Brokers, Bin Laden, and Block Chain – Neises Reflects on SIOR Fall World Conference
It was a trip of firsts for Bender Commercial Real Estate Services’ Bradyn Neises. His first time in the Mile-High City. His first time meeting international brokers. His first Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) World Conference.
SIOR is the leading global professional and office real estate association with over 3,200 members representing the most knowledgeable, experienced, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists.
Bender Commercial sent two of its six SIOR designated brokers, Michael Bender and Doug Brockhouse, to Denver, Colorado to represent the firm at the 2018 SIOR Fall World Conference. Also making the trip was Bradyn Neises, Bender Commercial’s youngest broker.
Bradyn Neises, Doug Brockhouse, & Michael Bender heading to Denver
“Michael and Doug introduced me to many brokers from around the country and around the world,” said Neises. “I met international brokers from South Korea, Canada, and India as well as brokers from all around the U.S.”
Outlook on U.S. Politics
SIOR’s incoming president, Robert Thornburgh, opened the conference’s first general session introducing political advisors Mark McKinnon and Paul Begala. Begala, best known as an advisor to President Bill Clinton, provided a balanced commentary of the current political landscape against McKinnon, the former chief media strategist for President George W. Bush.
Mark McKinnon & Paul Begala discussing the state of U.S. politics
“Based on the crowd’s reaction to their points, I would assume a majority of the 900 plus brokers in attendance lean conservative, but Begala articulated his points well,” said Neises. “Both expressed optimism for narrowing the divide in America’s current political atmosphere.”
Make Your Bed
It was the second general session that left an impression on Neises. Retired U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven spoke about advising presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, leading the U.S. Special Operations Command, and executing the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden.
William H. McRaven addressing the full assembly
What struck Neises in particular was McRaven’s emphasis on making your bed every morning as a crucial leadership tactic.
“McRaven said making your bed seems like a trivial task, but it could be the most important thing you do today,” said Neises. “It sets you in a positive mindset first thing in the morning and puts something in your control to return to when you’re bombarded in combat for eight, ten, twelve, or even twenty-four hours.”
Michael Bender attends a breakout session
McRaven’s speech was met with a standing ovation, and Neises said he immediately purchased one of his books, “Make Your Bed.”
Watch McRaven’s famous University of Texas commencement address here.
Blockchain and the Future Economy
The third general session was TED speaker Bettina Warburg’s talk about the future of blockchain technology.
Bettina Warburg explains blockchain on stage
Warburg described blockchain technology as a new technological institution that will fundamentally change how we exchange value.
“Blockchain technology is a decentralized database that stores a registry of assets and transactions across a peer-to-peer network. It’s basically a public registry of who owns what and who transacts what,” said Warburg in her talk.
“It makes sense when you compare it to Wikipedia,” said Neises. “People can go on Wikipedia and contribute to many pages and there’s a record of all the changes that were made. Blockchain does the same thing allowing many people to see the digital ‘chain’ of how a product got from the manufacturer to your door.”
Watch Warburg’s TED Talk on how blockchain technology will impact the economy here.
“I’m looking forward to using the information I learned to help our clients solve problems here in Sioux Falls.” -Bradyn Neises
Overall, Neises emphasized how much he learned at the conference and his excitement on bringing some of the lessons back to Bender Commercial.
Colorado State Capitol Building
“The atmosphere of the conference was upbeat and encouraging. I’m looking forward to using the information I learned to help our clients solve problems here in Sioux Falls,” Neises concluded.
The next SIOR World Conference is April 10-13, 2019 in Washington, DC.
For more information on how Bender Commercial Real Estate Services can help you find the right property or tenant send us an email at info@benderco.com or give us a call at 605-336-7600.
