Commercial Real Estate Designation – Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

By: Beth Brookhouse

In this dynamic world of real estate, continuous learning and specialized knowledge are not just assets but necessities for success. Earning the prestigious credential of the CCIM designation is the pinnacle of achievement within the real estate world. You will be recognized as an expert in the commercial real estate industry and esteemed for your commitment to professionalism and ethical standards.

The CCIM Institute, formally known as the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute, is a global leader in commercial real estate education and professional development. For seventy years, this prestigious organization has built a reputation for providing industry professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex commercial real estate transactions successfully.

Membership in the CCIM Institute provides access to a vast network of like-minded professionals across the globe. Networking events, conferences, and online communities allow members to connect, collaborate, and share insights with industry leaders and peers.

We have several employees here at Hawkins with this prestigious designation:

Recognized as Robert L. Ward Center for Real Estate Studies CCIM Instructor of the Year in 1997, CI 101 Instructor of the Year in 2012, and CI 103 Instructor of the Year three times, our Steven Cannariato, Brokerage Manager (retired) of Hawkins & Cannariato states, “The reason I am a CCIM is because of Gary Hawkins. When he offered me a spot in his brokerage business, then known as Hawkins & Associates, he encouraged me to take the CCIM classes. At the time, he had earned the designation and was an instructor for the CCIM Institute. As a novice in the business, the CCIM classes taught me: 1) how to communicate with anyone in the language of commercial real estate, 2) analyze the quality of real estate deals and 3) how to successfully market commercial properties. After earning the designation, I found added value by being part of a large network of commercial real estate professionals with whom I could do business. Now as an instructor myself, I am giving back to an industry on which I built my successful career. In a word, the CCIM Institute has elevated the commercial real estate industry by giving commercial real estate professionals the skills they need to succeed.” Steve has had over 40 years of experience in CRE. Now that is an astonishing career!

One of our Developers, Tucker Mackenzie states, “The CCIM designation is a great way for me to continue and expand my industry knowledge. The institute creates a great support structure for not only continuing education, but networking opportunities with other real estate professionals. The CCIM community in Phoenix is strong and I enjoy the local chapter events that range from golf outings with peers, to enlightening lunch and learn sessions with local experts. The designation opens a lot of doors within the community and lends instant credibility in the field.”

Adam Wheeler, Senior Analyst, Portfolio Management and the Idaho Chapter Board of Directors’ Treasurer at CCIM added, “I originally started down the CCIM path because I saw it as a great educational opportunity. When I was newer at Hawkins and learning a lot regarding valuation of real estate, modeling, property budgets, proformas, CRE lending, after-tax disposition analysis, etc. CCIM had in-depth educational content which taught industry standards in all these areas (not an easy thing to find either). As I was starting to learn all of these on the job, I wanted to strengthen that knowledge with best practice, industry standards. I want to know all the “whys” behind why we do something the way we do, and in-depth industry standard education helps give that level of understanding.” Adam further shared the networking, events and being on the Idaho Chapter Board of Directors as Treasurer, with “wanting to provide similar educations opportunities for others in the industry are some of the things that keep me coming back.” Adam still has his CCIM core manuals and enjoys refreshing on topics from time to time and sees this as another added value resource.

Our other two employees here at Hawkins that hold this prestigious designation include:
Gary Hawkins, Founder, Chairman Emeritus, CCIM Instructor and Mindy Gronbeck, EVP, Property Operations

Very impressive work everyone! If you get the chance, embrace the opportunity to join a community of dedicated professionals who share a passion for excellence and innovation in the world of real estate. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills, expand your network, or elevate your career, exploring what the CCIM Institute has to offer could be the catalyst for your professional journey in commercial real estate.

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