Alex Olson, Clemons Real Estate

At MWM we are focused on all things commercial real estate and property development.  The focus of our Broker Spotlight segment is to highlight the personal goals and achievements of Kansas City’s up-and-coming brokers and to tap into their coveted, first-hand industry knowledge on current and future market conditions. The August Broker Spotlight is on Alex Olson, real estate agent with Clemons Real Estate.

MWM: Let’s start from the beginning - when and why did you choose real estate as your career path?

OLSON: I started as a real estate investor in 2018. Real estate has always intrigued me but I didn’t really fall in love with it until I built our dream home in 2017. Reading ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ at the age of 14 piqued my interest also, but I didn’t completely understand the concepts. Once I understood my appreciation for physical structures, the economics of real estate, and how it propels the US Economy, I was hooked. Then, a mentor recommended that I get my real estate license and I welcomed the challenge. 

MWM: What asset class in CRE do you focus on?

OLSON: Multifamily sales and net leased property sales.  In particular, representing 1031 exchange buyers who need cash-flowing assets in Kansas City {Editor’s note: A 1031 exchange allows you to sell one investment or business property and buy another without incurring capital gains taxes – as long as the exchange is completed according to IRS rules and the new property is of the same nature or character (like-kind).}

MWM: What are the market trends you are experiencing with your clients currently?

OLSON: Multifamily prices continue to soar in Kansas City, but still, investors are divesting on the west coast and moving their money to Kansas City.

MWM: What’s your forecast for the local and national CRE market?

OLSON: Multifamily will continue to thrive in Kansas City as the cost of construction remains high and home affordability continues to be an issue for some. In addition, net-leased properties that are more recession-resistant (medical office, veterinary/pet care, dental, national credits with online presence) are more attractive as a more passive investment vehicle for out-of-state buyers. 

MWM: What are your biggest challenges right now?

OLSON: Finding great deals in multifamily is challenging for some clients but a great deal is in the eye of the beholder. Understanding their primary objective is a way to understand what aspects of any deal are best for them for the moment. In addition, showing 1031 exchange buyers that a net leased property may be a better option; in particular, if they are out of state or want a more hands-off approach to cash flow. 

MWM: From your perspective, what can KC do to push ahead of the curve?

Olson: I am very optimistic about Kansas City. We need city leaders and economic development groups to continue to push jobs into the Kansas City metro market. Jobs are what drive activity and Kansas City has the resources (space, affordability, labor force, and employers) to propel the Midwest forward.

MWM:  How can prospects contact you for more information?

Olson: Reach me at alex@clemonsrealestate.com, on LinkedIn or mobile at 816-591-0825.

CBRE's Shamberger shares KC CRE springboards

As a broker with CBRE, one of the largest commercial real estate services companies in the world, Brice Shamberger shares how anticipating opportunities, seizing competitive advantages and executing the best possible real estate strategies has served as a springboard for him into the Kansas City commercial real estate scene.

RT (Rachel Treanor): What was your lightbulb moment to get into commercial real estate?

BS (Brice Shamberger): My lightbulb moment occurred in college, once I began to appreciate professionals who exhibited a higher level of personal accountability and responsibility. I knew I needed to dive headfirst into something that would require those traits, help me develop as a person, and give me unlimited earning potential. For those reasons and others commercial real estate seemed like a perfect fit. 

RT: Who is your mentor and why?

BS: There are a number of people who deserve credit for how I’ve grown as a professional. As everyone in the industry can attest to, there is no starter manual. However, I look to Brian Bacon within CBRE as a major resource in helping me develop as a brokerage professional. I came on board a few years ago and teamed up with Brian and it’s really been a springboard for me in learning the ins and outs of the business and what it takes to get deals across the finish line.

What gets you excited to get to work every day?

BS: Really, I think just the thrill of not always knowing what’s going to happen next. Whether it be with an ongoing deal, business development, or the little things that we have to proactively take on. That coupled with knowing that the little things I do today are helping to build towards my longer-term goals makes it easier to get up and go to work every day.

RT: How do you keep your skills sharp in this competitive climate?

BS: I really make a point to always be learning new skills and pushing beyond my comfort zone as much as I can. As one progresses through their career I think this is one thing that many of us start to slack on. It’s just as important to work hard on yourself as it is on your job. Both need to happen simultaneously to stay sharp and competitive.

RT: What deal do you wish for in your future portfolio?

I wouldn’t say there is a specific deal I wish for, but with that said, a compilation of multi – market deals for a company looking to expand into other markets beyond Kansas City would be fun to facilitate.

RT: What does a Kansas City CRE Comeback look like to you?

Kansas City has the right fundamentals for companies looking to grow and expand. I think if we can continue to nurture the start – up ecosystems we have and promote the importance of in – person collaboration then the entirety of Kansas City’s CRE scene will be headed in the right direction.

RT: What leads do you look for?

BS: Building owners who are looking to liquidate, exchange, or free up capital. Also, organizations who are looking to create more flexibility and save time and money in what is often times their largest expense, their lease and associated office costs.

RT: How can prospects contact you for more information?

BS: Anytime by phone or email! 816.968.5810 or brice.shamberger@cbre.com.

What does a Kansas City CRE comeback look like to you?

This week's MWM Broker Spotlight features Logan Rose, who shares his positive perspective, energetic drive and contagious determination as an associate, industrial properties for NAI Heartland.

RT (Rachel Treanor): What does a Kansas City CRE comeback look like to you?

LR (Logan Rose): This year has been a unique challenge for everyone and a year most people would like to forget. Kansas City is full of hard-working and resilient people that can see light at the end of the tunnel. Getting through tough times can open doors to new opportunities.

RT: What was your lightbulb moment to get into commercial real estate?

LR: I came into the CRE world directly out of college, while interviewing and getting a better understanding of what industrial brokerage is all about, I thought my personality traits aligned with what it takes. Having the chance to be a part of a successful industrial team while simultaneously expanding my own brokerage career was appealing to me. I grew up in a commercial construction family, so I was fortunate to have basic knowledge of industrial buildings and their functionality.

RT: Who is your mentor and why?

LR: Russ Pearson and Nathan Anderson at NAI Heartland have served as great mentors to me.  They have taught me the dedication, effort and the attention to detail it requires to be successful in our industry. I continue to learn from them every day – they are excellent teachers.

RT: Who do you mentor?

LR: I mentor my clients on the sales and leasing process and figuring out their true needs in a space. For some of my clients, this is their first-time leasing or purchasing a property and they might have a general idea of what they want, but it’s my job to work out the details and find them a space that will aid in their success.

RT: What gets you excited to get to work every day?

LR: The opportunity to expand my business on a daily basis keeps me excited and motivated. You get out what you put in. Trying to get a little better each day will eventually get me to where I want to be. 

RT: How do you keep your skills sharp in this competitive climate?

LR: The CRE world is certainly a competitive profession. Knowing other young brokers are also trying to advance their careers keeps me motivated to constantly improve and not stay stagnant. Trying to stick to a detailed schedule and plan keeps me sharp.

RT: What deal do you wish for in your future portfolio?

LR: I wouldn’t say I have a specific deal in mind; I’m more interested in continuing to increase the number of transactions I take on. Every deal is different and there is always something you can take away to keep in your tool belt for future use.

RT: What leads do you look for?

LR: My primary areas of focus are Landlord and Tenant representation with regard to leasing, property acquisition and disposition of flex/industrial properties in the KC Metro. I am always looking to make new connections with anyone involved in the CRE world.

RT: How can prospects contact you for more information?

LR: Contact me by email at lrose@nai-heartland.com or by phone at 913-890-2013.

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Staying true to MetroWire Media’s focus on all things commercial real estate, we have added a new, feature column: MWM's BROKER SPOTLIGHT.

The goal is to provide our readers with direct insight to Kansas City’s brightest, up-and-coming CRE professionals.

Discover the true brains behind the build - including their professional focus, career paths, future plans, goals and more.

Know a broker, developer or other KC CRE pro who deserves to be featured in the MWM Spotlight? Please send details to kcnews@metrowiremedia.com.