Commercial Founder Mel Schultz

Are You Missing Out on IREM? An Interview with Clarity Commercial Founder Mel Schultz, CPM®

[amo_member id=”405″ item-width=”250″ align=”left” item-margin=”20″ full-width=”yes” panel=”right”]

If you’re serious about your property management career, membership in the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is absolutely essential. It’s your gateway to building relationships with peers, and industry partners as well as training on the innovations happening in our industry here in Minnesota and around the world. No other real estate group does it better than IREM! Clarity Commercial Mel Schultz, CPM®, is here to tell you why.

What is IREM?

IREM is an international organization of real estate management professionals. We have more than 20,000 members across the globe and more than 330 members in the Minnesota chapter alone. IREM’s tagline is “those who manage to make a difference,” and the organization’s mission is to support property managers through education, professional development, and collaboration with other industry professionals.

IREM welcomes college students, young professionals, and industry veterans who want to advance their career in property management. If that describes you, I’d love to hear from you!

Mel, you’re passionate about what IREM does. How did you get started in the organization?

Quite simply, without IREM, I could not do my job as a property manager up to my personal standards and those of my industry. Today, 80 percent of the contractors I partner with are supporters or members of IREM. It’s given me the opportunity to build relationships here in Minnesota and across the country, including Texas and California.

I joined my local chapter when I started in the property management industry in 2003. I earned my Certified Property Manager (CPM®) designation in 2007. By then, I had experienced the value of membership first hand and joined several committees, attended multiple events, and served on my chapter’s leadership team, which led to the role of president in 2014.

In 2015, I was asked to join the national governing council for IREM —what an honor! I was privileged to serve as the Regional Vice President of Region 9. Region 9 covers the IREM Chapters in Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin for a 2-year term:  2016 and 2017.  Currently I serve as a Member-At-Large on the National Executive Committee.

Wow! That sounds like a big role. What do you like most about serving the organization at the regional level?

Being RVP is said to be “the best volunteer position in IREM!” Volunteering at the regional or national level gives you a deep understanding of why IREM is the Leader in Real Estate Management Industry.  I able to work with leaders from each chapter in the region (as well as leaders across the world) and help them improve how their chapters are run and ultimately, to help them grow their chapters.

It also offered me a good look at what IREM does to support its members on a global level. IREM is heavily involved in lobbying for policy that affects the real estate industry. It also provides ample opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Can you describe some of those opportunities for personal and professional growth through IREM?

Sure! In addition to a variety of recurring and annual events to help members build their skills and make connections. IREM offers four designations. These are designations members volunteer to pursue that indicate they implement industry best practices in their property management business.

The flagship designation is the Certified Property Manger designation, or CPM®. It is for individuals who are property management professionals. This is the designation I pursued in my early years with IREM. It unlocks the opportunity to serve on leadership within IREM.

In addition to CPM®, IREM offers Accredited Residential Manager (ARM®) and Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) for individuals. The Accredited Management Organization (AMO®) designation is for companies. It requires a company leader to have the ARM® or ACoM accreditation.

How can property managers learn more about IREM or join the organization?

Attend one of our events! On April 4, a speaker from the national council will speak on the value of the CPM® and how property managers can earn it. It will be held at Minneapolis Event Centers on St. Anthony Main in Minneapolis. You won’t want to miss it!

Of course, you can always reach out to me or Minnesota chapter president Charles Meadows. I’d love to share how IREM could help you take your career to the next level.

7 reasons to consider outsourcing the management of your commercial properties

commercial properties

Whether you own one building or several, commercial real estate can be a great investment. It can also be a huge job, from the maintenance of the building to leasing out the space and thinking about capital improvements. That’s why many building owners opt to outsource the management of their commercial properties as a way to off-load some of the day-to-day tasks that eat up all of their time.

But you don’t want to outsource to just any management company. Rather, you want one that understands not only the local market, but also the many types of buildings available. You want a company that has experience with multi-story office buildings, warehouse facilities, commercial condominiums or townhouses, retail, and industrial properties.

Clarity Commercial has experience with a variety of building types, and we understand that no two buildings are the same. No two property owners are the same, either, and that’s why we pride ourselves on the personalized attention we give each of our clients and their properties.

We work with our clients to help control costs and increase property value while maintaining tenant satisfaction. And as important as it is to increase property value, there are many other benefits to working with a management company. Here are just seven to think about:

  1. Property maintenance for commercial properties

Let’s face it. Your buildings will need maintenance, and probably improvements. You want a reputable company that can take care of both for you. Doing so will not only help you retain and attract new tenants, but also protect your investment.

  1. Marketing and leasing programs

Management companies like Clarity Commercial are experts at developing and implementing marketing and leasing programs in order to attract the right kind of tenant with the right lease terms.

  1. Collections

You don’t want to spend your time chasing down monthly rents, nor do you want to spend your time negotiating lease renewals. You don’t have to when you outsource those very important duties to a professional.

  1. Increased protection

Clarity Commercial can help you protect your investment with services such as security system management for your buildings and the retention of necessary liability insurance for you.

  1. Additional consulting services

Many management companies, like Clarity Commercial, will also help you with financial reporting, budget projections, payment of operating expenses, and real estate and personal tax evaluations.

  1. Multi-state management

Clarity Commercial operates across the U.S., so if you own properties in different states, you only need one management firm to take care of them for you.

  1. More time

That’s right; by outsourcing the management of your properties, you get more time to focus on the things you love.

To find out more about our services and how we can help you and your properties, contact us today!

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

Hiring a Property Manager - commercial property

3 Ways Commercial Property Owners Can Gain Clarity and Time in 2018

Eagan MN Car Club - Commercial Property Owners

When you’re bogged down in the day-to-day management of your buildings, it’s difficult to find the time and resources to grow your portfolio of commercial properties. That’s why many commercial property owners outsource the daily operations of their buildings to a property management company like Clarity Commercial. Here are three ways working with Clarity Commercial can help you find more to time in 2018.

Commercial Property Owners take charge of your buildings with Clarity Commercial

  1. Outsource the maintenance of your commercial property.

Often, property owners perform all the daily maintenance of their buildings themselves, from vacuuming the lobby and washing the windows to shoveling and salting the sidewalks. This might be manageable for a single, small building. But multiplying these tasks across two or more properties becomes burdensome.

Outsourcing the regular maintenance of your commercial properties frees up the time you have for marketing your empty space and hunting for your next investment. Clarity Commercial can provide regular building maintenance services and can even manage your maintenance staff for you.

  1. Get help with your marketing and commercial leasing programs.

Managing your current tenants is already a full-time job, so it can be difficult to find the time to create and implement a marketing plan for attracting new ones. Managing your tenants, negotiating lease renewals, and collecting payments can take up your entire day. That’s why it often pays off to work with a property management company that can help you manage your current tenants and market to new ones.

Clarity Commercial can also work with you to identify potential new tenants and find them the ideal space in your commercial property portfolio. We can help you negotiate the lease and make any renovations and leasehold improvements they require. Our team is experienced in handling all aspects of leasing, including tenant screening, lease negotiations, and lease administration.

With the rise of e-commerce and remote work, the commercial real estate market has become increasingly competitive. As a property owner or manager, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of your tenants’ needs and preferences in order to attract and retain high-quality occupants.

At Clarity Commercial, we understand that finding the right tenants for your commercial property can be a daunting task. That’s why we offer comprehensive tenant sourcing services to help you find reliable and long-term tenants for your spaces. Our team will work closely with you to understand your property’s unique features and amenities, as well as the type of businesses that would thrive in your location.

Once we have a clear understanding of your property and target market, we will use our extensive network and marketing strategies to attract potential tenants. We also utilize the latest technology and data analysis tools to determine the most effective advertising channels for your specific property.

Our goal is not just to find any tenant for your commercial space, but to find the right tenant. We carefully screen all applicants, looking at their financial stability, business history, and references. This thorough vetting process ensures that you have reliable and responsible tenants who will pay rent on time and take care of your property.

In addition to sourcing tenants, we also offer lease negotiation services to help you secure the best terms for your rental agreements. Our team has experience in negotiating leases for various types of commercial properties, including office spaces, retail locations, and industrial warehouses.

We understand that managing a commercial property can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why we offer comprehensive management services to handle all aspects of your property, from maintenance and repairs to tenant relations and rent collection. With our expertise and attention to detail, you can trust that your property is in capable hands.

At myclaritycommercial.com, we value transparency and communication with our clients. That’s why we provide regular updates on the performance of your property and any issues that may arise. You will have access to detailed reports on occupancy rates, financial statements, and maintenance records at any time through our user-friendly online portal.

In today’s competitive market, it takes more than just listing your commercial space to attract potential tenants. Our team at myclaritycommercial.com is dedicated to creating a strong marketing strategy for your property, utilizing various channels such as online listings, social media, and networking events. We also conduct thorough tenant screenings to ensure that the right tenants are selected for your property.

But our services don’t stop there. We understand that managing a commercial property can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why we offer personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs and goals. Whether you have multiple properties or just one, we strive to provide efficient and effective management services that will minimize vacancies and increase profitability.

  1. Work with a property management professional with a proven record.

Clarity Commercial owner and Navy veteran Mel Schultz, CPM®, has been in the real estate business since March 2003. Mel manages a portfolio of retail properties, commercial office buildings, commercial associations, and raw land development. He was a member of the New Concepts Management Group (NCMGI) team for nine years. On January 1, 2018, Mel and NCMGI ownership formed Clarity Commercial Services, LLC to further their efforts on growing a commercial real estate portfolio and business.

Mel joined IREM in 2003 and earned his CPM® designation in 2007. Long active in IREM’s Minnesota Chapter, he has served in numerous chapter leadership positions, including chapter president. He has also been honored as the chapter’s CPM® of the Year in 2014 and most recently received the 2017 Spirit of IREM award. Schultz is also involved with other organizations and earned his Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) designation through the Minnesota Multi-Family Housing Association (recognized as the Outstanding CIC Manager of the Year in 2013) and the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 2011.

Mel’s passion for property management began when he joined IREM in 2003. He was determined to excel in his field, and in 2007, he earned his CPM® designation. This prestigious credential is recognized as the highest standard of excellence in property management.

Throughout his career, Mel has been an active member of IREM’s Minnesota Chapter. He has held various leadership positions within the chapter, including serving as chapter president. Mel’s dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed by his peers; he was awarded the chapter’s CPM® of the Year award in 2014.

In addition to his involvement with IREM, Mel is also passionate about giving back to his community and being involved with other organizations. In 2018, he was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for his local Habitat for Humanity chapter. He also volunteers with organizations such as United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Mel’s commitment to excellence and giving back extends to his work with clients at Clarity Commercial. As the Managing Director, Mel oversees all aspects of property management services, ensuring that each client receives personalized attention and top-notch service. His years of experience in the industry have given him a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by property owners and tenants alike.

One of Mel’s key strengths is his ability to identify strategic opportunities for clients to maximize their return on investment. He works closely with each client to develop tailored solutions that align with their unique goals and objectives. Whether it’s finding the right tenants for a property or negotiating lease terms, Mel’s expertise and attention to detail make him an invaluable asset to his clients.

At Clarity Commercial, we are proud to have Mel as part of our team. His passion for excellence, dedication to client success, and commitment to making a difference in the community make him an exceptional leader and role model for all of us. When you choose Clarity Commercial.

Are you hoping to grow your commercial property portfolio or just need some help managing your current properties? Clarity Commercial can help. Contact us today.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.