Why I Invest: Q&A with Travis Tiede, SIOR
Q: Why do you invest in RPAC and Commercial Conduit?
A: Policy shapes everything we do in this business. If we’re not at the table, someone else is—and they may not have our best interests in mind. I recently sat in a small-group meeting with a congressional leader and other CARW members. He shared great insights, but more importantly, I was able to tell him what I see every day as a broker. That’s the kind of access we get through RPAC and Conduit, and it matters.
A: Policy shapes everything we do in this business. If we’re not at the table, someone else is—and they may not have our best interests in mind. I recently sat in a small-group meeting with a congressional leader and other CARW members. He shared great insights, but more importantly, I was able to tell him what I see every day as a broker. That’s the kind of access we get through RPAC and Conduit, and it matters.
Q: What’s the difference between the two?
A: RPAC is our unified voice as REALTORS® at the state and national level. Conduit is more personal—it lets me direct my dollars to candidates I know will stand up for commercial real estate. They work hand in hand, and together they give us influence where it counts.
A: RPAC is our unified voice as REALTORS® at the state and national level. Conduit is more personal—it lets me direct my dollars to candidates I know will stand up for commercial real estate. They work hand in hand, and together they give us influence where it counts.
Q: How does public policy show up in your work here in Wisconsin?
A: It shows up every day. A big example is when the state eliminated the business personal property tax. That cut costs for companies and made Wisconsin more attractive for investment. That didn’t just happen on its own—it was the result of years of advocacy.
A: It shows up every day. A big example is when the state eliminated the business personal property tax. That cut costs for companies and made Wisconsin more attractive for investment. That didn’t just happen on its own—it was the result of years of advocacy.
Q: Where do you see future opportunities for policy to impact CRE?
A: Data centers are a big one. They’re huge investments with long-term upside for communities. Wisconsin passed new tax incentives—like exemptions on equipment—that make us more competitive to land those projects. Without advocacy, we wouldn’t even be in the conversation.
Q: You’re also a CARW board member. Has that changed how you see these investments?
A: Definitely. Being on the board, I see how much time our staff spends building relationships, meeting with lawmakers, and working with other groups to move the needle. It’s rarely a big flashy win—it’s a lot of steady, behind-the-scenes work. But those incremental moves make a huge difference for our industry.
A: Definitely. Being on the board, I see how much time our staff spends building relationships, meeting with lawmakers, and working with other groups to move the needle. It’s rarely a big flashy win—it’s a lot of steady, behind-the-scenes work. But those incremental moves make a huge difference for our industry.
Q: What would you say to someone who hasn’t invested yet?
A: Don’t think of it as a donation—it’s an investment in your business. A few dollars ensures we’re protecting deals, clients, and the future of commercial real estate. It’s one of the smartest business decisions you can make.
A: Don’t think of it as a donation—it’s an investment in your business. A few dollars ensures we’re protecting deals, clients, and the future of commercial real estate. It’s one of the smartest business decisions you can make.
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