Commercial Investment Real Estate March/April 2017 | Page 15

Suddenly, exclamation points and bold caps are appearing. That’s generally when I pick up the phone and call one of these peo- ple and say, “The problem is not going to be solved via email.” Instead, schedule a meeting and sit face-to-face with the person. That way, you can figure out a solution. CIRE: What advice do you have for millennials considering a career in commercial real estate? Berry: For those who want a career in real estate, commercial real estate is a great place to start because they get a wide playing field and a broad vision of what the business is all about without having direct accountability. It is in that environment that they can see what it takes to nurture relationships, determine bud- geting, provide financial reporting, and assist with construction management. They get to touch all these things without being necessarily responsible for them. These experiences help them to decide if it is a career path they want to pursue. CIRE: Through your many years working in the commercial real estate industry, what advice do you have for being a successful leader and mentor? Berry: A good friend of mine, Bob Six, chief operating officer at Zeller Realty Group in Chicago, suggested thinking about men- torships as a two-way street. Instead of a mentorship in which the experienced person was always giving to the inexperienced person with no expectation of getting anything back, Bob says, “How can you help me with technology? Or, how can you help me with social media?” So it becomes a more dynamic relationship. That approach is how I have adapted and modeled my mentorship plan. CIRE: How has the CCIM designation helped you in your career path? Berry: When you look at the key components of the CCIM program, it is education, networking, and the technology tools. But No. 1 is the education. CCIM training is a fantastic edu- cation, and I still review my materials when I think I need a refresher. Second is the networking side of CCIM Institute. I have developed lasting relationships since becoming a CCIM desig- nee. These relationships have been both friendships and business partnerships. Perhaps the crowning achievement of my CCIM relationship building efforts is meeting my wife Polly Berry, CCIM. I owe so many things to CCIM Institute, both person- ally and professionally. Gina Orlandi is marketing coordinator at CCIM Institute. Build Your Own Vacation Giveaway THE CCIM FOUNDATION’S MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR 2017 Two lucky winners will each receive a $5,000 voucher for a dream vacation. You choose your destination, your itinerary, and your timetable. CCIM Institute members can enter to win by donating $100 or more, to the CCIM Foundation. Winners will be announced at the CCIM Fall Governance Meetings in Toronto, Oct. 14-18. You do not need to be present to win! Contact [email protected] to get your donation form. Prizes sponsored by: Your donation will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.The CCIM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. CCIM.COM March | April 2017 13