CCIM CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT
By Nicholas Leider
DEBBIE BARBER
Debbie Barber
Self-starters , go-getters , doers — whatever the term — commercial real estate attracts the type of person who enjoys staying busy . But even among an energetic cohort like CRE professionals , Debbie Barber is not one to let a moment go by idly . A lifelong North Carolina resident , the commercial broker with Kittrell & Armstrong is active in her church , volunteers with the local fire and rescue department , assists in supporting homeless individuals in the area , and even wrote her first children ’ s book in 2016 .
She ’ s also hoping to earn the CCIM designation in 2022 , having completed all the course requirements and submitted her portfolio for review . Commercial Investment Real Estate spoke with Barber about her experiences in CRE and how she juggles so much — all while making time to hang out with Bailey , her Yorkie puppy .
CIRE : WHAT EXPERIENCE , PROFESSION- ALLY AND PERSONALLY , LED YOU TO SEEK CCIM DESIGNATION ?
DEBBIE BARBER : I became very interested in land development . I purchased a beautiful 20-acre tract of land near Waynesville , N . C ., and developed it into a residential subdivision in 2006 . I really enjoyed that project and all the dynamics that went into the planning process . I sold it in 2007 and moved from the mountains to Roanoke Rapids , N . C ., where I experienced my first taste of dabbling in the commercial sector . I was instantly hooked . It was definitely an eye-opening experience and one that laid the foundation for my career as a commercial broker . The real estate firm where I was employed was a residential firm , and none of the brokers worked in the commercial sector . I knew the only way for me to be successful was to obtain a formal education . I began seeking ways to obtain more knowledge regarding maneuvering commercial real estate acquisitions , dispositions , and leases . I found CCIM Institute and was very impressed with all that it had to offer . I immediately enrolled and found a wealth of information in the curriculum . It was like drinking water from a fire hose , but it gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to continue to pursue my career as a commercial broker . In 2009 , due to circumstances beyond my control , I left my career in real estate and returned to the legal profession . But in 2016 , the owners of Kittrell and Armstrong approached me about an upcoming position in their firm . I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to work with such a fantastic group of brokers . I call this my pie-in-the-sky job . Not that it is so easy — it is just so enjoyable !
CIRE : WHAT WAS THE AHA ! MOMENT WHEN YOU KNEW IT WAS WORTH THE TIME AND EFFORT ?
BARBER : When I initially enrolled in CCIM Institute in 2007 , I was unaware of the true value of the designation . I enrolled solely for the purpose of gaining knowledge of the dynamics of commercial real estate transactions . However , since joining Kittrell and Armstrong , I have had the opportunity to work alongside so many great CCIM designees . I have found the designation provides a much higher level of professionalism — a level that I definitely strive to obtain .
CIRE : HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO PUT YOUR EDUCATION TO USE ? HOW HAS THE DESIGNATION CURRICULUM IMPACT- ED YOUR PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES ?
BARBER : I have been so fortunate to be able to have opportunities to apply all that I learned through the CCIM curriculum in working with clients in day-to-day transactions . The courses have provided me with the knowledge necessary to evaluate investment assets for our clients , to be able to discuss those evaluations , and to provide the client with the information necessary for them to make an informed decision regarding whether to purchase , sell , or hold an investment . This is not a skill set I had prior to completing the CCIM curriculum .
CIRE : WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHAL- LENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD CCIM DESIGNATION ?
BARBER : The most challenging aspect for me has been my timeline to complete the curriculum . I completed several of the courses prior to leaving the real estate profession in 2009 . Subsequent to joining Kittrell and Armstrong , I committed to finishing the curriculum and obtaining my designation . I found it a little challenging to pick up where I left off so long ago . However , CCIM Institute has been so helpful in getting me reacclimated , I feel I will be able to successfully obtain my designation in the spring .
40 COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE WINTER 2022