Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class in its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Last year was no exception. Here’s a look at one of our newest Hall of Fame members, Thomas West, senior vice president with the Cleveland office of Cushman & Wakefield|CRESCO Real Estate.
A true problem solver, Thomas West has earned a reputation as a tireless worker, one who will go to great lengths to resolve any issues his clients are facing. This sterling reputation is one reason why West, a senior vice president with the Cleveland office of Cushman & Wakefield|CRESCO Real Estate, has thrived in the commercial real estate industry since 1986.
During his long career, West has crafted a deep roster of satisfied clients. This list includes Strayer University, Futuri Media, Cingular Wireless, Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson, The University of Phoenix and Sage Software.
“I love the process of every deal: feeling good when I look in a prospect’s eye and know that we will work together, feeling good again when the transaction is signed and feeling great when I am rewarded,” West said. “Perhaps most of all, I enjoy working with smaller clients who truly need my help and advice the most.”
West’s peers recognize his talents. In 1995, he was elected president of the Northern Ohio Chapter of NAIOP and as chairman of the Commercial Council at CABOR. From 2003 through 2009, West served as an active advisor to the SIOR Professional Standards Committee. And in 1997 and 1998, he contributed significantly to the drafting and adoption of a new, more stringent code of ethics for SIORs worldwide.
This industry veteran is also active in the green and sustainable building effort. He has long been an active member of the Green Building Coalition and served on the board of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, being elected president of the council’s Regional Leadership Team in 2016. Last year, West was honored with the Ohio USGBC Legacy Leadership Award.
What is behind West’s long and successful career? This veteran of more than three decades in the industry doesn’t rely on any secret formula. Instead, he continually focuses on serving the clients in his area, providing them the kind of service from which companies don’t walk away.
“I became successful early in my career by concentrating on a geographic area where there was little competition,” West said. “As I mastered that area, I began to concentrate more on specific industries where I could bring unique analytical or technical talents, particularly in cost accounting, workflow and efficient ‘green’ or sustainable practices. Maybe I am crazy (or just a sailor) but I truly enjoy the ups and downs as a transaction moves toward its conclusion. Every wrinkle is a challenge to be ironed out. Every problem is a challenge to be solved.”
When not working, West enjoys traveling both in North America and abroad. For decades, West sailed keel boats competitively.
