Top 5 of 2025

It’s that time of the year! It’s hard to believe another year has flown by. After reflection, I see a common theme in my top 5 of 2025: change.

1.      Gotta start with family! First off, I love my family––Josie, Halie and Luke, Angelina, Levi, grandchildren, Brooks and new Baby Ella! About three weeks ago, Halie and Luke brought Baby Ella home from the hospital, adding to their little family. At this point, Ella is a sleeper, but that will change faster than we all realize. I love being present for my kids, and Levi is doing a great job being a very involved uncle. I’ve learned with Brooks that being a grandpa is something very different from being a father––less day-to-day responsibilities and more fun! 😀 Having one-on-one time with Brooks when I take him to daycare has been a highlight, especially when we ride my bike! Get ready, Ella!

2.     Another life changing event was a trip I took with my travel buddies, Mike and Ken. We’ve been all over the world together (usually on motorcycles), but this year we took a crazy relaxing trip to Alaska (3-day boat ride, planes, and if there were motorcycles, we do not remember). We had no concrete plan and nothing but time to think. With such a busy daily life schedule, this trip gave me time to clear my mind, appreciate group wisdom, and most of all breathe! Stretched out on a lounge chair and staring at water and mountains passing by gave me space to think creatively and strategically. What would be the next few chess moves for the company? How do I want the second phase of my life to go? I came back so grateful and energized! A loosely planned trip like this may not be for everyone, but everyone should find a group of friends that foster growth experiences.

3.     Levi had his own big changes this year, and it’s been fun to witness as a father. He turned a milestone by cutting lawns for cash––making money and learning customer relations at a young age. He’s already an investor, and now he’s self-employed too! From learning Santa Claus isn’t real––and being disappointed because “Santa would give poor children at least one present”––to a giving stellar piano performance at church. He’s insanely loving to all, especially his family. I’m so proud of how he is growing up. He’s sticking with things and making decisions about who he is and what he wants to do. After years of sporting long hair, he decided he wanted a change. He thought about it, did YouTube research, talked with friends, and finalized that his new look would be a “medium fade blowout.” He had a plan, so off we went to a barbershop (love the father-son barbershop experiences) and out he came with a new look for 2026!

4.    Last month I wrote a blog on using AI for business. I’m also using ChatGPT to get healthy! I’m learning a lot about Circadian Rhythms, your body’s natural clock that dictates when you feel tired and awake. (Hint: If you struggle with insomnia avoid factors that disrupt, like staying up unusually late, stress, bright screens, or late night snacks. Works for kids too 😉) I’ve also started doing 100 push-ups throughout a day as brain breaks. I don’t use AI as an expert––that’s Amara’s job (Refined Performance and Rehabilitation)––but it’s good for data analysis and keeping me on track. 💪

5.     This year, the CEG brokerage has evolved, as we added more brokers and business development staff to the team (one of those chess moves I talked about earlier). The growth has tested our organizational systems, as we see which ones are solid and which need tweaking. But with new talent comes new energy and more opportunities for each of us to learn and grow. We’ve built a team of life-long learners, and I’m so grateful and humble to be working alongside them. More exciting team additions coming in 2026! And of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing clients, some who have stuck with us for over 30 years!

Conclusion

As I look back on 2025, the common thread is clear: time flies with meaningful change rooted in relationships, reflection, and growth. From welcoming a new family member and watching Levi come into his own, to finding clarity through travel, embracing new tools like AI, and guiding the evolution of our business, this year has been both grounding and energizing. These moments remind me that progress doesn’t always come from doing more, but from being present, intentional, and open to learning. I’m grateful for the people, experiences, and lessons of this past year—and I’m heading into 2026 curious, motivated, and ready for what’s next. 👨‍🚀 🚀

Jeff Salzbrun is the owner/broker of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.

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