Sometimes it takes a tragedy to recognize the good in people. Those of us in the hyper-competitive commercial real estate world often get lost in business development, recruiting, cap rates, lease rates, etc., and fail to step back and recognize that this is a business based on real people and relationships. I was recently reminded of the bigger picture and just how CRE professionals look out for each other—colleagues and competitors alike.
Last month, Lou Rocha, a 69-year-old former Army captain, was viciously beaten while picking up dinner for his wife, Katherine Rocha, who works at Colliers International. He sustained numerous injuries, including a cracked spine, fractured arm, and broken ribs, leading to emergency heart surgery, facial reconstruction (five plates and 35 screws), and potential vision loss. This beating represents the worst of the human spirit, but, thankfully, it’s not where this story ends.
Within hours of the attack, we started receiving calls and requests from others seeking to help the Rocha family. Dozens of people did what they could to help, with a few going above and beyond to help a stranger. Clay Christopher, executive director of Allies in Service and client relationship manager for Roger Staubach at Jones Lange LaSalle, began reaching out to the CRE community and was able to secure assistance from Allies in Service and the NTCAR Hall of Fame Committee, led by Robert Grunnah of Henry S. Miller.
The outpouring of support from so many in the commercial real estate world reminded me that though we compete in the most competitive brokerage market in the country, that sense of competition is nothing compared to our sense of compassion.
David Pinsel is regional managing director of Colliers International, overseeing the firm’s North Texas region. Contact him at [email protected].
