Episode 2: CRE, Policy and Professional Leadership

In this episode of Behind the Building, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with longtime commercial real estate broker and CCIM designee Sledd Thomas of Sineath Real Estate Solutions. With decades of experience in both brokerage and legislative advocacy, Sledd shares powerful insight on why involvement in public policy matters deeply to every commercial real estate practitioner—and how it’s shaping our industry at every level.

What we cover in this interview:

• What CCIM Institute means and how it shaped both Emilee and Sledd’s careers (https://www.ccim.com/)
• Why Sledd got involved in legislative affairs—and why brokers should too
• The critical importance of protecting the 1031 Exchange and other legislative issues, and the role CRE professionals play in defending policies that matter to consumers
• Behind-the-scenes on passing North Carolina’s Broker Lien Law
• What happened during COVID-19 to keep real estate brokers “essential”
• How zoning reform, entitlement streamlining, and housing policy affect commercial development
• Why local and federal policies around affordable housing, vacancy, and property taxes matter to investors and the community alike

Key Takeaways:

• Being “too busy for politics” is a risk—your livelihood and our economic growth depend on engagement
• CRE professionals must help educate lawmakers—they don’t always understand our industry or how it impacts their constituents
• Legislative wins (like broker lien rights) came from brokers showing up and speaking up
• You don’t have to lead the charge alone—get involved, support, or contribute where you can

Sledd says, “If you’re not advocating for your industry, who will?”

Whether you’re a seasoned broker, a new investor, or a curious professional, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to make your voice count in shaping the future of commercial real estate.