ICBR Member Spotlight: May 2015

Each month, ICBR honors one of its members in a special Member Spotlight. This month, we recognize Ken Williams. Ken has his own commercial real estate firm, Williams Commercial Real Estate Services.

 

ICBR: Why are you an ICBR member? What do you look to gain out of your membership? 

Williams: I am an ICBR member because I wanted to belong to a Realtor organization that concentrates on the needs of commercial Realtors exclusively.  I have found a great deal of support, ideas and encouragement from my fellow members since I joined.

ICBR: Describe a time you used an ICBR member benefit, and how it helped you or your company.

Williams: Attending the ICBR annual conference has been a huge help for me, especially in many of the continuing education courses that I have attended.  Not only have I brushed up on items such as ethics, but I also learned some very valuable lessons in areas such as environmental issues.

ICBR: What designations/awards/recognition have you received?

Williams: I really appreciate the recognition that I received from ICBR for serving as Membership Committee chairman and as a District Representative.

ICBR: How did you start your career in commercial real estate/development?

Williams: My career began almost by happy accident.  After twenty years of being a lawyer, I was looking for something else to do. (I am still an active member of the Indiana Bar.)  A friend suggested that I go into real estate; after receiving my license, I went to work for a real-estate franchise in Valparaiso.  My first day on the job, the managing partner recommended that I join their fledgling commercial division, and I found that I really enjoyed it.  When the franchise folded a few years later, I started my own company.

ICBR: Do you have any mentors? If so, who? How has he/she inspired you?

Williams: I have been fortunate to have had several people who have helped me over the last few years.  They include my first bosses, Tim McColly and Tim Reed, and especially Jeff Henry of DTZ, who has not only been very encouraging, but has given me invaluable advice.  Jeff has really inspired me to be a leader.

ICBR: What is the most important thing you have learned by working in commercial real estate?

Williams: The most important thing that I have learned is the importance of communication, especially with clients.  Even during periods of low activity, it is important to let people know what is going on.

ICBR: What is your current professional goal(s)?

Williams: Earn my SIOR designation.

ICBR: What is your most recent accomplishment?

Williams: Working with the ICBR Legislative Committee to create policies for legislation advocacy.

ICBR: Do you have any special skills, interests or hobbies?

Williams: I teach Property Law to paralegal students at Ivy Tech.  Out of the office, I sing at my church and compose music.