How important is the CCIM designation?

1. The Importance of the CCIM Designation
It’s often said that it’s not what you know but who you know. But as any successful commercial
real estate professional will tell you, it’s not enough to just know the right people or to just have
the industry knowledge. And at the CCIM Institute, we know that it’s not just “who” or “what.”
Coldwell Banker Commercial realizes the same thing, which is why the organization has the
most CCIM designees (229) and candidates (112); more members* than of any brokerage
worldwide.
With an emphasis on practical application, CCIM’s designation curriculum represents the core
knowledge expected of commercial real estate professionals, including brokers, lenders, property
managers, investors, and more. It’s gives commercial real estate professionals the “what.”

2. The curriculum covers Financial Analysis, Market Analysis, User Decision Analysis, and
Investment Analysis. No matter the specialization, students who complete the courses have a
comprehensive understanding of each stage of a real estate transaction lifecycle.
While students are learning through case studies, they are also collaborating with classmates.
Completing group work, chatting during breaks, and messaging students in our elearning
platform are among the different ways students expand their network before earning the CCIM
designation.
After completing the CCIM designation requirements — education, professional portfolio, and
comprehensive exam — CCIMs are officially connected to the CCIM network, which includes
over 15,000 professionals across the globe.
There are so many nuances and intricacies that make commercial real estate transactions much
more challenging than purchasing a home. When choosing a professional to work with, how do
you know who is the right person? CCIM designation is one of the indicators that can make your
decision easier, for you know you will be working with a highly education professional.
In a recent interview with the CCIM Partner Connection newsletter, Fred Schmidt, president and
chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates, and David Birnbaum, vice-
president, learning, discuss how CCIM has helped CBC brokers with both the “who” and the
“what,” which has benefited individual brokers and the entire organization.
Coldwell Banker Commercial recently had 11 graduates pinned at the latest CCIM ceremony, a
true testament to the organization’s value on associating with highly educated professionals:
Brian T. Ahearn, CCIM
Miami, FL
Phillip Brupbacher, CCIM
Lafayette, LA
Nick Eyhorn, CCIM
Lubbock, TX
Jerry Ciz, CCIM
Cheyenne, WY

3. Barry Forrest, CCIM
Austin, TX
Mike Foster, CCIM
Grand Junction, CO
Andy Homeyer, CCIM
Athens, GA
Jon “Jack” Kelley, CCIM
Cohoes, NY
Graham Little, CCIM
New Orleans, LA
Ben Trautwein, CCIM
Cheyenne, WY
Todd Younghans, CCIM
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
*Source: CCIM 2013
By the Coldwell Banker Commercial Organization
View more at Blog.CBCWorldwide.com