The Power of Real Estate Industry Education

Kidder: “We are contemplating the idea of a winter program focused solely on capital.”

NEWPORT BEACH, CA— Landmark Institute opened the door to a network of a wide range of industry professionals across all asset types, giving participants the chance to build relationships not only with each speaker, but also between one another, Landmark Capital Advisors ‘ president and managing director David Kidder tells GlobeSt.com. As we reported in May , the capital-advisory firm introduced Landmark Institute to educate young professionals entering the real estate marketplace. The five-week course, which launched in June, was presented by industry leaders and seasoned real estate professionals who addressed a range of topics including industry roles and participants, property underwriting fundamentals and analysis of capital cost structure, with an overarching theme of finance and investment across all major asset classes. We caught up with Kidder after the conclusion of the program to find out how it went and what’s next for the Landmark Institute. GlobeSt.com: What was the outcome of the Landmark Institute five-week training program? Kidder: We received positive feedback from the participants, thanking us for the learning experience and the impact of the program on their intended career path. Landmark Institute opened the door to a network of a wide range of industry professionals across all asset types, giving them the chance to build relationships not only with each speaker, but between one another. Following are quotes from a couple of the participants: “I can’t thank you enough for putting together the inaugural Landmark institute and was proud to be a part of such a great group of young professionals. The learning experience I had was immeasurable and will reap benefits for years to come.” “As a relative newcomer to the industry, it was unbelievably helpful to walk through the different components and focuses that make up commercial real estate.  I have started thinking in different ways about the trajectory of my career and I am truly beginning to understand what it is that really interests me and lights my fire professionally.” GlobeSt.com: What was your impression of the industry leaders who contributed to the program and their willingness to give back to the real estate community? Kidder: Industry leaders we reached out to were excited about participating in the program and giving back to the real estate community. We were fortunate enough to get multiple positive responses for each time slot. We had to make hard decisions but were excited about the traction Landmark Institute generated. We want to take this opportunity to thank Jeremy Mape at Western Realco , Ken Robertson at KBS Realty , Doug Beiswenger at LBG Realty , Andrew Nelson at Red Oak Investment , Mike McMillen at TriPointe Group and Stephen Jordan at the New Home Co. for taking the time to prepare outstanding presentations, talk about their focus within the real estate industry and educate our young professionals in a fun and interactive way. We really appreciate their participation, which made Landmark Institute a huge success. GlobeSt.com: What’s next for the Landmark Institute? Kidder: Many of the students expressed an interest in learning more about the capital stack and the nuances of structured finance. We are contemplating the idea of a winter program focused solely on capital. It is yet to be determined and planned, but we intend to send out a notification should the program take life in the winter of 2016. If not, we are absolutely planning on another summer session in 2017. GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about the program? Kidder: Landmark Institute was designed to educate young professionals who wanted to increase their knowledge base through exposure to industry leaders. What surprised us was the interest level from outside companies wanting to participate in the program. We expected the willingness from individuals to want to “pay-it-forward”, yet we underestimated the demand a lot of companies have for young talent and their desire to pursue creative outlets in the effort to establish relationships with the next generation of real estate professionals. With developers leveraging development and redevelopment opportunities across all property types, how can you capitalize on this activity?  Join us  at RealShare Orange County on August 16^th for impactful information from the leaders in Orange County CRE. Learn  more .