GlobeSt.com: Globalization has been a sort of theme of your term in office.

Behrens: This was the experience of a lifetime, and it changed my life and my perspective on how I do business. I've literally traveled around the world three times on institute business. We are involved in 29 countries now--up from about 24 or 25 when I took office. I have colleagues in all of those countries and can do business with all of them.

GlobeSt.com: What countries have you added?

Behrens: We added a designee in Peru, we have chartered a Puerto Rican chapter as well as in Shanghai and Hong Kong. In addition, our Mexican chapter has leaped forward in terms of membership. The globalization and the ability to do business around the world is not just a theory. We're also kicking off a global marketing plan--CCIM Partners--to enhance the networking that should take place. We have 16,000 multimillion-dollar producers in our membership. That makes us, in effect, the largest network of professionals in the commercial investment arena. CCIM Partners will enhance the ability of all of these designees and candidates to get together, network and do business.

GlobeSt.com: What did you come back from Asia with? You make it sound like quite an epiphany.

Behrens: I was in Shanghai first, then Tokyo. Tokyo's economy has been staggering, rivaling what we have done here in North America. But we pretty well knew what was going on in Japan. In Shanghai, what I saw at the airport really opened my eyes. Their cars of choice are Buick Regals, Jeep Wagoneers, C-class Mercedes. I was in shock. Everywhere I looked there were 15 or 20 construction cranes. The statistics my hosts showed indicated that in the next 15 to 18 years, 80% of the world's construction cranes will be in Shanghai. Beijing was interesting in that we left the Forbidden City and saw cranes for the Olympics. When it's done, those cranes will be moved to Shanghai for other projects. The Chinese are "out-capitalist-ing" us. China is still a totalitarian society, but the Communist government seems to be getting out of the way of development.

GlobeSt.com: So what's the implication of all that?

Behrens: The implication is that as an institute, we're on the cutting edge. They desire the education programs we provide. We're approaching 400 members in Korea and 300 in China.

GlobeSt.com: Are they prepared to deal with the inevitable real estate cycles?

Behrens: One of the things the Chinese are experiencing right now are swings in the economy similar to ours. It's definitely an overheated development spurt, and they are witnessing non-performing loans and workouts and beginning to question projects; it's all happening as we speak.

GlobeSt.com: Much building doesn't mean smart building.

Behrens: That's correct. As painful as some of this is, it's normal in a capitalist structure. All that's happening in that economy is that it's catching its breath, and it's all part of a normal market. My advice to first-time investors there would be to realize that there is a bit more country risk involved and they have to build an exit strategy. It's not like moving money through Nafta; it's not that polished yet. But it can be done; the environment there is not in a long-term type of crisis situation. The water is fine. Jump in.