Dreams, Challenges, & Inspirations: Daily Messages About Life & CRE

I'm a broker who works daily in the exciting and challenging field of commercial real estate (CRE).

Throughout the week I do little more than work and sleep, and even when I sleep, I often dream about CRE.

And when I am awake, I spend even more time daydreaming about the daily challenges of bringing my deals together and the things that inspire me to go further and reach higher.

I have been a real estate broker since 1977, however in 2004, I changed my real estate practice to CRE only.

One thing I have come to realize is that longevity in your career doesn't necessarily make you smarter, but it does give you a perspective that beginners don't have.

As a result of my age and longevity in real estate, and especially in CRE, I spend a large amount of time dreaming of how to overcome the daily challenges and to seek the things in life and CRE that inspire me to do my best and give more.

That's the focus of this book: what I dream about, the challenges I face, and the things that inspire me.

My dreams, challenges, and inspirations messages are also the things I want to share with the next generation of CRE brokers.

The ones that come to my office to get a prospective on this business from a guy that's been there and done that.

The ones that ask probing questions.

The ones that have many fears and doubts about this business.

The ones that want to make it and don't want to quit.

The ones that want to take their business to the next level.

That is who this book is for, and maybe even a few "old timers" who may find this fun to read as they identify with my dreams, challenges, and inspirations messages.

Finally, let's dream together, consider the challenges, and discover the things that inspire us so that ourselves, our businesses, and our relationships continue to grow and flourish.

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." — Joel 2:28 NIV

About The Author

Jim Baker, a seasoned REALTOR® since 1977, is a distinguished commercial real estate broker with professional designations including CCIM, SIOR, and GRI.

Former president of the Southern Indiana REALTORS® Association and the Indiana Commercial Board of REALTORS®, he's also a past REALTOR® of the Year for both organizations.

Jim, a licensed real estate appraiser and certified tax assessment appeal representative, co-founded Baker Commercial Real Estate with his wife Kim in 2004.

Recognized annually by Business First newspaper, their firm is a leading Louisville area commercial brokerage.

Beyond real estate, Jim, a High Honors graduate from the University of Louisville School of Music, had a successful musical career with the Louisville Orchestra. He and Kim, who is also a SIOR & CCIM member and licensed broker, reside in Southern Indiana and have a combined 6 children and 17 grandchildren.