Education Visionary

As the commercial real estate industry looks forward to the prospects of a new year, many industry pros believe a true rebound is finally on the horizon. To maximize the opportunities that come with a thriving real estate cycle, 2014 CCIM Institute President Karl Landreneau, CCIM, director of commercial sales and leasing for the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and Lafayette, La., offices of NAI Latter & Blum, is focusing his efforts on maximizing the educational opportunities CCIM offers.
Landreneau, considered an education visionary, a CCIM instructor and an active leader in the commercial real estate sector for more than 16 years, has set his sights on broadening CCIM’s reach and creating a more robust educational experience. Commercial Investment Real Estate asked Landreneau to share his 2014 strategies.
CIRE: How are organizations using the CCIM education to equip their members with data-driven analysis skills?
Landreneau: I currently manage more than 80 active agents and approximately 85 percent of them are enrolled in CCIM’s education program or have already earned the designation. The training is so valuable that NAI is working to customize the CCIM education for delivery to franchisees throughout its vast network. And, companies are discovering that the CCIM education has value beyond the brokerage community. Corporations such as GE and Pricewaterhouse-Coopers have customized CCIM courses for their employee training and development programs. They understand that CCIM’s education is unique because our instructors are also practitioners. They don’t just teach theories; they show the real-world application of CCIM’s investment, financial, and market analysis concepts.
CIRE: What inspired you to pursue CCIM leadership opportunities and ultimately become president of the organization?
Landreneau: I believe that everyone needs to give back to their profession. As a student earning the designation, CCIM was the vehicle that allowed me to improve my skills, my education, and my network. As a member of the 2006 class of CCIM’s Jay W. Levine Leadership Development Academy, I gained professional leadership experience that benefited me not only within the Institute, but also within my company and the industry. Now it’s my turn to offer something back to the organization.
CIRE: What are some of your key initiatives for the year?
Landreneau: One of my top goals is to guide the process of integrating today’s most useful technology platforms with CCIM’s analysis tools to deliver a more sophisticated educational experience for today’s practitioners. CCIM’s STDB platform is one of the most valuable technologies available in the industry and merging its tools, along with other top technologies, into the designation curriculum helps to ensure members are getting the most out of their educational experience. It also enables them to use these tools to provide top-notch service to their clients.
I also applaud CCIM’s Ward Center for Real Estate Studies for its ability to create and deliver education that meets the rapidly changing needs of industry professionals. From learning how to use high-tech marketing strategies to creating solid valuations in a challenging market, the Ward Center’s one- and two-day online and classroom courses offer some of the most timely and relevant professional development education in the market.
Finally, I’d like to help the Institute develop an online knowledge repository that offers a wide range of resources for members. These resources may include industry thought leadership such as white papers, market data such as CCIM’s Quarterly Market Trends report, and videos that share select course concepts that are relevant in today’s market. A data bank of commercial real estate information will help to further establish CCIM as the industry’s top go-to resource.
CIRE: After the education, what else does CCIM offer its members?
Landreneau: The networking opportunities at the local, regional, and national levels are one of the most valuable aspects of CCIM membership. Getting involved with your local chapter and taking advantage of its events, networking sessions, and resources is a great way to expand your professional network. And, I encourage all designees to update their online member profile in CCIM’s Find a Professional database to ensure they can be found when industry pros are searching for CCIMs in their markets.
CIRE: Why did you pursue the CCIM pin?
Landreneau: As a commercial real estate practitioner in a competitive region of the country, I knew it was important to distinguish myself and gain a competitive advantage. I also knew the CCIM designation was the highest credential that stood for professionalism and expertise in the industry. I wanted to pursue the designation and give myself that distinctive advantage.
By: Jennifer Norbut (Commercial Investment Real Estate)
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