Commercial Investment Real Estate September/October 2017 | Page 15

My career started as a commercial real estate lender at Wachovia
Bank, and I quickly learned that commercial real estate is all
about relationship building. As a lender, I interacted with many
local municipalities, especially Fulton County government. So
when an opportunity came up, I went to work for Fulton County
[as a real estate manager], and was there from 1998 to 2002.
All of the skill sets I use in my current position, I learned at
Fulton County. I learned real estate engineering, appraisals, how
to value an easement, and how to acquire and dispose of right-
of-way. After that, I went to work for a developer as a develop-
ment manager and built projects from the ground up — a lot of
mixed-use residential over retail, shopping centers, and town-
house developments. From 2004 to 2015, I worked for Bank of
America, advising high net worth individuals on how to invest
in commercial real estate. The MARTA opportunity came up
in 2015. The skill set that MARTA sought were the skills I had
acquired, so everything that I did prepared me for this role.
CIRE: If a commercial real estate professional is
interested in working in mass transit real estate, what
would you suggest?
Slaton: Build relationships and get involved with the local
municipalities. So much collaboration occurs between the transit
authorities, city and county governments, and businesses within
each city or county. Experience in areas such as asset manage-
ment, appraisal, acquisition, relocation, demolition, disposition,
right-of-way, and retail and concessions will allow a commercial
real estate professional to make the transition and be successful
in mass transit real estate.
CIRE: How has the CCIM designation helped you?
Slaton: The designation has equipped me with the skills nec-
essary to make informed investment decisions that pertain to
lease negotiations, market analysis, and financial analysis. Since
CCIMs are recognized as leading experts in commercial invest-
ment real estate, it adds a level of credibility when speaking with
various stakeholders in my market about mass transit real estate.
Now I’m in the process of becoming a CCIM instructor, which
I’m excited about.
Sarah Hoban is a freelance writer based in the
Chicago metro area.
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