRE business . There are many other seasoned CRE agents in my area who have been helpful as well . Travis Dimond , the vice president of Berkshire Hathaway here in Billings , Mont ., has been the most inspiring commercial real estate agent I have met so far . His knowledge of the market and openness to communicate has been a huge asset to me .
CIRE : AS A CRE PROFESSIONAL IN MONTANA , WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN A PRIMARILY RURAL MARKET ? WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT WORKING IN BIG SKY COUNTRY ?
GENTRY : The biggest challenge as a CRE professional is just keeping up with the pace of business . Our state stayed open during the pandemic . All aspects of the Billings real estate market exploded . Businesses and people flocked here . I have been contacted by multiple health care providers and industries looking to get a foothold in our market . I signed three leases in one day at the height of the leasing activity .
What do I appreciate the most about working in the Big Sky ? I love the people here — they are salt of
I believe the best investment one can make is in themselves . Learning how to financially analyze real estate is how my father built our family ’ s CRE business . the earth and hardworking . I love watching my hometown grow into a thriving economy . I love being a part of that growth by offering quality commercial space at a competitive rate .
CIRE : IS THERE ONE PARTICULAR DEAL THAT HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY INTERESTING OR UNIQUE IN YOUR RECENT CAREER ? WHAT MADE IT SO SPECIAL OR INTERESTING ? WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN ?
GENTRY : We had about 4,500 sf of retail space on a busy street that had been vacant for years . My father had been adamant to not reduce it down due to parking concerns and splitting of utilities . He just knew someone would need that size of a space . The smaller retail spaces were leasing up quickly , but no one was biting on this property . I had shown the space multiple times . Then one day , the eventual tenant breezed in and loved every part of the large space — it was exactly what she needed . Less than 48 hours later , we signed a long-term lease . I learned that real estate can be a roller coaster and to not give up , always trust your instinct , don ’ t take things personally , or get discouraged . You might be one phone call away from a tremendous deal !
Nicholas Leider
Senior content editor for Commercial Investment Real Estate Contact him at nleider @ ccim . com .
Become a Development Expert
CCIM Institute ’ s Development Specialty Track program provides commercial real estate developers , investors , and consultants with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of development — from due diligence to disposition .
Plus , several courses in the program are also available on demand in an online , self-paced format , allowing you to fit your professional development into the tightest of schedules .
Upcoming Courses
RE Development : Land Development Oct 11 & 13 | Online Instructor-Led
Introduction to Development Workshop Nov . 7 , 9 , 11 , 14 , 16 & 18 | Virtual
RE Development : Building Development Nov . 8 & 10 | Online Instructor-Led
RE Development : Building Renovation Dec . 5 & 7 | Online Instructor-Led
RE Development : Land Packaging Dec . 12 & 14 | Online Instructor-Led
To learn more , visit www . ccim . com / dev-track
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