(210) 446-4444Brandon Brehm was honored to attend a celebration for two of his former colleagues at Club Giraud this past Wednesday in San Antonio, Texas. Melissa Stubblefield and Cecil “Bob” Baker have each dedicated over 25 years to commercial real estate and the appraisal industry. The event was a celebration of their career achievements and truly enjoyed by all who attended.
While listening to a speech given by Charles H. Noble Jr., I was reminded of a very important lesson about success in the commercial real estate industry and business success in general. The lesson was a simple one … honesty and integrity are the foundation of lasting success.
History is replete with companies who compromised their principles for short term success. WorldCom, Enron, and Bear Stearns are a few of the more recent modern day examples.
Lenders and other users of appraisal services rely on unbiased third parties for valuation purposes. As designated members of the Appraisal Institute, Brandon Brehm and William Robinson are committed to ethical practices. The Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice establish requirements for ethical and competent practice. These requirements supplement the Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice and serve to promote and maintain a high level of public trust and confidence in Appraisal Institute Members.
While membership into a professional organization like the Appraisal Institute does not prevent fraudulent practices, the empirical evidence indicates Members of the Appraisal Institute are significantly less likely to face disciplinary action for mortgage fraud and related activities.
Appraisers having the MAI or SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute should be your first choice for unbiased and well supported real estate valuations. These professionals have the right combination of professional experience and commitment to the highest ethical standards.
As Charles H. Noble Jr. concluded his speech, I thought about what a great businessman and mentor he has been throughout my career. One of the lasting lessons he shared was on honesty and integrity. Commitment to these principles is the foundation of long-term business success.
