Get to know our members who share their expertise to help shape the future of our association and industry!
We chatted with our 2020-2021 Global Real Estate Council Chair Mikus Kins, Be Commercial Realty, to find out more about his career path, why he volunteers and more.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY?
7 Years
WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE?
My previous career was in financial services and I was traveling all over the world. I had young children at home and I was missing their early years. I made a career change into commercial real estate as it utilized my financial experience and is, to a certain degree, localized and requires little business travel.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
Joining Be Realty as a partner and establishing the commercial and global divisions. We now have six brokers on the team and we service clients ranging from international investing to Chicago cannabis operators.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
Working hard, but always recognizing the importance of a strong team and a broad-based network.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
I enjoy that I work for myself. I spent over a decade wearing a suit every day and commuting to my office/cubicle. Now I work on my own time, on my own terms and I am outside every day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO TAKE THEIR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
It is important to make sure you learn as much as possible about the areas you serve. Knowledge is powerful. Your clients are coming to you as their advisor, so you have to be able to provide solid and sincere advice.
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING MEAN TO YOU?
I have always volunteered for causes and organizations since I was in high school. It was instilled in me early in my life and it is something I make sure is a constant part of my life. By volunteering, you give back and you help others. There is very little in life that can be as rewarding as volunteering or raising money for causes. There is the added benefit that you get to meet great people that are similarly motivated and want to do good for others. Those are people everyone needs in the sphere of influence.
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST VALUABLE TO YOU/YOUR BUSINESS SINCE YOU GOT INVOLVED IN OUR INDUSTRY?
Expanding my network and getting to know and become great friends with many excellent REALTORS® all over the city of Chicago. Another interesting benefit is that I was born and raised in Chicago, but my exposure to Chicago was limited to the neighborhoods where I grew up. Now that I have been working on deals all over the city and suburbs, I have seen, experienced and know so much more about this great city.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR REALTOR® STORY?
You are not doing yourself any favors if you are not involved with our local, state and national associations. This is particularly true for all the commercial practitioners that do not recognize the benefit of becoming a REALTOR®.