Each year, Midwest Real Estate News and REjournals.com honors the top CRE professionals in the Midwest with our Hall of Fame profiles. This week, we profile Brian Ginkel, managing director with the Minneapolis office of JLL.
Years in the industry: 16
A leader: Brian Ginkel, managing director of the Minneapolis office of JLL, has become a true leader in both his industry and with his company. During his career of more than 16 years, Ginkel has advised his real estate clients on transactions totaling more than 15 million square feet.
Ginkel has also attracted a solid list of big-name clients, working with everything from start-ups to Fortune 500 organizations. His core focus is to help organizations reduce their occupancy costs, create better work environments for their employees and improve their operational efficiencies.
The reasons for his success: Ginkel’s peers point to this CRE veteran’s work ethic, integrity, passion and loyalty to his clients as the reasons for his success.
When asked what he enjoys most about this business, Ginkel points to the personal connections he has formed with his clients.
“I enjoy learning about their businesses and how they operate to better advise my clients on how to create an optimal real estate solution,” Ginkel said.
Award-winner: Given his success, it’s little surprise that Ginkel has picked up several key industry honors during his career. This includes the JLL Top Gun award and the 2014 and 2015 NAIOP Minnesota Real Estate Transaction of the Year. Ginkel has also been named a CoStar Power Broker for nine consecutive years.
The formula: Ginkel says that he has, throughout his long career, learned some key lessons on how to be successful in commercial real estate. His first key? Patience.
“Commercial real estate is a long-term game, and building your business and connections doesn’t happen overnight,” Ginkel said.
Ginkel also focuses on building his personal relationships and business networks.
“Having a deep personal and business network is crucial when working in this industry,” Ginkel said. “Listening and learning about the client’s wants and needs is another important factor. Providing them with sound advice and oversight based on their needs versus what you want to tell them is an instrumental part of our success and helps strengthen the relationship.”
Staying educated: Ginkel is a proponent of staying abreast of industry trends and news, too.
“Staying current is a must,” he said.
Out-of-office hours: When he’s not working, Ginkel focuses on spending time with his family and friends, golfing, playing and coaching hockey, skiing and traveling.
