The DLI Path to Success – DLI: Start to Finish

The Developing Leaders Institute (DLI) is NAIOP Southern Nevada’s premier program offered to young professionals. This year long commitment is both practical and hands-on, featuring mandatory monthly classes taught by respected veteran industry professionals commencing with a final group project and presentation.  My fellow class members and I have taken account of what we have learned and experienced, how it helps our future careers and the fun we’ve had along the way.  This class inevitably solidifies a determination for success in your field of work. But even better than that are the awesome relationships that you create along the way and that may continue even beyond our careers.

Our journey began with a retreat at the beautiful Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort, where the class had an opportunity to get to know ourselves and each other at levels deeper than can be achieved in a brief event setting or even in the field on a daily basis.  The retreat sets the tone for the next 12 months and sets a foundation to build relationships through the course.

One of my personal goals in applying for the DLI was to develop a broad understanding of the whole process; from site selection to completed project to sell or lease.  The course accomplished that and much more in giving me an extensive understanding of all the dynamics involved in developing a commercial project. The experiences have been unique and memorable.  Getting a chance to see completed projects, to hear from the companies that built them and to understand what they have to tackle from start to finish has been eye opening.

As we approach the end, I know without a doubt that this experience will impact my future career and the paths I choose. The peers and industry veterans in this NAIOP network will play a huge roll in my future. Last but not least, we’ve had so much fun! The mixer events served to advance relationships from professional to more personal. DLI gave us unique opportunities to listen to successful individuals speak candidly about the trials and tribulations throughout their careers and how they successfully overcame them.

I asked a few of my fellow DLI classmates about their experience here is what they had to say:

Jerry Doty, Associate | Doherty Industrial Group | Colliers International

What were your expectations of the DLI program when you started it and have those been met, exceeded or failed?
When I began the program I expected to possibly meet a few new business contacts and gain some insight into different aspects of commercial real estate. Beginning with the retreat and at all the following group events the program exceeded my expectations. Not only have I made business contacts but I have established friendships with people in all aspects of commercial real estate that will continue well after the classes end.

Which class has been your favorite and most informative?
My favorite class to date was on construction. We toured a recently completed facility with the general contractor who provided tremendous insight and detail. New construction was an area that I wanted to learn more about and this class helped me gain practical knowledge for the future.

How do you see the DLI program boosting your careers trajectory within the industry?
I see the program helping my career through the new relationships with both my peers in the program and the industry leaders who taught each class. DLI opens doors that you may not have had access to before. Now, if I have a question regarding a commercial loan, title insurance, tenant improvements or a retail property I will reach out to the contacts I have made in DLI.

Sabrina Borghoff, Strategic Relationship Developer | Martin-Harris Construction

How have you grown professionally since being part of the DLI program and member of NAIOP?
The DLI program helped me develop the toolkit I need to succeed in my career. It revealed gaps in my knowledge and skills, helped me develop new abilities and a deeper understanding of these areas to advance my career, and enhanced my overall performance and value to the NAIOP organization. This experience has equipped me with a broader view of business, increased my confidence, and augmented my interactions with senior industry leaders.

How do you see the DLI program boosting your careers trajectory within the industry?  
The new skills, deep knowledge and excellent connections accrued during the program have been crucial factors for advancements within my company and have opened the door to new business opportunities. This program has also benefited me with the opportunity to gain access to alumni who act as career advisors, mentors, and industry experts.  I also view my fellow classmates as my lifelong advisory committee – people to rely on for support and guidance long after we graduate from this program.

Eric J. Larkin, CCIM, Partner | NAI Vegas

What were your expectations of the DLI program when you started it and have those been met, exceeded or failed?
Going into the program I expected a great networking opportunity. This expectation has been greatly exceeded given regular interaction with my classmates. The retreat, monthly classes, our group project team meetings, and our networking events have not only grown my professional network, but I’ve got to know my DLI classmates on a personal level.

Which class has been your favorite and most informative?
Mike Montandon’s class on public speaking was extremely interesting. We were given some very good tips and tricks to be more comfortable and prepared for public speaking engagements.

How do you see the DLI program boosting your careers trajectory within the industry?
DLI has boosted my careers trajectory by providing an environment to develop long-term relationships with industry professionals at a personal level.

In the end, the DLI is a tremendous boost to your career and all past and current students and graduates all attest to the same that the course is invaluable in so many ways.

Bryan Houser, Senior Associate
Albright Callister & Associates Commercial
702-732-1000 O | 702-277-9207 D | bhouser@ac-nv.com

The DLI Class of 2016 would like to thank and acknowledge our sponsors, supporters, speakers and the Committee members; none of whom this opportunity would have been possible.

Sponsors:

  • 10 Nine Design Group
  • Affordable Concepts, Inc.
  • Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
  • Burke Construction Group, Inc.
  • DC Building Group, LLC
  • Harsch Investment Properties
  • Heller Companies
  • Kolesar & Leatham, Chtd.
  • LaPour
  • Majestic Realty Co.
  • MDL Group
  • Prologis

Supporters:

  • American Nevada Company
  • CommCap Advisors
  • Dan Doherty, Colliers International
  • Helix Electric
  • Jones Lang LaSalle
  • Kalb Industries
  • Kimley-Horn and Associates
  • LaPour
  • Logic Commercial Real Estate
  • OGI Environmental
  • RCG Economics
  • Walker Engineering, LLC
  • Wells Fargo Bank

Speakers:

  • Bill Arent, City of Las Vegas Economic and Urban Development
  • Kevin Burke, Burke Construction Group, Inc.
  • Natasha Conner, Harsch Investment Properties
  • Dan Doherty, SIOR Colliers International
  • Gina Gavan, City of North Las Vegas Economic & Business Development
  • Reed Gottesman, Harsch Investment Properties
  • Jeff LaPour, LaPour
  • Christopher Larsen, PGAL, LLC
  • Frank Martin, Martin-Harris Construction
  • Rod Martin, Majestic Realty Co.
  • Mike Montandon, Providence Commercial
  • Rick Myers, Thomas & Mack Development Company
  • Kyle Nagy, CommCap Advisors
  • John Ramous, Harsch Investment Properties
  • John Restrepo, RCG Economics
  • Bridget Richards, CCIM, Perry Guest Companies
  • Doug Roberts, Panattoni Development Company, Inc.
  • Ann Santiago, TMC Financing
  • John Travassos, Burke Construction Group, Inc.
  • Jennifer Turchin, Coda Group Inc.
  • Charles Van Geel, American Nevada Company
  • Cody Walker, City of Henderson Economic Development
  • Michael Walsh, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

DLI Committee Members:

  • Jennifer Turchin, Coda Group Inc. – Committee Chair
  • Jennifer Levine, CCIM, Cushman & Wakefield | Commerce – Board Liaison
  • Michael Shohet, NAIOP Southern Nevada President, 2016
  • Katrina Bruce, NAIOP Southern Nevada
  • Renee Carroll, Prologis
  • Dan Doherty, SIOR, Colliers International
  • Reed Gottesman, Harsch Investment Properties
  • Bart Larsen, Kolesar & Leatham, Chtd.
  • Rebecca Miltenberger, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
  • Hayim Mizrachi, CCIM, MDL Group
  • Dan Palmeri, Cushman & Wakefield | Commerce
  • Charles Stewart, Burke Construction Group, Inc.
  • David Strickland, Thomas & Mack Development Group
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