CCIM

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

CCIM helps CRE professionals establish expertise in the industry

By KYLE BACKER

The commercial real estate (CRE) industry is a highly competitive field full of competent professionals, but there are those who aspire to rise above the rest. That’s why the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute was founded in 1967 — to be a leader in providing education, networking opportunities and tools to CRE practitioners.

CCIM operates in the industry through local chapters that host events and panels, and by awarding the CCIM designation. The Central Arizona CCIM Chapter formed in 1982, with brokers, investment counselors, corporate real estate executives and other professionals among its ranks.

“The program is great for the professional who wants a high-level knowledge of the inner workings of a commercial deal,” explains Todd Hamilton, president of the Central Arizona CCIM Chapter and managing partner at Citywide Commercial.

Brian Teske, vice president of the Central Arizona CCIM Chapter and president of Casita Capital Realty, describes the CCIM designation as a master’s degree in CRE. “My confidence in looking at deals after getting the designation was night and day compared with before taking those classes.”

CRE MASTERY

The CCIM designation, and the coveted pin that comes with it, is earned by completing an extensive curriculum of 200 classroom hours, submitting a comprehensive portfolio of qualifying experience and passing a six-hour exam. Upon completion, designees may use the CCIM distinction in their professional titles.

Earning a pin is challenging, which is why there is no mandated timeframe for when candidates must finish the requirements. Instead, candidates can proceed at their own pace, which can be as quick as one year or long as several.

The curriculum instructors are themselves seasoned CRE professionals who are experts on investment strategy and financial and market analyses. “They have taken classes to completely understand how to teach our programs. Some have taken the time out to write a course, and others will step in and teach an existing course when there’s an opening,” Hamilton remarks.

Traditionally, classes are taught in-person around the country in week-long segments. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, necessitated online options for students.

“We’ve advanced our ability to teach the classes online, which enables more people to get the CCIM designation,” Hamilton explains. “Some people can’t take a week off from work. By providing the opportunity to take the coursework online and not having to travel, we’ve broadened our reach.”

Todd Hamilton Brian Teske PIN PALS

Earning a designation pin is not the end of the road for CCIM members. The local chapter serves as a hub for networking events and continued learning. Hamilton likens it to an alumni association through which people can share ideas.

“It’s good to get the designation, but the local chapter provides a place to use it to broaden your network,” Hamilton notes. “The pin shows others that you’re a knowledgeable person who can be trusted because of the code of conduct to which we adhere.”

The Central Arizona CCIM Chapter organizes events, including Par-Tee On the Green — a day of golfing, food, drinks and networking. There are raffle prizes and the chance to win $1,000 for a hole-in-one. Proceeds raised from the event benefit Grand Canyon University and the scholarship fund designated for CCIM classes. The organization also hosts the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) CCIM Economic Forecast, which gives participants a chance to hear from one of the Valley’s top economists and from panels featuring retail, multifamily, office and industrial experts.

Hamilton concludes, “Networking with these people leads to working on bigger deals with higher-level professionals. Birds of a feather flock together.”