T
he Aleut Corp.'s real estate arm has launched a new brokerage firm aimed at boosting economic opportunities for Alaska Native communities. Tayal Brokerage, which means "to buy" in Unangam Tunuu, went live in mid-October. The company manages properties acquired through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) separately from traditional lands owned by the Aleut Corp.

    Tayal is based in Anchorage and offers consulting and investment strategy services. The firm prioritizes hiring Aleut Corp. shareholders, mostly Unangax̂ with roots in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands regions. Mike Jenks leads both Aleut Real Estate and Tayal Brokerage, citing job opportunities for shareholders as a key benefit of the new firm.

    "We get to manage our own properties, too," Jenks said. "A brokerage is really a good way to get introduced into real estate: number one, make money, and then you learn about opportunities to invest." The properties invested in by Aleut Real Estate are chosen carefully, with returns for shareholders top-of-mind.

    Tayal Brokerage aims to deliver high-quality commercial real estate services while reinvesting profits directly into Alaska Native communities. Jenks wants to hire more employees, prioritizing those with real estate experience or interest, particularly shareholder candidates. In September, Aleut Real Estate purchased Huffman Commons in Anchorage, marking its entry into retail properties.

    Historically, the company has invested in office spaces, but demand declined during the COVID-19 pandemic due to widespread work-from-home mandates. Jenks expects demand for office spaces to return on the higher end of the market within a year or two. The Aleut Corp. itself is undergoing property changes, moving from Aleut Plaza to Denali Towers in downtown Anchorage due to outgrowing its current space.