Developing Leaders Institute

View the DLI 2008 Class Bios

The leadership of the Southern Nevada Chapter of NAIOP hopes to assist up-and-comers in their quest to become a leader in this ever changing industry. The chapter recently launched the inaugural class of Developing Leaders Institute, a twelve-month, leadership and education program specifically designed for members under the age of 35.

The DLI program’s focus is to assist in preparing its members for successful careers in the commercial real estate industry. The curriculum of the institute includes educational sessions across a broad range of real estate disciplines, leadership training seminars, a public speaking course, networking opportunities meant to grow a peer group of the industry’s future stars, and access to and training by key decision makers in the Southern Nevada commercial real estate community. 

The course incorporates educational sessions focusing on professional development and leadership skills. The group meets monthly for 2-3 hours at a designated location. The educational course provides students with in depth knowledge of the development process from land acquisitions to final disposition of the assets. Each class is taught by local industry leaders who teach material through hands-on case studies and sharing personal experiences. The students have the opportunity to develop and forge relationships with these industry leaders.

In their courses, instructors discuss vital information on a variety of topics including how the current status of the commercial real estate market will impact them, information on how to conduct a market analysis, the impact that site selection can have on a project, what you need to know about architectural and space planning, how to utilize marketing to promote your company and project, a review of pro formas, IRR’s and other financial models in  investment analysis, an overview of the construction process and a broader look at local and national market trends. A professional development coach also works with attendees to develop self-assessment tools designed to identify areas for personal/professional development to prepare participants to compete in the commercial real estate industry.

The Southern Nevada chapter is modeling its program after the NAIOP SoCal Chapter’s, Young Professionals Group (YPG). This group began its educational program in 2005. Its second class graduated from the program in March 2007. This group has been extremely successful in its efforts to foster new leaders.

NAIOP as a whole has taken a vested interested in harvesting new leaders. The national organization, based in Washington D.C, recently established its Developing Leaders program. The program, first implemented as NAIOP Now, was created as a membership initiative to attract young professionals to the organization offering discounted membership dues and rates to meetings. Chapters from across the country have embraced the idea and began creating programs and committees to focus on the industry’s up-and-comers.

View the DLI 2008 Class Bios