CCIM Q & A
By Nicholas Leider
STEPPING ON THE GAS
Considering the fast-paced change faced by commercial real estate professionals in 2022 , Leslie G . Callahan
III , CCIM , CCIM Institute ’ s 2022 president , aims to offer steady , sturdy leadership in bringing the organization through what hopes to be the waning COVID-19 pandemic . President of First Colony Financial Corporation in Atlanta , he earned his CCIM designation in 1982 . He has
Leslie G . Callahan III , CCIM worked extensively with the CCIM Georgia Chapter , serving as its president and subsequently on a variety of institute committees , including as the treasurer and chairman of the Finance Committee . Currently , Callahan also serves on the institute ’ s board of directors and Executive Committee .
We spoke with Callahan about the CRE industry and his goals for CCIM Institute in 2022 .
CIRE : CONSIDERING THE ONGOING UNCERTAINTY AMID THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC , WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IN THE COMING YEAR ?
LESLIE G . CALLAHAN III , CCIM : The economic reality is changing every hour , but inflation , rising interest rates , and increases in construction costs are going to be part of the discussion in 2022 . Even if supply chain issues are addressed , these topics will play a major role in how commercial real estate performs throughout the year .
Recent stimulus bills have put huge amounts of cash into the system . This may be a good time to take a few chips off the table and focus on product types which have good intermediate and long-term prospects like medical , last-mile industrial , and selfstorage . Additionally , large amounts of capital
The management team and staff are laser focused on the designees and candidates . After all , CCIM Institute is all about the value proposition available to its members and potential members .
are being directed to suburban offices as the next big opportunity , followed by hospitality . It will be an interesting time , as trends that began with the onset of the pandemic will either become more entrenched or start to wane . But throughout it all , the nation as a whole will need to keep an eye on any developing COVID-19 variants , as well as the political environment heading into the midterm elections .
CIRE : HOW CAN MEMBERS LEVERAGE CCIM INSTITUTE TO TACKLE THESE UPCOMING CHALLENGES AND IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES ?
CALLAHAN : The three pillars of CCIM Institute are technology , education , and networking . It is our responsibility to encourage members and potential members to use all our technological tools , not just Site To Do Business . Users and buyers / sellers want sophisticated analysis , and they want it presented in a professional manner . For education , the Ward Center for Real Estate Studies is a key resource in the development of our members . The Development Specialty Track also offers a wide range of novel classes on medical office development and self-storage , for example , at a relatively small cost . Our designation curriculum is available virtually and in person , so practitioners can profit from the ever-changing commercial real estate industry . Finally , CCIM Institute members should take advantage of local chapters and attend our annual governance meetings . These networking avenues , along with social media , can help build your business .
CIRE : WHAT AREA WOULD YOU LIKE THE INSTITUTE TO FOCUS ON THIS YEAR ? AND HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT MEMBERS ?
CALLAHAN : The management team and staff are laser focused on the designees and candidates . After all , CCIM Institute is all about the value proposition available to its members and potential members . The more times a member and / or potential member encounters other members , the more chances for growth in productivity and production as
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COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE WINTER 2022