The best way to learn is to teach. I have been teaching for the CCIM Institute for 35 years, and it has accelerated my knowledge of commercial real estate more than I ever could have imagined. In this time, I have witnessed the non-existence of commercial real estate (CRE) education, and seen what CRE education has grown to. As a CCIM instructor, I have had the opportunity to travel around the world, and the chance to spend time with incredible colleagues and students.
For those who aren’t familiar with the CCIM Institute, it is an organization that offers the education to receive the designation of CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member). Over “13,000 CCIM members are based in more than 1,000 markets in 30 countries around the world,” and education is focused on financial analysis, market analysis, investment analysis, and negotiations.
As CCIM instructors, we learn from each other through our networking and training events. We have the opportunity to train each other to ensure we stay on the leading edge of education – with the ability to bring this knowledge back to our markets.
I have had the privilege to instruct in Canada, The USA, Poland, The Czech Republic, The United Kingdom, and Belgium, to name a few. I’ve travelled to Seoul, South Korea, and have attended the MIPIM conference in France for several years. I was involved in the first international education and found myself in Moscow at the time of the 1991 Coup along with two colleagues, Allan Decker, CCIM, and Parker Hudson IV, CCIM – both whom had previously been to Moscow and whose enthusiasm was contagious as we witnessed the launch of CCIM education in Moscow.
Throughout my years of teaching, I have spent time with the founders of CCIM, Jay Levine, CCIM, and Vic Lyon, CCIM, and I’ve had the opportunity to spend weeks on the road with Bill Strickfaden, CCIM, Julian Murphy, CCIM, George Harris, CCIM, Ralph Spencer, CCIM, Mel Johnson, CCIM, Jerry Metzger, CCIM, and Gary Hawkins, CCIM – all fantastic industry leaders.
I served as chair of the CCIM Foundation and am very proud of the Foundation's accomplishments. The Foundation provides scholarships to deserving individuals, and I founded a Name Endowed Scholarship to help the legacy of a great education. My Zurich-based brother, Daniel, is a designee and my wife has also completed the education program.
The knowledge gained, places traveled, and people met, has resulted in an extraordinary experience that I hope to continue contributing to as a CCIM instructor.
Sandy G. Shindleman, CCIM, SIOR, FRICS
President and CEO
