Meet the 2024 CREA President, Ben Bakker

2024 CREA President, Ben Bakker: Enthusiastic for a Second Term of Leadership

Ben Bakker proudly resumed the position of President for the Commercial Real Estate Alliance (CREA) for 2024, marking his second term in recent years. Ben’s exceptional leadership as the 2022 CREA President paved the way for his notable return to the helm in 2024, a testament to his outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to this honorable role. Ben truly stands out as a seasoned commercial real estate professional, boasting a comprehensive track record in sales, leasing, and client relations.

After a decade with Michael Saunders & Company, where he was an award-winning top sales advisor, Ben launched a new full-service commercial brokerage in Manatee County called NDC Commercial Real Estate. A lifelong resident of Bradenton, Ben brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his second tenure as 2024 CREA President.

“The chance to serve again in a leadership role like this is very humbling, and not something that I take lightly,” said Bakker. “During my first term as President, I was committed to launching a new business and a new brokerage as I was also learning the ropes as CREA president. I am thrilled now to be able to take what I’ve learned as President in 2022 and embark on another year with a fresh perspective and energy to promote CREA even further. It’s a huge honor to know that I’m trusted amongst my peers to serve as President again of this remarkable organization.”

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

For more than 30 years, the commercial division at RASM has brought together commercial real estate professionals to be the leader in our marketplace by promoting business development. CREA’s mission is to be the leader in the commercial marketplace by promoting professionalism to their membership through education, communications, and business development.

CREA’S OVERALL OBJECTIVES:

• To unite those engaged in commercial real estate activities for the purpose of exerting a beneficial influence on matters affecting the profession and related interests.
• To promote commercial real estate business activity among members.
• To provide members the opportunity to better serve the public through education in commercial real estate on a continuing basis.

CREA GOALS FOR 2024

Ben is dedicated to fostering the future growth of CREA in the upcoming year by leveraging the group’s existing strength and momentum.

“My goals for CREA this year are to continue to grow the membership base,” said Bakker. “We have been doing a stellar job of educating our valued commercial practitioners with helpful industry knowledge, and giving them a great deal of tools, resources, and networking opportunities to further their business. I’m very proud of the programming we’ve offered over the past few years, and I’m looking forward to enriching our programs even further.”

Ben is also focused on maintaining and nurturing a symbiotic relationship between RASM residential and commercial REALTORS®.

“Residential agents have numerous opportunities to attend CREA events and are warmly welcome to join us at any time,” said Bakker. “Attending CREA events is a great way for residential agents to gain insights into the commercial side of the industry so they can be better equipped when a commercial situation arises. CREA is here to support our residential counterparts. We are an additional tool to help serve their residential clients, and we never want a residential client to feel uncertain about referring a client who needs commercial expertise. We want our residential agents to feel confident that they have a trusted ally who is equally committed to meeting the needs of their clients.”

PLANS FOR 2024

CREA is deep into the planning stages for the year, bringing back crowd-pleasers such as their successful “Lunch and Learn” series, weekly “CREA Marketplace” meetings, and renowned networking events like Downtown Horizons as well as the exceptionally popular Clay Shoot. Additionally, CREA is actively engaged in brainstorming new ideas to enrich their offerings further.

“We carefully listen to the feedback and needs of our members, and what we’re hearing is the desire to continue with the tried-and-true favorites while also exploring fresh and new subjects,” said Bakker.

JOIN CREA AND GET INVOLVED

CREA has a strong membership of over 300 professionals who are active in the commercial real estate market. Their membership includes commercial brokers and salespersons, lenders, attorneys, insurance agents, and professionals involved in all aspects of the business. The organization offers something for everyone.

“I genuinely can’t recommend joining CREA enough,” said Bakker. “Everyone who wants to learn and grow in this market is warmly welcomed, and if you want to have your finger on the pulse of the commercial market, CREA is where you need to be. CREA is the essential hub. It’s a great way to make valuable, life-long connections and friendships, and get more involved in the commercial industry in our MSA. We, as a group of dedicated professionals, take pride in fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment.”

Ben recommends not only joining CREA but also diving into a committee or a leadership role.

“There are numerous ways to get involved in CREA,” added Bakker. “We offer different levels of involvement, such as joining one of our many committees or becoming a board member. Our members are some of the most genuine people I know, and always ready to lend a hand, ensuring no one bears too heavy a weight to carry on their own.”

COMMERCIAL OUTLOOK

While the future remains uncertain, Ben has an optimistic outlook for the commercial market in 2024.

“Last year posed numerous challenges in commercial real estate following the boom of 202122. We experienced a decline in activity attributed to inflation, compounded by rising insurance rates. We also had to adjust our expectations as we saw a slowdown of people migrating to Florida. I believe this year will mark a return to a more ‘normal’ environment, no longer a ‘boom’ but a more typical market. But overall, I am optimistic about 2024, even with a wildcard thrown into the mix due to it being an election year. But we are seeing stabilized supply chains, and interest rates decreasing, so those are all healthy signs.”

In addition, Ben credits the RASM Political Action Committee for working tirelessly to advocate for insurance reform, which will continue to contribute to a healthy commercial market.

“The RASM Political Action Committee has worked tirelessly in their advocacy efforts to ensure our industry continues to push forward,” added Bakker.

“Although I don’t have a crystal ball, I believe the future of the commercial real estate industry looks bright, and I am thrilled to assume the role of CREA President once again. Trying to enhance something that is already exceptional presents a distinctive challenge. However, I am enthusiastic about what we can accomplish together, and my objective is to leave CREA in a better state than when I began.”

UPCOMING EVENT

2024 Commercial Economic Update

Tuesday, February 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., RASM South

Register Here

For more information on the commercial market, please join CREA for the annual market and economic update and dive into the trends and headwinds impacting commercial real estate fundamentals in the greater Sarasota area. The event is free for CREA members and $5 for non-members.