I
spent last weekend at my 50‑year high‑school reunion, a night that mixed nostalgia with a few “Who’s that again?” moments. The gathering reminded me that, like the people I met there, my career in commercial real estate is built on enduring connections.
A reunion is essentially a relationship audit. It shows who stayed in touch and who slipped away, only to reappear later. In real estate, a client I assisted in 1998 might call today with a new challenge. When you treat people well, time becomes an ally rather than a hurdle.
The venue displayed every shade of change—hairstyles, fashions, gadgets—but the core of people stayed the same. Markets swing, interest rates fluctuate, and industrial demand ebbs and flows, yet the fundamentals—location, supply and demand, integrity—remain constant.
Some classmates had reinvented themselves, taking risks and learning new skills, while others seemed stuck in the past. In real estate, the difference between thriving and merely surviving often hinges on the willingness to adapt to new tools, markets, and client expectations. Those who evolve stay relevant; those who don’t fade into obscurity.
At a 50th reunion, no one boasts about titles or earnings. Conversations shift to family, friends, and the impact we’ve made. That struck me. In our field, we can get absorbed by the next deal or commission, but true legacy is measured by the reputation we build and the people we help, not the size of our portfolio.
The strongest friendships in the room had their roots in small moments fifty years ago. In brokerage, a brief chat, a handwritten note, or a simple act of service can resonate for decades. The long game rewards consistency and care.
Reflecting on half a century of shared history, I see that success in life and in commercial real estate hinges on connection, character, and commitment. Deals come and go, but relationships endure.
Allen C. Buchanan, SIOR
Principal, Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services, Orange
[email protected] | 714.564.7104
