Submitted by Tracy Johnson: With Hamilton coming to Milwaukee, I found myself thinking about the iconic song, “The Room Where It Happens.” It’s a fitting metaphor for what we witnessed during our recent meeting with CARW’s Board of Directors, a gathering of leaders who are not just reacting to change but shaping the future of Wisconsin commercial real estate.
This wasn’t a routine meeting. It was a strategic conversation among some of the most engaged and thoughtful minds in the industry. These leaders came ready to talk about what CARW stands for, how it delivers value, and what’s next. The energy in that room confirmed something important: CARW is where the industry comes together to move forward with clarity, collaboration, and confidence.
What CARW Means to Its Leaders
We asked board members to reflect on what CARW means to them personally and professionally. One comment stood out:
“CARW is Switzerland for all of us.”
That single line captures so much about who we are. CARW provides a neutral, trusted space where even competitors can collaborate, share insights, and tackle challenges that affect everyone—without agendas getting in the way. In an industry as dynamic as commercial real estate, that kind of environment is rare, and it’s powerful.
The Value of Access and Inclusion
Over and over, board members emphasized that CARW puts you in the room, not just metaphorically, but literally. Whether it’s at our Membership Meetings, roundtables, or industry forums, our members are part of the conversations that drive action. These aren’t just updates—they’re incubators for ideas around:
- Adaptive reuse and redevelopment
- Data center growth
- Infrastructure challenges
- Workforce and talent pipeline development
This kind of commercial real estate leadership is what sets CARW apart. We don’t just host events; we shape agendas.
Building Trust Through Community
Trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through consistent engagement and shared purpose, and our members recognize that. One director noted that CARW provides “the best commercial real estate networking opportunities to build trust over time.”
Programs like NextGen is a prime example. Created to support emerging talent, NextGen breaks down barriers to entry and introduces students and early-career professionals to the world of commercial real estate. Board members called it “an investment in the future,” and it is—because success in this industry is about more than transactions. It’s about relationships.
Broadening the Tent: More Than Brokers
One of the most validating messages we heard is that CARW isn’t just a broker group. We’re a real estate community—inclusive of developers, lenders, attorneys, planners, and educators. That diversity of thought makes our industry stronger and more adaptive.
It also speaks to the need for exposure outside of one’s lane. As one member shared, CARW “helps me understand challenges and opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise see.” In a time when market trends, regulations, and client needs are evolving quickly, that kind of cross-functional insight is invaluable.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
As we approach a critical phase in the industry, including navigating real estate industry trends for 2026, from interest rate fluctuations to policy shifts, our Board affirmed that CARW must continue to lead the big discussions. Whether through:
- Legislative advocacy
- Economic development insights
- Talent initiatives
- Member education
Our role is clear: to keep our members informed, connected, and empowered.
We’re not just in the room where it happens… we create the room. And we make sure the right people are in it.
Want to be in the room where it happens? Explore CARW membership and discover how you can influence the future of Wisconsin commercial real estate. 👉 Join CARW Today