Heather Konopka, CCIM, brings more than more than 21 years of Commercial Real Estate experience to her trade with a primary expertise in Multifamily and Land in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
As an active Texas Real Estate Broker, Ms. Konopka holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Designation since 2005. Additionally, Ms. Konopka is a member of the North Texas CCIM Chapter where she served on the board, is a member of the MetroTex Association of Realtors, currently serving as the Chairperson on the Commercial Committee, and serves on the National Platform for the C21 Commercial Advisory Board. Ms. Konopka is a member of NTCAR (North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors) where she served on the New Initiatives Advisory Board and is a member of the Texas and National Association of Realtors.
Heather Konopka, CCIM, brings more than more than 21 years of Commercial Real Estate experience to her trade with a primary expertise in Multifamily and Land in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
As an active Texas Real Estate Broker, Ms. Konopka holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Designation since 2005. Additionally, Ms. Konopka is a member of the North Texas CCIM Chapter where she served on the board, is a member of the MetroTex Association of Realtors, currently serving as the Chairperson on the Commercial Committee, and serves on the National Platform for the C21 Commercial Advisory Board. Ms. Konopka is a member of NTCAR (North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors) where she served on the New Initiatives Advisory Board and is a member of the Texas and National Association of Realtors.
Speaker 1:
Welcome to Heather Ewing, the CRA rundown. I am your host, Heather Ewing, and today I have the lovely Heather Kanapka from beautiful Texas. Heather, welcome.
Speaker 2:
Hello Heather how are you.
Speaker 1:
I am great, I am so excited to have you on. Ever since we met a few weeks ago in Seattle at the CCIM Governance Meeting, it has just been a great experience, not only there, but meeting great people like yourself, which is why I had to have you on. So thank you for joining me.
Speaker 2:
Well, thank you so much, and I so enjoyed meeting you. I love your dynamic personality, just your energy. You're so incredible, so I'm really honored and excited to be here with you.
Speaker 1:
Thank you. So since our guests don't know you, please share with them a little bit more about yourself and what you do in lovely Texas.
Speaker 2:
Awesome, thank you. I'm in Fort Worth Texas. I am a commercial real estate broker. I own a Sperry commercial global affiliates franchise. That's a mouthful it is. It really is Sperry CGA for short. It's always easier that way and I've been in the business 30 years. I specialize in land development multifamily and I have a component of industrial and office and property management.
Speaker 1:
Very nice. So, between Texas and Wisconsin, what are you noticing in your market? I think there's always similarities throughout the nation, but also some of the different idiosyncrasities due to location.
Speaker 2:
You have a fantastic question. I've had some deals fall out. I've had one in particular. We were under contract, my client wanted a five-month extension and the seller wouldn't give it and he pulled out of the deal. Two weeks later that seller comes back and says would you pay a $5 million price reduction to close by the end of the year? And my guy took it Exactly.
Speaker 2:
So, putting it back together, so price is definitely being impacted. I think bringing that gap between a buyer and a seller is our challenge and with the rising of interest rates, I think getting creative is really important. Whether it's an owner financing component, maybe it's a, I'm not seeing a lot of loans get done.
Speaker 1:
Right, and I agree too. That's definitely prevalent in our market too of people that are able to secure locations with cash are definitely doing it as far as having the locations, because, as I've always said, timing precedes a location. You can know about a great location, but if you're not able to secure it, you're out of the race, right?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, you know, and something I tell my team members and the people I talk with is you know, in Dallas-Fort Worth we are in a great area. We are expanding, we still have development going on, people are still moving here and I've been through the cycles and commerce will continue. I think so many people get. You know, maybe they've been in the business the last three to five years and it's oh my gosh, interest rates are no longer 3%, you know. Okay, so there are maybe even a little bit more normal. Now it's six and a half or seven and a half. You know, I don't know that we'll ever get back to those twos and threes. I think it was just a time period that you know happened and you know we're just normalizing now. So, but commerce does continue. People need places for their businesses, people want investments and I think, especially as the stock market has its challenges, I see a lot of people pulling money there from there and buying bricks and mortar.
Speaker 1:
Definitely. Well, I think, too, it's one of those where, especially if you have a background in real estate or know someone that is in this realm, that it really is easy to get into real estate by investing with the right people, the right firms. And I don't know, I think there is something about that tangible asset, whereas with stocks, you see the numbers, but it's just different, won't you say?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, oh, I totally agree. I invested in a company I really believe in and I've just watched it plummet, so anyway, I have hope.
Speaker 1:
Definitely so. You two are a very intrinsic and a deep person. What got you into commercial real estate and what's the why behind that?
Speaker 2:
Oh, great question. So I started my career in residential and after about three years of making really good money at the time I wanted to buy apartments. And I go and I tell my office manager, hey, I'm gonna buy this apartment complex. It was 52 units and never owned an apartment and, by the way, I'm gonna start selling commercial real estate. And he was like Heather, if anybody can do it, it's probably you, but you need to get your CCIM designation and we did have computers back then in the mid 90s. So I took my time CCIMcom and started on my courses and I was penned in 2005, small story on that apartment building. I did not buy it, made the offer it was 10,000 a door in 1999.
Speaker 2:
And it has since traded for over a hundred thousand a door and I didn't pull the trigger on buying it. That gives me just bumps. Yeah right, lesson learned. But through the course of time I've done other investments and right now I'm not buying it. I'm looking and hoping to find or create or build an RV park.
Speaker 1:
That's very nice yeah.
Speaker 2:
I think that's gonna be really cool. So, and what's my why? This is a fantastic question, I think. Why is maybe change or they morph or they grow over time?
Speaker 2:
Back then I got into commercial real estate because I had two young children, who are now 25 and 31, and I wanted to be home with them in the evenings and I wanted to be with them on the weekends, and that was my why. Then I had no idea until I really got into the CCIM education and just that it was such a fit, for I love numbers, I love analyzing and underwriting, but I love the people, and relationships are so important and so valuable. That's working with people, seeing them, whether it's achieved their dream. I worked with a couple and year over year I sold them a couple of multi-family properties and then a year later I sold them again, listening for a sale, and they were so pleased they invited me to an event. They had a fundraising event.
Speaker 2:
This beautiful 500 acre ranch. It was just beautiful and they were able to give a million dollars to that cost Because it was you know, it was just. Actually it was a year and a few days, but they didn't want to take all the tax hits. So and and, but it was also a good cause. So it was just really nice to see people do well, build their money and to give.
Speaker 1:
Well, that's the thing too. Wealth really is just an amplifier, right? Yeah? If you're the kind that cares about people in different causes and wants to use their time, money, energy, you just do more of that, and the opposite is true as well. So I agree completely.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, so you know the the why really is. I really thought long about this because you know, it really is about touching lives and leaving a being memorable, leaving it a positive impact, lifting them up, inspiring. So I think that there's just you know one word. It really is probably inspire. I really want to inspire others and touch their lives.
Speaker 1:
I love that, and that's you know. What's interesting, too, is, when I got into commercial real estate, it was more so. Here's an expansive area where I can grow and make great money.
Speaker 1:
And what's neat, though, is, over the years, I feel like I fell into my why. Yeah, and the neat thing about that, too is just, I think, commercial real estate despite what a lot of people would think if they don't know people, there are a lot of really big hearts, and I think, too, between our group, with the CCIM too. People have worked really hard and they've acquired a lot and have done really well, and there's such a you know, you hear the term fraternity like it is, it's like a beautiful family. It really is?
Speaker 1:
Yeah, absolutely it is, and I was pinned in 2020, so I'm still newer, but in that sense, you just can't help but feel involved in the knowledge, the deal, experience and just the kindness. I know it leaves a lasting impression each and every event that I attend, yeah, and I look forward to seeing you at more.
Speaker 2:
So Well, most definitely yes.
Speaker 1:
That will be fun, it will be, unfortunately well, fortunately, not fortunately I'll be running the Boston Marathon, so I won't be at that one. So an exciting big life thing for me. So I'll have to catch up on the next one after but yeah, that's fantastic.
Speaker 2:
Well, congratulations to you, thank you.
Speaker 1:
I appreciate that. So jumping gears a little bit. If you were to go back five, 10 years, Heather, into the time machine, what is the piece of advice or two that you would give yourself going forward?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, you know I this is that's a great question you know we have. I think being a female in a male dominant world, getting my CCI designation, has maybe got me to the table a few times, maybe not, but what I love is people. When I talk, I know what I'm talking about, I know the numbers, I understand them and it was like having them believe in me and trust me. I think we talked, we might be very similar in a lot of ways, not just the name, but believing in yourself, and something I've often told my children and they were younger is just be yourself and they'll love you and be your genuine self, and I think we tend to. Whether it's imposter syndrome or whatever you might experience in this business, it's just be yourself, educate yourself, be knowledgeable.
Speaker 1:
Be, yourself. And I think commercial real estate is a great platform for that, because when I think of you myself and various other brokers, each person really is their own and I think that is I hate to say the term superpower. But when you finally get into that stride and that comfort level that you so fight when you're younger right, that it really does allow you to help, I think, on a grander scale and more fully. So I love that you know.
Speaker 2:
if I went back almost 26 years ago, I'd say buy the apartment deal.
Speaker 1:
Yes, yes, sign on the dotted line, baby right, pull the trigger. Yeah, definitely so things are. It's a bustling arena. What would you say is one or two things that have really helped you from a mindset perspective? Right, Deals can be shorter, maybe a few months. They can be years, years. I guess, yeah, what's a tool or resource that you like from mindset? What's something you do?
Speaker 2:
So I live on a lake and I definitely enjoy sitting on my boat dock and relaxing, unwinding. I'm very thankful. I think. Gratitude is huge. We all experience deals that don't happen or they fall out, and I think I referenced the one that just recently fell out. I don't give up on it. I don't give up on you know, I just persevere. And if it's not that one, you know, let's see what else works. But I often put deals back together and I love it.
Speaker 1:
My husband calls me the closer and I would love to have that as my tagline but it might be a third or fourth time.
Speaker 2:
It's under contract, but I work to get it done and I think whenever you have a transaction and you've got buyers and sellers, it's understanding their motivation and their why and continually reminding them of what their goal is. You know that begin with the end in mind statement is you know what's their goal, what do they want to achieve with this transaction? And I really take it's not about me, you know it's not about my paycheck or you know the commission it really is helping them get to what they're looking for.
Speaker 1:
I agree because I think when you deliver outstanding service, one people can feel that and I think people intuitively can tell if someone is just a lot of hot air or not. And I think too that offers the longevity and obviously after about 30 years that speaks levels and layers to not only your integrity but your skill and, I think, really providing value through that creativity also and the numbers. So you've got a solid rock star years of a service here. What do you anticipate in the next five to 10? Like, is there anything that's you know, kind of one of those little thoughts in the back of your mind or something that's calling to you?
Speaker 2:
You know, fantastic question With business. You know, opening my office and I plan to grow and I love seeing the younger people get it, so to speak. I've become a CCIM instructor. You know, as we go around and teach in these different locations and just meeting people that are younger and having you know they may or may not have some of the same stories or experiences that we've had, but to share them and maybe help them whenever that time comes or whatever that situation is that will be beneficial for them. But growing my office, inspiring and just being the best leader I can be.
Speaker 1:
Definitely, well, and I would definitely love to have you teach one of the courses here in Madison, wisconsin. Of course, we'd save it for the summertime, I don't want to put you through a winter. Yes, yeah, definitely. So what is one thing you know? So if there's people that do know you that might be watching, what is one thing that might take all of us by surprise. What's that kind of one novel thing, whether it's a trip or anything, you name it.
Speaker 2:
I love sailing and I really am looking forward to getting to the BVIs. We sail the US Virgin Islands and during COVID or shortly thereafter the BVIs were still shut down, but I don't know that it'd be the best investment. But I'd love a sailboat and charter it and be able to use it anytime I want. But you know, we'll see.
Speaker 1:
That sounds divine yeah. You're growing that team right.
Speaker 2:
I'm working on it right, Definitely.
Speaker 1:
Well, here's a way to help you. So what is a good way for people to reach out to you, whether it's they're interested in working with you, maybe a certain deal that they have, or maybe there's someone in the Texas area that is interested in commercial real estate would love to work with a great, great person and firm.
Speaker 2:
Well, awesome. Well, we have our website, so we have the HKCgroupcom. You can reach out to me via email at heatherconocca, at sparycgacom, and I can also connect with me on LinkedIn and I'm working on all my other social medias.
Speaker 1:
Perfect. Well, heather, thank you so much for joining me today. It was wonderful connecting with you and I look forward to chatting with you soon. Awesome, thank you so much, heather. You bet Bye-bye.