MNCAR – Monthly Spotlight- Jim Halbur
1. What are your favorite CRE events of the year?
I think our favorite CRE events of the year have included some of the KW sponsored national events like the KW Commercial Summit and KW Family Reunions. I have also enjoyed participating in the MNCAR sporting clay shoot. And of course, we also find value in the smaller gatherings at our corporate offices where we share information and opportunities with our peers.
2. What do you enjoy most about the CRE industry?
What I enjoy most about commercial real estate is helping businesses find the right space to grow and seeing how those decisions contribute to the long-term vitality of our communities. No two days are the same in commercial real estate, and I enjoy the variety of projects, properties, and people involved in every transaction.
3. Who inspires you in the CRE industry or in your personal life?
KW Commercial is backed by one of the largest real estate networks in the world, nearly 200,000 agents globally—which gives us reach and connectivity most firms can’t match. So far, all of them I draw a lot of inspiration from the people within KW Commercial. Being part of a network backed by one of the largest real estate platforms in the world, Keller Williams Commercial—means you’re constantly surrounded by professionals who are willing to share knowledge, insights, and real-world experience.
What stands out most is accessibility. No matter the size or complexity of a deal—whether it’s a large industrial project or a specialized warehouse requirement, there’s always someone in the network who’s been there before and is willing to help.
That level of collaboration and openness is rare, and it’s something that continues to push me to grow and deliver better results for my clients.
4. What are some of the hottest topics in CRE right now?
I think some of the hottest topics in CRE right now are adaptive reuse of older properties, the growing role of technology and AI in real estate, and the continued demand for industrial and specialty assets as businesses rethink how they use space.
5. If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
I’m especially passionate about the development and construction of industrial sites, so the ideal collaboration would be with a logistics or distribution company looking to expand across multiple locations. Being part of a strategic, multi-site rollout—where every decision directly impacts efficiency and long-term performance—is incredibly exciting.
Too often, I’ve seen high-quality industrial buildings placed in less-than-ideal locations, increasing operational costs by an estimated 3–5%. That’s where the real opportunity lies. Thoughtful site selection—paired with the right zoning, TIF incentives, infrastructure planning, and strong contractor partnerships—can make a significant difference in both performance and profitability.
Bringing all those pieces together to create smarter, more efficient industrial developments isn’t just interesting to me—it’s what makes the work truly rewarding.
To submit yourself or another MNCAR member for a monthly spotlight profile, email lindsey@mncar.o