CARW NextGenners heard from several of our construction partners on May 5, 2021. Thanks to Joe Jursenas (BRIOHN Builders), Scott Drees (Altius Building Company), and Brian Schwartz (Innovative Construction Solutions). The discussion was led by Cody Ziegler (Cushman & Wakefield | BOERKE Company). Many of the questions focused on construction costs, impacts of COVID and supply chain. Across the board, there was agreement that the increase in material costs would be here to stay – at least for a while due to supply/demand issues. Many suggested that the cost of labor, while tight, has remained flat. Panelists commented on how they view the industry identifying that ‘there is no consistency’ – get used to being flexible.
Some of the best take-aways pertained to personal development and included:
- Take as much opportunity that you can – ask for more
- Develop relationships and make valuable connections – these are lifetime contacts for your business
- Put people together to get deals done – even if you are not involved
- Be patient – but be ready – because when success comes – it comes quickly
- See your role as adding value
- Don’t get caught up on mistakes – see those mistakes as learning opportunities
- Don’t feed the monster of self-doubt
- Be your own brand – don’t identify with your company – you will move around
- Be authentic
- Focus on communication
- Retain the customers that you want
- Benchmark to ourselves (Wisconsin/Milwaukee) rather than other States/Cities
- You are always on – real estate is a 24/7 business
- Seek input from diverse perspectives to pressure-test your ideas
