Commercial Investment Real Estate September/October 2013 - Page 15

CIRE: With so many major brokerage
fi rms in the industry these days,
what drove your decision to be an
independent broker?
Ellermann: Since I was young, my father
always encouraged me to pave my own
path. He was my biggest advocate and
toughest critic. He was a pioneer in sales
ef ectiveness consulting and a principal at
William M. Mercer and Ernst & Young due
to his entrepreneurial drive. Af er a long
career in the corporate world, he grew sev-
eral of his own successful companies. In
the months before he passed, he encour-
aged me to uncover the core of what I
wanted in my own life. We discussed the
entrepreneurial opportunities of a career
in commercial real estate — a business
with high risks and high rewards. I started
with a local f rm that I trusted. When I
wanted to take my career to the next level, I
brought a book of business to my own f rm,
and I maintain relationships with every cli-
ent I’ve ever worked with. I thrive on the
boutique essence of entrepreneurship and
having full accountability and control of
my own endeavors. I’m very grateful for the
work ethic and loyalty my father provided
me — which cascades down to every client
and relationship I’ve made in this business.
CIRE: What advantages have the
CCIM education and professional
network offered you in the short time
you’ve been a designee?
Ellermann: T e education has made me a
better commercial real estate professional,
and the CCIM network has put me in a
position to grow in my career. As an inde-
pendent practitioner, I wouldn’t have the
wherewithal to meet the kind of profession-
als I have since earning the designation. For
example, as a volunteer at the CCIM booth
during the International Council of Shop-
ping Centers RECon 2013, I had an oppor-
tunity to work with and meet fellow des-
ignees and other major hitters with global
brokerages simply by promoting the pin and
the CCIM network.
My overall experience with the CCIM
Institute has been the highlight of my career
thus far. I’ve learned from, networked with,
and befriended best-in-class instructors and
colleagues who’ve opened doors to greater
opportunity.
CIRE: What advice can you offer to
others who are just getting started in
the industry?
Ellermann: Creative opportunities exist in
all market cycles.
Jennifer Norbut is senior editor of Commer-
cial Investment Real Estate. If you have a
story worth sharing in CCIM Q&A, send it to
[e-mail].
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