This week, our 5 for Friday features Alex Dmyterko, President and Managing Director of SVN | BlackStream based in Greenville, South Carolina. Dmyterko is accomplished in leading and managing functions of commercial real estate including development, acquisitions, finance & investment, leasing, construction, joint venture structuring, partnerships, legal negotiations, property management and accounting.
1. What advice would you provide to an aspiring advisor who is new to the industry?
It starts with showing up ready to play, every day. Absorb what our trainers teach and use the tools and processes provided by SVN. We have a proven and methodical system for success in CRE. Also, be consistent in your efforts and apply yourself every day toward your goals, you will eventually reach them.
2. What does the SVN Difference mean to you?
It means that we have a culture of collaboration, transparency and doing things right. We believe in the Core Covenants. We strive to do the right thing, not necessarily the popular thing and we, as a team, will keep this as our focus so that our clients and our advisors will be exceptionally served.
3. What learning tools would you recommend to your colleagues to further their knowledge and enhance their careers?
Risk, Ruin and Riches; Inside the World of Big Time Real Estate by Jim Powell provides an insider’s look and analysis into the deal making of commercial real estate giants, and inflection points in our industry’s history. If this book doesn’t bring out your passion for CRE, then you’re probably in the wrong industry. Trammell Crow, Master Builder: The Story of America’s Largest Real Estate Empire by Robert Sobel, is a biography of my former patriarch and mentor; one of the true titans of the industry and likely the greatest developer ever. It is one of my favorite books.
4. What inspired you to open or join an SVN franchise?
I have a unique relationship with SVN BlackStream. In 2014, I was working with SVN International Corp. and sold a franchise to Ford Elliott for four markets in North and South Carolina. Over time, I got to know Ford better and watched him grow his business. After adding a residential real estate franchise to his company and growing BlackStream’s development business, we decided that we could grow even faster as a team. Our partnership takes advantage of Ford’s vision, entrepreneurship, deal making and leadership skills, while adding my experience in developing properties, evolving people and growing companies. SVN’s resources and support provides us with an international company’s clout in our growing markets.
5. What was your most memorable deal and why?
I developed Coldwater Crossings in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as my first project. I built a 550,000-square foot power center on 75 acres. It took two years of rezoning, assembling parcels, meeting with neighborhood groups, working with my architect, civil engineers, GC, and preleasing space before we started construction. When we finally bought the property, I collected a commission on lease deals with Walmart, Cub Foods, General Cinema Corp, Walgreens, and 100,000 square feet of other leases. All the commissions were paid on the same day and it was a life-changing moment. When the stores opened and I saw how many jobs had been created and how many tax revenues we generated, I knew that I had found my life’s calling.
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