DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES

NAIOP Colorado, Project Destined Launch Bridge Program for Local Students

Updated on August 9, 2023

NAIOP Colorado is excited to announce our partnership with Project Destined to launch a new Real Estate Bridge Program, with support of our Chapter's DEI | Project Destined Sustaining Sponsor Trammell Crow Company (TCC). 

The eight-week program will provide Junior and Senior College students with the opportunity to gain exposure to the skills, resources and network required to build a career in retail real estate. The program will include live training sessions, an executive speaker series, multiple site visits with NAIOP Colorado member companies and a scholarship stipend.

Interested Candidates can apply here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/99dfdd16c44d0598eaba9df9543b1301?r=use1. 

We are excited to partner with Project Destined to prepare a new generation of talent for opportunities in retail real estate. Special thanks to our DEI Project Destined program sponsors: Trammell Crow Company, McWhinney, EverWest Real Estate Investors, Evergreen Development, LOWE, Mark IV Capital, Prime West and United Properties. 

Interested in learning more about the NAIOP Colorado's DEI efforts and opportunity to sponsor Project Destined Students? Contact [email protected] for more details.

NAIOP Colorado, Project Destined and TCC Partner to Launch Bridge Program for Local Students

Added to NAIOP Website on March 23, 2023

NAIOP Colorado, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Project Destined, a leading social impact platform, and Trammell Crow Company (TCC), a global development firm, are partnering to launch a Real Estate Development, Financing & Operations Bridge program in the Metro Denver area. The program stems from NAIOP Colorado’s existing partnership with Project Destined and consists of a seven-week "bridge" training program, where participants from Colorado Universities and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will learn from NAIOP professionals, as well as TCC mentors, about topics in the commercial real estate industry. 

This new program will provide an unprecedented opportunity for Project Destined students – known as fellows – to learn from leaders in commercial real estate and earn a Financial Modeling Certification through Project Destined’s partnership with NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate and Columbia’s Graduate School of Real Estate. In addition to weekly sessions, accepted fellows will earn scholarships and network with NAIOP Colorado and TCC leaders through site visits and asset tours throughout the Colorado area. 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Project Destined and develop a robust talent pipeline as we train the next generation of leaders and help them prepare for the workforce. We are thrilled to have TCC on as a partner, offering valuable insight and real-world examples that the students will be able to learn from,” said CJ Manning, Vice President at Prime West and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at NAIOP Colorado.

As part of the Bridge Program, NAIOP professionals and mentors will prepare, engage and guide students to help them develop a range of fundamentals – including financial, technical, presentation and leadership skills – designed to aid their search for internships, certifications and full-time employment in the commercial real estate industry. TCC, which has been working with Project Destined across the U.S. since 2022, is acting as the lead sponsor for the 2023 Bridge Program.

“TCC’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programming and partnerships are continuing to grow, and we are always looking for ways to expand our programming locally. The missions of NAIOP Colorado and Project Destined align with TCC’s ‘R.I.S.E.’ values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence, which we share with our parent company, CBRE, also a partner of Project Destined,” said Erik Hagevik, leader of the TCC Denver office. “TCC launched a national partnership with Project Destined in 2022 and has since expanded to many local markets. In Denver, we look forward to partnering with Project Destined and with NAIOP to help introduce the world of commercial real estate to students earlier in their high school and college careers, with a goal of building a robust talent pipeline of future leaders that represent the diverse local communities where we live and work.”   

“We are excited to partner with NAIOP Colorado to prepare this incredible group of students for a career in commercial real estate,” said Project Destined Co-Founder Cedric Bobo. “The real estate industry provides unparalleled opportunities to build a great career while also impacting your community and your city. This program will ensure that these students are ready to take on that challenge.”

Following the successful sponsorship of a Denver High School Program in Summer 2022, NAIOP Colorado helped Project Destined serve more students by sponsoring a team of college students in Fall 2022. 

Since its founding in 2016, Project Destined has worked with more than 5,000 students in 35 cities across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. NAIOP Colorado’s partnership will support Project Destined and its mission to provide training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and real estate to students from underserved communities and students at various HBUCs.

Interested in learning more about the NAIOP Colorado's DEI efforts and opportunity to sponsor Project Destined Students? Contact [email protected] for more details. 

 NAIOP Colorado Launches Partnership with Project Destined to Advance Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Colorado Commercial Real Estate

CRE Firms Sponsor 15 Local High School Students in Summer 2022

Denver, Colo. (August 3, 2022) – NAIOP Colorado launched a paid summer internship for high school students in partnership with Project Destined. Project Destined, founded by Cedric Bobo, has partnered with leading real estate firms across the country to provide diverse students with internship opportunities to explore ownership through live real estate deals. Students gain access to the experience and expertise of corporate mentors and industry executives as they examine pathways to careers in the field. The program is a ten-week virtual internship which commenced in June for 15 underrepresented high school students from across the Denver metro area.

The program features training in real estate, digital marketing and provides an opportunity to collaborate with real estate professionals to prepare presentations as part of weekly team-based competitions. The program also included a “Shark Tank” style finale where intern teams presented a digital marketing plan for a live multifamily real estate deal to industry leaders.

Throughout the ten-weeks students learn the fundamentals of market research, value creation, and deal financing. Students emerge with the skills to secure internships and full-time job offers from some of the world’s largest real estate firms while becoming stakeholders in their community.

CJ Manning, Vice President at Prime West and the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at NAIOP Colorado, has led the way locally recruiting the best and brightest students from school districts across the Denver metropolitan area. Manning defines diversity as hiring for representation in a company, equity as giving all individuals equal access to opportunities, and inclusion as creating a sense of belonging for diverse talent to thrive.

Manning highlights the need for the commercial real estate industry to embrace a mindset shift away from soft diversity to hard diversity. “Soft diversity is hiring for representation to meet a quota or keep up with competitors. Whereas, hard diversity is hiring for inclusion and belonging, yielding a competitive advantage.”

“We are excited to expand our work and believe providing opportunities for future leaders early is key. Many of these students start with no prior real estate experience and to see what they were able to achieve in just ten-weeks is amazing. In partnership with Project Destined we’re developing a robust talent pipeline as we train the next generation of leaders and help them prepare for the workforce.” CJ Manning, Prime West.

Manning was ‘sold’ when Bobo invited him to serve as a judge for the Project Destined division finale and witnessed students presenting their sources and uses of capital required for their business, along with return metrics and sensitivity analysis.

“These are things we look at on a daily basis and it’s impressive to see young minds present this information with such poise and confidence,” he said.

Over 20 real estate firms sponsored the summer program, to include: Alcorn Construction; Baron Properties and Essex Financial Group; Brinkman Real Estate; Confluent Development; DPC Development; Evergreen Devco, Inc.; Fidelity National Title National Commercial Services; First American Title-NCS; Flywheel Capital; Golub & Company; Granite Properties; Hines; Hogan Lovells US LLP; Lincoln Property Company; Lowe; Mark IV Capital; McWhinney; Newmark; Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors; Prime West; United Properties; and Xcel Energy.

Jeff Dean, Senior Vice President with Mark IV Capital and Supporting Sponsor of the Project Destined program said, “Mark IV Capital was excited to play a role in helping expose top-tier, diverse Denver students to the industry through this hands-on “master class” format. Organizations are constantly seeking the best talent – and programs such as Project Destined help ensure the future holds more opportunities for both companies and candidates alike.”

Fellow Supporting Sponsor Michael Sapp, Manager of PSCo State Public Affairs with Xcel Energy, shared that "Xcel Energy is committed to reducing racial inequality as one of the most important things we can do to support the communities where we live, work and do businesses. We are honored to collaborate with the NAIOP Early Talent Program to cultivate inclusive, engaged and diverse future business leaders that reflects the communities we serve."

NAIOP Colorado Chapter will be partnering with Project Destined and area universities to host a similar program for undergraduate students this fall.

About NAIOP Colorado
The NAIOP Colorado Chapter provides advocacy, education, and business opportunities by connecting members in a powerful North American and Front Range network in the commercial real estate development and investment industry. We get business done. We create valuable, meaningful connections. We keep you current. We are a powerful voice. We actively advocate on your behalf at the local, state, and national levels to influence policies and regulations that affect our commercial real estate community.

About Project Destined.
Project Destined is a leading social impact platform that provides training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real estate. Project Destined partners with corporations, schools, and nonprofits to deliver training using its proprietary e-learning platform and live courses. Project Destined leverages a work-based learning approach where students work with executives to evaluate live deals in their community and present them in a pitch competition to industry leaders. Scholars emerge with the skills, confidence, experiences, and networks that prepare them to secure a solid first job and to become stakeholders in their community. For more information, please visit projectdestined.com.

Press Contact: CJ Manning, NAIOP Colorado DEI Chair and Vice President, Development - Prime West Companies
Direct: 919-805-1387
Email: [email protected]

Added to NAIOP Website on March 29, 2022

The NAIOP Colorado chapter is proud to announce two exciting partnerships with community organizations in the Denver area: Northeast Denver Leadership Week and Project Destined.

In conjunction with Denver Councilman Christopher Herndon, NAIOP Colorado’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee is coordinating a half-day program in Commercial Real Estate for the Northeast Denver Leadership Week, in June 2022. This program “offers high school students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to connect with civic and industry leaders throughout Denver. The program’s goal is to grow the next generation of leaders by educating students about careers in leadership and inspiring and motivating them to pursue such roles in their own careers." In support of this effort, the DEI Committee is currently seeking volunteers to host a construction site tour in the Northeast Denver area, as well as event volunteers to facilitate the programming. 

In complement to the Northeast Denver Leadership Week initiative, NAIOP Colorado announced that it will sponsor a local chapter of Project Destined. This unique program enlists top industry talent to mentor students in underserved communities and put them on track for internships or employment in the Commercial Real Estate industry. According to Project Destined, “we deliver our programming through the model: TRAIN, COMPETE, GROW. Students work with leading executives to evaluate live deals in their community and present them in a pitch competition.  Scholars emerge with the skills, confidence, experiences and networks that prepare them to secure a strong first job.” The local chapter of Project Destined will be funded in part by NAIOP Colorado and local CRE industry sponsors. In support of this effort, NAIOP Colorado will be seeking volunteers to serve as mentors, competition judges, panel speakers, host property tours, and conduct programming.

For more information on how to volunteer or sponsor either of these opportunities, please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to NAIOP Colorado's bi-monthly newsletter and Sponsor Spotlight page. 

Posted December 2023

BROWNSTEIN - WE'RE ALL IN.

Founded in 1968, more than 50 years ago, by three University of Colorado graduates, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck provides its clients a value that no other western law firm can match—an integrated approach that combines sensible business solutions with a federal, state and local government perspective. At Brownstein, “all in” isn’t just a catchy slogan or an empty claim. It’s an approach we apply to each challenge we take on. And an attitude that keeps our clients coming back, time and time again. This mentality inspires us to put all of our resources to work for our clients. From our multidisciplinary perspective—which brings together our unparalleled understanding of law, business and policy—to the deep connections we cultivate across industries and communities, we have a unique ability to see the bigger picture. 

Having been based in Denver for our entire 55 year history, Brownstein, and specifically our Real Estate Department, has had the pleasure of helping shape the growth of downtown Denver and Colorado’s front range. From urban renewal and major infill projects to development, financing and sale of multifamily, hotel and office projects in all of the surrounding sub markets our attorneys have worked on some of Colorado’s most impactful projects: the historic redevelopment of Union Station, the award-winning development of McGregor Square, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new visitor center complex and the Populus Hotel which will be the first “carbon-positive” hotel in the nation. 

Shareholder Caitlin Quander, a member of the firm’s Real Estate Department, serves as 2023 president of the board of directors of NAIOP Colorado. Caitlin has been involved with the organization for 11 years and now serves as the face of the organization during her year-long term as president. She credits her NAIOP involvement with connecting her with countless professionals in the commercial real estate industry and helping her understand the development process as a whole. In this role, Caitlin wants to be part of shaping the vision for Denver and Colorado. “My goal is to enhance the image of the commercial real estate industry with the general public,” she said. “Many have this idea that development is disconnected from the community or just out to make money. That is so far from the truth. The NAIOP Colorado members I know live and work in the communities that they love and want to shape Colorado so it is sustainable and affordable for our children that we are raising.” 

Click here to learn more about our work in Colorado.

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Posted December 2023

FirstBank—Doing What’s Right for Our Customers, Communities, and Employees 

FirstBank began providing banking services in 1963 and has grown into one of the nation’s largest privately-held banks. The bank offers a variety of commercial banking services, including business financing, commercial real estate loans, treasury management, and full range of consumer deposit accounts, home equity loans, mortgages, rental property loans, and more. 

As an industry leader, FirstBank has spent the last 60 years creating a meaningful and stress-free banking experience. We’re proud to be named “Best in State Banks” by Forbes, voted “2023 Best Bank” by ColoradoBiz Magazine, and selected as one of the nation’s “10 Top-Performing Banks with $10 to $50 billion in Assets” by an American Banker study. 

FirstBank attributes this success to an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for our customers, communities, and employees. This also includes ensuring commercial businesses and developers -- which are the heartbeat of our economy -- have the needed resources to grow and run more efficiently. 

In fact, we pride ourselves on providing solutions that can help your company’s bottom line, and offer a  variety of finance opportunities, including Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate (OOCRE) loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans, and construction loans, to name a few. 

Moreover, FirstBank has financed several notable mixed-use commercial developments across Colorado, Arizona, and California, including Denver’s Union Station and Larimer Square. We’re proud to help businesses, large and small, expand their footprint. 

As a long-time sponsor of the NAIOP, FirstBank is proud to partner with an organization focused on making Colorado a great place to live, work, and play. Learn more at efirstbank.com.

Adam Sands Market President FirstBank		Nick Job Senior Vice President FirstBank		Lauren Cheney Senior Vice President FirstBank

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Posted December 2023

Transwestern Real Estate Services

Transwestern Real Estate Services (TRS) strives to add value for investors, owners and occupiers across all commercial property types. Fueled by a holistic perspective of the real estate life cycle, agility and creativity are hallmarks of our approach, while vast national resources and sound market intelligence underpin customized recommendations and property solutions. Transwestern has been active in the Denver-area real estate market since the early 2000s and we’ve seamlessly transacted on a diverse range of properties and development opportunities. Each transaction is approached with a customized strategy, tailored to align with the unique intricacies and requirements presented.

TRS is part of the Transwestern enterprise, which consists of five dynamic, integrated companies. Clients and investors rely on us for expertise that spans institutional and opportunistic investment, development, hospitality, and brokerage and asset services. Our award-winning, collaborative culture empowers team members with resources and independence to work across boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions, reinforcing a reputation for service excellence that translates to measurable results. Through offices nationwide and alliance partners around the globe, we positively impact the built environment and our communities while fostering a work climate that champions career vitality for all.  

Transwestern is pleased to support and be part of NAIOP. In 2023, Jack Ellis, an associate in the Denver office, was named the NAIOP Colorado Rising Star. 

You can learn more about the firm at www.transwestern.com and @Transwestern. Or contact Robert Knisely, Managing Director and Market Leader for our Denver office.

Robert Knisely Managing Director & Market Leader Tranwestern Real Estate Services

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Posted August 2023

First American Title-NCS - We're here to close your deal.

First American Title NCS Colorado offers title insurance, escrow, and settlement solutions through a team of industry-leading professionals whose expertise, commitment to excellence and dedication to innovation and exceptional service provide clients with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Our escrow team offers the most informative and dedicated service in the industry, backed by a strong team of title professionals empowered to deliver creative underwriting solutions.

First American Title NCS is recognized as the most innovative and respected commercial real estate business partner, and we are committed to providing solutions that contribute to your success.

Your Local Sales Team

Nicole Haapala Vice President | National Account Manager First American Title-NCS		John Huemoller National Account Manager First American Title-NCS		Annie Arnwine National Account Manager First American Title-NCS

If you would like to learn more about First American Title NCS Colorado and their services, please visit: https://www.firstam.com/title/commercial/. 

Posted March 2023

Alcorn Construction

Alcorn Construction is an award-winning general contractor specializing in relationship-based commercial office, light industrial, retail, multi-family, and senior living projects in the Denver and Phoenix metro areas.

Fidelity National Title is deeply committed to NAIOP’s mission to serve Colorado’s commercial real estate industry 

Through the efforts of NAIOP Colorado's Past President John Ellis, Erin Kelley, Katie Picone, Bob Masten, Geoff Sanders, Steve Boyka, Mej Ellsworth, Darren Hone, and John Miller, Fidelity continues its tradition of support for NAIOP-Colorado’s charitable endeavors, educational efforts, and advocacy for the commercial real estate industry. We have volunteered our time and energy on NAIOP’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Legislative Affairs Committee, Mentor-Mentee Program, Fight Night, Awards of Achievement, Developer Showcase, Developing Leaders Committee, and many more of NAIOP’s important programs.

Fidelity National Title is the nation’s oldest title insurance company and has deep roots in Colorado. Founded in 1847, Fidelity National Title offers unsurpassed financial strength as the national title insurance market share leader. 

As an innovative, customer-focused industry leader, Fidelity is consistently ranked in the FORTUNE® 500 and on the FORTUNE® list of America’s Most Admired Companies. Fidelity is also on the Forbes list of The World’s Best Companies, and has recently been ranked as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, The Best Employers for Women, The World’s Best Employers, and America’s Best Employers.

Our first Colorado office opened in 1946 and today we are the market share leader in the state. We have 35 offices across the state and over 400 employees serving Colorado’s real estate community.

Fidelity’s Colorado-based National Commercial Services Division is the largest operation of its kind in the Rocky Mountain Region, handling every facet of commercial real estate transactions in Colorado and across the United States. Ours is the most experienced commercial title insurance team in the region and has the expertise to handle transactions of all sizes: whether it’s a family-owned operating business, a complex construction project, a professional sports stadium, an energy project, or a multi-state portfolio of assets.

Our roots run deep in Colorado and our commitment to the success of our customers and our community is strong. It is our pleasure to support NAIOP and the commercial real estate community it serves.

If you would like to learn more, check us out at: https://ncscolorado.fntg.com/

LAND TITLE GUARANTEE COMPANY AND NAIOP INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP 

Land Title Guarantee Company, Colorado's largest locally owned and operated title agency, has a long and proud history with NAIOP. A corporate member since 1994, Land Title has been the presenting sponsor of the NAIOP Colorado Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge for over ten years and regularly supports various committees.

In addition to providing support for annual events, Land Title team members are personally involved with NAIOP. Most recently, Luke Davidson was a Board Member from 2014-2019 with Mindy Humphrey taking his place on the Board as of 2020. Both served as NAIOP committee members for the past 10 years.

“Land Title is a long-time supporter of NAIOP and our partnership continues to be extremely mutually beneficial,” said John E. Freyer, Jr., President of Land Title Guarantee Company. “In addition, we are delighted to be involved with the NAIOP Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge again this year, in that it marries students with industry leaders against a real-world backdrop to both challenge, educate and inspire everyone involved. We are happy to see a spotlight on Colorado Springs as a top place to work, live and grow.”

In late May, Land Title committed to sponsor the NAIOP Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge through 2027. NAIOP Colorado's Executive Director Kathie Barstnar shared, "Without the support and dedication of the staff and ownership of Land Title – NAIOP Colorado might not be the organization it is.  We certainly would not have been able to develop the Real Estate Challenge to the premier event it is without the long-standing support of Land Title both of time and treasure.  Additionally, we have worked together to help create good public policy that protects the consumer and advances the commercial real estate industry. We could not have asked for a better partnership."

Founded in 1967, Land Title has more than 50 offices spanning the state with its headquarters in the heart of Cherry Creek North. Land Title is the commercial market share leader in both transactional and dollar volumes across all of Colorado in each of the last 10 years. With more than 600 annual closings over $10M, the Company boasts the largest team of tenured title, closing and sales professionals dedicated to the commercial real estate market. By combining the financial strength and flexibility of the nation’s strongest underwriters with the knowledge of Colorado real estate laws, customs and markets, Land Title seeks to deliver an unsurpassed transactional experience.

The team closed some of the largest, most complex and most recognized transactions in Colorado including Union Station, McGregor Square, Larimer Square, Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, among others.

Further, Land Title is dedicated to Colorado communities. Each year, the Company supports numerous organizations across the state ranging from local food banks, to mental health advocacy groups, to youth athletics and relief for those impacted by wildfires. Leadership starts at the top and the executive team regularly donates their time to professional and civic organizations that promote and support the communities in which we work. You can learn more at ltgc.com.

ARCH-CON® CORPORATION OPENS DENVER OFFICE IN CHERRY CREEK

NAIOP Colorado Sustaining Sponsor and commercial general contractor Arch-Con® Corporation is proudly taking root in Denver and is a veteran supporter of NAIOP nationally. 

Arch-Con recently purchased an office building at 131 Madison Street in Cherry Creek for its Colorado operations, is well underway building its first industrial project in the area and is actively working with clients through preliminary pricing, site plans and preconstruction on a number of projects in the Mile High City.

Arch-Con was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Houston, opened a Dallas office in 2016, an Austin office in early 2021 and is excited to be in Denver. Arch-Con has grown to revenues exceeding $500 million annually, an employee base of more than 200, listed in the Inc. 5000 seven times, listed in the ENR Top 400 Contractors the last six years and listed in Houston Business Journal as the second largest construction company in Houston based on 2020 revenues.

Arch-Con is a long-time, proud supporter of NAIOP. Arch-Con Project Developer Erin Kelley has served on the NAIOP Colorado chapter board since 2018 and was the chapter’s 2018 Member of the Year. Arch-Con Founder and CEO Michael G. Scheurich has served on a NAIOP National Forum for nearly 10 years and served on the NAIOP Houston chapter board of directors for nine years. Arch-Con President Jason M. Cooper currently serves on the NAIOP Houston chapter board of directors. 

Denver leadership and NAIOP connection

Two Denver-based leaders Chad Headlee and Kelley joined Arch-Con in 2021 and NAIOP was a valuable resource when Arch-Con was looking to hire top talent in Colorado. Scheurich turned to NAIOP and the relationships he developed through the organization, one such relationship is that with Kelley. Scheurich and Kelley met through NAIOP and fostered a relationship over the years which led them to now work together.

Kelley works with clients from concept to completion, facilitating projects and relationships. Kelley has a keen understanding of commercial construction in Denver having worked on the owner’s representation side as well as the architectural side of commercial real estate. Kelley is an active board member for the NAIOP Colorado chapter, served as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce Chair for two years, the Developing Leaders Chair in 2018, the Mentor Mentee Chair for four years and served as a Government Affairs Environmental and Infrastructure Committee Member for three years.

Chad Headlee serves as vice president for Arch-Con in Denver with nearly 30 years in the construction industry and more than 20 years of project management and executive experience. Headlee has led various design-build, LEED certified and build-to-suit projects totaling more than $500 million in various project types from high-end office buildings to convention centers. Headlee is also an active member of NAIOP as well as a member of the Downtown Denver Partnership Economic Development Committee and SIOR. 

Arch-Con looks forward to advancing the mission of NAIOP in Colorado! Come visit us at our Cherry Creek office and at www.arch-con.com.

Construction is hard. We make it easy.

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