It’s hard to deny the recent boom we’ve seen in commercial real estate. As the economy has changed, so too has the role of the broker—the traditional agent role has morphed into that of a counselor. Owners, operators, and investors alike are looking for brokers who are highly intelligent and can do more than just close the deal. As clients are seeking more robust, trusted advisors, it’s become critical for agencies to develop a network of brokers with unique, specialized core competencies and proven ethical standards. “Often you only have one opportunity to make a good impression, so I ensure my deck is stacked,” said Amy Broadhurst, SIOR, vice president, CBRE in Pittsburgh. “That’s why I joined a leading CRE membership organization like SIOR [the Society of Industrial and office Realtors], to ensure my global network includes the best and brightest. You want fellow trusted advisors to work tirelessly with you to provide deep knowledge of the market and economy along with valuable insights into CRE trends.”