Today, we feature a Five for Friday interview with Frank Sproviero, CPM of SVN Alliance Asset & Property Management in Charlotte, North Carolina. Frank specializes in property management, and is co-chair of the SVN Property Management Product Council.
1. What advice would you provide to an aspiring advisor who is new to the industry?
My advice to a new-to-the-business advisor would be two-fold: First, get educated in commercial real estate, whether through college classes or via a professional designation to learn the book knowledge of the industry. Second, associate yourself with a veteran broker or an accomplished team to learn the industry on the job.
Too often, I see new advisors coming in cold, expecting to close deals in their first month, without the ability to have a conversation with a property owner about their CRE needs, their physical properties or the local market trends in general.
2. What does the SVN Difference mean to you?
The SVN Difference means a lot to me, and frankly, I believe it adds up to much more than the 9.6% increase in sales price. Cooperation among brokers is paramount in providing clients the professional service they deserve. The relationships built within the brokerage community when transactions are open to the public are amazing.
3. What learning tools (book, blog, website, etc.) would you recommend to your colleagues to further their knowledge and enhance their careers?
My recommendation to colleagues to further their knowledge and enhance their careers would be to get engaged with industry organizations; CCIM, SIOR, IREM. For me, as a property manager, I received my Certified Property Manager (CPM) professional designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), through their education programs. I’m affiliated with the local chapter, which provides access to continuing education and fellowship with other professionals in real estate management.
4. What inspired you to open an SVN franchise? Or, why did you join SVN?
I affiliated my management company with SVN for multiple reasons, but the one that stands out the most is the level of communication, cooperation, camaraderie, and interaction between offices and advisors across the country, which is second to none. The affiliation with SVN has provided my office with opportunities to represent clients from other states, that were referred to me because they had an interest in investing in the markets that I work on a daily basis.
5. List a fun fact to share about yourself – something that people may not know and that they may be surprised to find out.
When I’m not at the office, or at sports practices with my kids, I enjoy ornamental gardening as a pastime. I find it soothing and therapeutic to be out in nature, taking care of my lawn and landscaping.
Interested in furthering your career in property management? Check out the SVN Careers page.