MNCAR – Monthly Spotlight- Barb Schuba
1. Name one fun fact that makes your company or yourself different from others.
Suntide is more than just the typical real estate company; we’re a boutique, mid-sized firm, offering all of the services a commercial investor needs to make their property a success. Because the principals of Suntide are hands on, with not a lot of layers in our company structure, we’re very nimble and can make wise decisions quickly. Our clients can benefit from either ALL or just SOME of the services we provide, as we tailor our agreements to meet the clients needs. Our services include; property management, construction, full-range maintenance, interior design, brokerage, accounting, lease drafting and marketing. All of these areas of expertise are officed in one central location, which allows for a true team approach to everything we do. Being housed together in the same office allows for greater communication amongst all departments, and provides for more creativity and quicker turnaround times.
2. What do you enjoy most about the CRE industry?
I truly enjoy meeting with investors, learning what their goals are, what their challenges are, then helping them find a way to achieve their goals and tackle their challenges. I enjoy hearing how they got to where they are today, and what they learned along the way. When we do business with investors who we align with, it makes for a great relationship, and makes the assignment even that more fun to work on.
3. What has been your biggest professional achievement?
My biggest professional achievement was purchasing Suntide Commercial Realty. I had worked my way up the ladder for 11 years, when one day my predecessor said to me “some day you’ll own this company” and I thought to myself “yeah, right”. But, just 5 years later he was true to his word when they sold the company to another long term employee and myself, plus a few other minority shareholders. That was a scary, yet exciting moment in time for me; but it’s been a very rewarding adventure! Five years after the sale, we grew the company from roughly 20 staff to now over 50, and increased the revenue 5 times over what it was on the day we purchased it.
4. What would you tell other CRE professionals about the need to join MNCAR?
This is an easy question as I speak highly of MNCAR to clients and individuals in the field. MNCAR has been a great resource for continuing education and valuable information about the CRE market in Minnesota. Probably one of the most connected and reliable groups I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of. If I had to say what my favorite event MNCAR hosts, that would be the fall Expo; it’s always such a fun event! Meeting with area brokers, investors and service providers in a casual yet structured setting really gives a hometown feel to this business.
5. What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to go to Germany to travel to the various towns that my father was stationed at during his years of service for the US Army. His time in Germany seemed so interesting to me, and I think it would be an honor to retrace his steps. His family came from Germany, as did my mothers, so maybe I would even be lucky enough to meet a few very distant relatives.
To submit yourself or another MNCAR member for a monthly spotlight profile, email lindsey@mncar.org