Who are the most productive commercial real estate professionals in our region? They are the CRE stars who are inducted each year in the Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame.
Each week, we look at a new inductee in our Hall of Fame. Today, we highlight the career of Chuck Ackerman, brokerage senior vice president with Colliers International|Greater Cincinnati in Cincinnati.
Years in the business: 20
Work ethic matters: Colliers’ Chuck Ackerman has thrived in the commercial real estate industry for more than 20 years, closing some of the biggest deals in his Cincinnati market. This is no easy task, especially in a business as competitive as commercial real estate.
What has led to this success? Ackerman points to hard work. That’s no secret formula, but it has certainly paid off for this real estate veteran.
“I would credit my work ethic and becoming very knowledgeable about the local market,” Ackerman said, when talking about his long career. “The skillset of this knowledge, along with experience in valuation, contract negotiation and various other phases of this business has led me to gain my clients’ trust.”
The power of networking: Ackerman also points to networking. He is active in several commercial real estate associations and committees. The CRE pros he meets regularly provide him with new business clients.
“This has also enabled me to gain a broad view of who is in the market and has helped me get to know folks from these companies on a more personal level,” Ackerman said.
It’s all about solutions: Ackerman has an entrepreneurial spirit. He says that working in commercial real estate is similar to running a business.
And just as with running a small business, to be successful, you must focus on solutions.
“It is very rewarding providing solutions for repeat clients whom I now consider friends,” Ackerman said. “I work with many of my clients on a consistent basis and have built a strong relationship with them over the years. The trust between my clients and myself has fostered long-lasting relationships as well as business partnerships.”
Community involvement: Ackerman is heavily involved in his community. He has led the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative golf outing for several years, an event that raises money for at-risk youths. At the 2017 outing, Ackerman and his team raised $57,000 for the organization. He also volunteers for Matthew 25 Ministries, United Way and the St. Seraph Soup Kitchen.
“Chuck impresses everyone he meets with his kind demeanor and ability to maintain great relationships,” one nominator said. “His success in the industry is greatly related to his ability to form those relationships and keep them. Chuck has a contagious energy and spirit and will not stop until his clients and everyone around him is happy and satisfied.”
Out-of-office hours: When Ackerman isn’t working, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his wife, two daughters and his friends. Ackerman enjoys hiking, biking and “anything else that gets us outside and active.”
Another favorite pastime? Ackerman is a music buff who enjoys attending concerts. Ackerman has seen performances from musicians ranging from Frank Sinatra to Kenny Chesney to the Grateful Dead.
“I enjoy different music genres and have attended well over 200 concerts in my life,” Ackerman said. “Just no ‘acid rock’ or ‘death metal,’ please!”