We recently held our annual in-person Board of Directors planning session, and I would like to share some key takeaways with you regarding AIR CRE’s 2022 goals as well as changes to the Board of Directors.
AIR CRE 2022 Initiatives
In addition to the normal operation of AIR CRE services, each year the AIR CRE Board identifies key goals and initiatives that guide the AIR CRE team in its efforts. In 2022, the focus is on the following:
AIR CRE CONTRACTS
This year there is significant focus on developing and expanding the AIR CRE Contracts system, including investigating the development of a new software application. Ideally, a new application will be cloud-based, usable on any device and both PC and MAC compatible. We are also investigating the benefits of transitioning to a subscription model that will replace the existing credit system, and it will have additional features to streamline user access and functionality.
Additionally, AIR CRE will continue to push the expansion of AIR CRE Contracts throughout the U.S. Already the industry standard in CA, the contracts are now available in AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, MI, MN, MO, MS, OH, OK, OR, NV, NJ, PA, TN, TX, and UT. AK, DC, CT, IN, KY, ME, MD, SD and VA are currently in development and will be launched in 2022. With the goal of providing customized contracts to every major market in the U.S., AIR CRE is partnering with SIOR to push the rollout into new markets.
AIR CRE > NEXT
We are very excited to have officially launched the first class of AIR CRE > Next. This program immerses up-and-coming CRE professionals in key tools of the trade, including access and training on Research & Listings and AIR CRE Contracts, as well as opportunities to network with peers and AIR CRE Board of Directors and senior industry leaders throughout Southern California. In January, we met in-person for a New Member orientation, and we will work closely with the 2022 Class throughout the year to facilitate their integration into the AIR CRE community. We have developed a robust program which we will fine-tune over the months to come, with the goal that it eventually becomes the industry standard for training new brokers.
The 2023 Class application period begins mid-September.
EDUCATION PLATFORM
As I’m sure you know, AIR CRE continually brings together experts in different fields related to commercial real estate to present their insights on economic and market trends, technology, strategic use of AIR CRE Contracts, software training and key legislative issues that impact CRE. This year, we will focus on developing a new, interactive platform that will allow Members to access all of this information through a single, user-friendly portal. It will include how-to videos, guidelines and resources, news articles, Town Hall videos, CRE training, Tips and Tricks and more.
BUILDING THE OWNERS’ COMMUNITY
As an organization built on collaboration and the value of sharing knowledge, AIR CRE is working to develop its affiliate network of property owners. The entire CRE industry will benefit from bringing together brokers and owners in a cooperative environment, creating a streamlined transaction process.
Board of Directors Updates
WELCOME NEW PRESIDENT
I would like to give a warm welcome to Rob Antrobius, SVP Market Officer, Los Angeles, at Prologis, who is serving as AIR CRE’s 2022 President/Executive Chair. This is the first time in AIR CRE’s history that someone on the ownership side of the business has been President. Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his position with AIR CRE – a fifteen-year career as a broker and seventeen-years at Prologis, where he is responsible for overseeing Prologis’ 35.6M sf Los Angeles/Orange County portfolio, consisting of 300 buildings, occupied by over 585 tenants.
As a Member, Rob has been an integral part of the AIR CRE community for over 27 years. He has served on a multitude of AIR CRE Committees since 2001, and has held a series of positions on the Board including Secretary/Treasurer, Education Chair, and 2021 President-Elect. In his new role, Rob will focus on further integrating ownership into the AIR CRE community, which he hopes will strengthen the relationship between owners and brokers. “I think that the spirit of cooperation in SoCal is one of the highest in any major CRE market. Developing connections between brokers and owners fosters a mutually beneficial environment, which makes it easier to get deals done,” Rob says. Additionally, he is taking an active role in supporting AIR CRE > Next and the expansion of AIR CRE Contracts across the U.S.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
AIR CRE celebrates inclusivity, so it is a pleasure to promote the ongoing diversification of the CRE industry by welcoming two additional women to the Board – welcome to Jodie Poirier of Colliers and Sharon Wortmann of JLL!
As Technology Co-Chair, Jodie will focus on the ongoing development of the Research & Listings and AIR CRE Contracts platforms. She also looks forward to championing AIR CRE > Next, as well as educational events to develop foundational knowledge for brokers who are newer to the industry. “I’m thrilled to be on the Board and part of a group that represents a cross-section of our industry. Despite wearing different jerseys, everyone is working together for the CRE community,” Jodie says.
Jodie serves as the Market Leader for Colliers in Greater Los Angeles, responsible for driving the growth, strategic direction and performance of the region. Prior to joining Colliers in 2020, Jodie was a market leader at CBRE in both Los Angeles and Boston.
As the Special Events Chair, Sharon will focus on key events like the Mid-Year Review, Town Halls and developing community service programs for AIR CRE. “I really like to help and support people, which is also part of my personality as a broker. Building relationships makes a big difference, so I am looking forward to contributing to the group,” Sharon says.
Sharon is an Executive Vice President in JLL’s Industrial Services Group, based in Ontario. She brings a unique perspective to her brokerage clients, having worked previously on the principal side of the business in roles at Colony Capital REIT, MetLife Real Estate Investors, Morgan Stanley and as a real estate consultant at KPMG. She has experience working on all property types including hospitality, office, retail, and industrial across a broad spectrum of investment return criteria. Further, Sharon is on the Board of Directors and voting member of the investment committee of KORE US REIT and on the Board of Directors of NAIOP Inland Empire chapter as well as on several committees supporting national initiatives.
RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS
We’d like to acknowledge our Board Members who have re-committed themselves to the service of the AIR CRE Membership this year.
Adam Deierling is the Managing Partner of West Harbor Capital in Redondo Beach, and returns as Orientation Chair this year. Iqbal Hassan returns as Senior Advisory & Ethics Co-Chair. Previously, Hassan held the positions of AIR CRE Membership Chair, Treasurer, MULTIPLE Director, Senior Advisory/Ethics, and President in 2006. He is President of the Quantum Associates in Los Angeles.
RETIRED FROM THE BOARD
In 2022, we have four extraordinary people retiring from the Board, each of which have dedicated their time and attention to the organization over the years.
Bart Reinhard served 21 years on the Board since 2011. He has held a multitude of positions including the Executive Chair, MULTIPLE Director Chair, Senior Advisory and Ethics Chair and President in 2008.
Jeff Sanita served 5 years on the Board since 2017. He assumed various positions including the Governmental Affairs and Membership Chairs.
Corey Spound served 17 years on the Board since 2005. He has held a wide variety of positions including Associate MULTIPLE Director, Executive Chair, Arbitration Co-Chair and President in 2013.
Jeff Puffer served 11 years on the Board since 2015. He has held multiple positions of increasing responsibility including Vice President, President-Elect and President in 2018.
Thanks to all current and past Board Members for their service to AIR CRE Members and the CRE industry – their time and commitment are greatly appreciated! And thank you to our Members for your participation in the organization in 2022. As we return to a more “normal” business operation we are looking forward to seeing everyone again at in-person events. See our Events page and emails for upcoming events throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Tim Hayes
Executive Director