We have a new addition to the Fried On Business team. We are delighted to welcome the Florida CCIM Miami District aboard, and we look forward to enjoying their expert perspective on the commercial real estate market.
I had a few CCIM heavy-hitters on the show recently to talk about the organization and the impact it has had on their careers. Joining me were:
- Sandra Goldstein, CCIM, of Sandra Goldstein and Associates, Inc.
- Stephen R. Rigl, MBA, SIOR, CCIM, Broker/Principal Real Miami Commercial Real Estate, LLC
- Frank Rodriguez Melo, CCIM – Miami CCIM District President
- Edward J. Redlich, SIOR, CCIM, President 2014, Realtor Commercial Alliance (RCA) Miami
The CCIM designation is the Ph.D. of real estate, said Melo, and it takes more than 160 hours of continuing education to attain. The Miami District has about 300 members, he said, and nationally CCIMs have about $200 billion in real estate listings.
“We can better advocate our clients’ properties and reach the global buyers out there,” said Redlich, adding there are more than 13,000 CCIMs around the world.
Of course, events are a huge benefit of CCIM membership, and the Miami District on Jan. 21 will be hosting the annual Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference at the Coral Gables Country Club.
Fried On Business will be there, remotely broadcasting and providing some on-the-spot interviews.
“Our chapter founder, Paul White, every year has done a fabulous job making this conference happen,” said Rigl.
“He makes sure we have leaders from the office, retail industrial, capital markets and investment sectors, makes sure the industry trends are pointed out, and then brings in a famous keynote speaker to pull it all together for us.”
Now, I’ve noticed that the professionalism in commercial real estate has increased dramatically in the 30 years I’ve been in the business. Back in the day, there were only a handful of schools providing higher education in real estate, so it was almost a requirement to earn a CCIM designation to further your training.
Today, there are more formal education options, but a CCIM designation is still vital, especially if someone did not have the opportunity to attend a university program earlier in their career.
For those that have earned a master’s degree in real estate, Melo said, there’s the University Fast Track program to expedite completion of the membership requirements.
“A better-educated real estate professional better serves our clients,” noted Redlich.
Goldstein said the CCIM designation has greatly enhanced the business opportunities that her firm sees.
“It’s given me a level playing field to work with and talk the same language with other professionals across this country. As a boutique real estate firm, it’s given me the opportunity to come in with the bona fides needed to analyze a real estate transaction and give my clients the best service possible,” she said.
“I can play on the field with anyone else.”
Melo said he was encouraged years ago by his boss, William Holly, to become part of a professional organization. CCIM, he said, gave him the opportunity to become a real “practitioner” in the real estate arena.
“I choose CCIM after researching the kind of value, the technology, and the education that they would provide for me,” Melo said.
Click here to listen to the full interview about the CCIM Miami District.
