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Colorful mosaic of a light pink pig riding a bicycle over orange and green tiles, with a blue backpack.

How Community Impacts Commercial Real Estate

Being active and involved in community is one of the key aspects of Blue Zones, places in the world with the most people aged 100 or older. These areas were identified by Minneapolis local Dan Buettner (sparked from his travels while biking around the world) along with a team of researchers. Community involvement …

21 hours ago3 min read

White crosses in a manicured cemetery beneath trees, with a central path and distant sea under a clear sky.

More Appropriate Greetings

As a veteran and with Memorial Day approaching, it’s time to remind people of the meaning behind the day –– a solemn day of remembrance for American military personnel who died in active service. There are 13 families that are deep in it this year.

May 222 min read

Chain-link gate closed, in front of beige buildings with brown doors and green trees, under a clear blue sky. Shadows cast on dirt ground. Security card access and camera on a high pole on the left.

No Parking? Industrial Outdoor Storage

When it comes to the industrial outdoor storage, the Twin Cities and the national market align. It’s in high demand.

May 152 min read

A man holds a "202" sign in a lively gala with clapping attendees. The inset shows a couple posing in front of a green backdrop with balloons.

Being Part of a Community

There are probably thousands of studies about the benefits of being part of a community out there. But one only has to BE part of a community (hopefully a positive one 😉) to know when you’re part of a group, you feel better mentally and physically. You may notice a burst of energy or the world looks a little brighter. Maybe you feel supported or it gives you a sense of purpose.

May 82 min read

Row of urban buildings in daylight; red brick, tan brick, and a garage with "Midwest Motorcycle." Clear blue sky. Street view setting.

An Evolving Neighborhood

In the 80s and early 90s, the Warehouse District (known as North Loop today) was known for its underground scene and 19th and early 20th century brick warehouses. Besides artists, who were looking for cheap rent in repurposed warehouses (zoning violations? 😉), not many people lived in the neighborhood. But artists brought galleries, which attracted patrons followed by bars and restaurants.

May 12 min read

A smiling man in a suit is inside a spacecraft cockpit with seats and control panels. Background has tubes and machinery.

5 Ways to Make a Big Impact as an Intern

Commercial Equities Group is happy to announce Max Giblin is joining the team as a brokerage intern. A student at Augsburg, Max plays college hockey so he understands about dreaming big and working hard to meet goals. I’ve been so impressed with his approach and work so far.

Apr 243 min read

Two people smiling, standing beside award plaques for Commercial Equities Group and The Woods. Dark backdrop with radiant light.

We Are Finalists!

Commercial Equities Group recently got some great news! We were named a finalist for Brokerage Firm of the Year by Minnesota REJournals! In addition, Nicole Langer was recognized as a finalist for Most Significant Investment Sale Transaction in 2025 for her Maple Grove retail deal, The Woods!

Apr 171 min read

A person in a blue suit smiles in a spacecraft interior with control panels and seats. The setting is mechanical and futuristic.

To the Moon!

This week, Artemis II broke the record for human travel in space, reaching the farthest distance from Earth, 252,756 miles. This is equivalent to ten times around the Earth’s equator. That’s some journey!

Apr 102 min read

A smiling trio poses in front of the Colosseum in Rome. They're wearing jackets, and the sunny sky illuminates the ancient amphitheater.

Italy and the Brilliance of Thinking Big

Over my son’s spring break, Josie, Levi, and I went to Italy. Starting at Naples and working our way south, we had an amazing trip! I was so glad Levi had a chance to experience it. Of course, the food was amazing, and the historic sites were captivating. While Josie was into the art and history side of things, I kept marveling at the engineering and construction accomplishments of commercial structures that have lasted over 2,000 years.

Apr 32 min read

Two women smiling at a restaurant table. Vintage photos on a wall with Italian names. Warm, cheerful mood.

Women Talking Commercial Real Estate

Recently, CEG brokers Nicole Langer and Diane Signorelli discussed commercial real estate over plates of pasta at Yarusso-Bros, an East Side St. Paul Italian restaurant. Two Italians having a delicious Italian meal while I was enjoying great food in Italy! 🇮🇹 Both Nicole and Diane have listings for sale in the neighborhood …

Mar 274 min read

A blue snow shovel scoops fresh, powdery snow under bright sunlight, causing glittering snowflakes to scatter in the air.

Good Neighbor

Knowing your home neighbors definitely has benefits, especially after our last big snow. Our neighborhood usually helps each other out if someone is sick, out of town, or doesn’t have a snowblower. Being part of a community fulfills our need for belonging and connecting, whether at home or with a commercial property.

Mar 201 min read

Halie smiling inside a space capsule, surrounded by control panels and seats. The background is metallic with blue and beige accents.

Shining Bright

NASA’s countdown is famous. It packs drama, enthusiasm, and precision into one cultural and global event. Well, CEG has had its own dynamic countdown waiting for …

Mar 131 min read

A gloved hand holds a paint roller over a bucket. A pink piggy bank with sunglasses sits nearby. Text on the wall reads "Paint Me!"

What’s the Secret?

What’s the secret to leasing a space faster and for more money?

Mar 61 min read

A black and white dog (Snoopers) with tongue out, sits in a lush garden with purple flowers and a house in the background, conveying a joyful mood.

Progression and Stagnation

Commercial real estate has been a fantastic profession for me and my family. However, around 75-80% of new brokers leave in the first year and 50-65% of within the first five years. So what makes one broker progress to success and another to stagnate and thus drift away?

Feb 273 min read

A person in an astronaut suit rides a scooter on a dimly lit street at night, with illuminated storefronts and signs in the background.

Cornerstone of the Community

The idea of using real estate as capital in the US dates back to the 1700s, when land was used in place of money to settle debts. Now, it’s an industry supporting 20.4 million jobs through …

Feb 202 min read

Astronaut floats in space with asteroids, against a dark backdrop with the number 13. Monochrome, textured background, evokes mystery.

Risk Management and Friday the 13th

To avoid misfortunes in the spirit of Friday the 13th, let’s talk risk management. Thorough preparation and careful financial management protect your commercial real estate portfolio.

Feb 131 min read

Woman smiling inside a modern spacecraft cockpit with complex control panels. She wears glasses and a gray jacket. High-tech setting.

Onward and Upward!

We have a new team member on board! We’re happy to announce that Diane Signorelli has joined CEG as a senior broker. With her expertise in tenant representation and investment sales, she brings a wealth of experience to our team and that’s …

Feb 62 min read

A smiling trio poses indoors. A woman in yellow, a man in blue, and a boy in a Huskies football jersey holding a water bottle. Stadium seats visible.

How to Play Offense and Defense in Business

Since we’re approaching the summit of the NFL 2025-2026 season, let’s talk offense and defense! No, I’m not going to break out game strategy for the Seahawks. Levi has more experience playing football than I do. However, I know the strategies of making “plays” happen in commercial real estate and business. Here are my five tips to move your professional career down the field …

Jan 303 min read

A black and white dog at the start of a large, corrugated metal tunnel watches a young child in a dark jacket and camouflage pants standing further inside, silhouetted by the bright light at the other end. The tunnel has a wooden walkway.

Helping Others

You may live a better, longer life from simply acting with intention, kindness, and generosity. Studies show helping others can reduce …

Jan 231 min read

Off-Market Deal Considerations for Buyers

Last week I discussed off-market deals from the seller’s perspective. Having just been part of an off-market closing, I want to flip to the pros and cons for buyers.

Jan 161 min read

Jeff's Shorts 2022-2024