(Newswire.net — June 8, 2021) — 2020 was a tumultuous year for commercial real estate (CRE). As the COVID-19 pandemic forced most businesses to shift to a work from home model, commercial real estate activity plunged an astounding 48 percent.
While some companies have since decided to retain a largely remote workforce, the rollout of vaccines and changes to mask mandates across the country means that this sector is gradually seeing a return to normalcy.
Through these ups and downs, Rob Finlay, founder, and CEO of Thirty Capital, has been focused on finding ways to disrupt the industry and improve outcomes for commercial real estate companies.
Increasing Portfolio Value Through Software Solutions
“One of our top priorities has always been to provide quality software that makes it easier for commercial real estate practitioners to manage their data,” Finlay says.
“Data management is a major challenge that can undercut a company’s profitability. For example, generating accurate reports with customizable dashboards helps CRE leaders make informed investment decisions. Tracking company subscriptions allows CRE companies to see where they are wasting money. Smart data is key to keeping finances in the black.”
Thirty Capital accomplishes these goals through 10 distinct technology brands, each designed to help CRE companies take greater control of their finances. Perhaps even more importantly in light of the recent pandemic, these tools allow CRE companies to digitize many of their operations.
This is more disruptive than one might expect, as survey data from Deloitte indicates that only one-third of CRE leaders feel they have the necessary skills and resources for digitizing their business. While many in the industry are lagging behind, Thirty Capital has surged to the forefront, helping ease this transition in what has become an increasingly volatile market.
Software tools that increase operational efficiency ultimately enhance the value of a brand’s CRE portfolio. Increased flexibility, more accurate data management, and the ability to reduce expenses provide stability and security, creating a significant competitive advantage as others in the industry play catch-up.
Combining Modern Tech With Tried-and-True Expertise
“Because we essentially operate as a portfolio of tech-driven solutions, we are able to bring together talented minds from across the globe to offer both traditional and alternative strategies to CRE brands,” Finlay explains.
“But striving to be disruptive isn’t enough in and of itself. Our team is built of seasoned industry professionals, who have both CRE and entrepreneurial experience. That knowledge is crucial for ensuring that our solutions actually deliver the results our clients are looking for to strengthen their portfolios.”
Indeed, the brands under the Thirty Capital portfolio trace their roots back to 2000, with the founding of Defease With Ease. Because Thirty Capital’s team has over 150 cumulative years of experience, they are able to see where new tech solutions can make the biggest impact.
“Having actually worked in the industry, it’s easier for us to understand what direction our software solutions need to take,” Finlay says. “We’ve experienced the problems firsthand, and have seen where innovation and change are needed. For example, we recently launched a new benchmarking product that helps improve peer-to-peer benchmarking through automated data submissions. This improves both operations and decision-making — and it all comes because our team truly understands the industry.”
Sharing Weekly Insights
Though not necessarily a core tenant of Thirty Capital’s offerings, Finlay is doing something somewhat unique among CRE marketplace professionals by providing a weekly deep dive into capital market trends.
“Obviously, this isn’t meant to provide specific advice for clients or non-clients,” Finlay notes.
“But the market is moving faster than ever. I felt it would be valuable if we could leverage our team’s insights and expertise as we discussed everything from forward rates and inflations to cap volatility. By observing trends in the market as a whole, as well as the activity we’re seeing firsthand, we can share our views on what’s happening and provide some additional value for others in the industry.”
Though a weekly podcast isn’t necessarily unique in and of itself, Finlay’s goal was to pack as much value as possible into a short, five-minute program that could fit into the busy lifestyle of CRE leaders.
Considering that a report from Edison Research reveals that on average, only 52 percent of podcast subscribers listen to an entire episode, the decision to do “short and sweet” deep dives seems to be the right move for an industry where listeners are pressed for time.
Preparing for the Future of Commercial Real Estate
Though the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created significant setbacks and challenges for many in the commercial real estate industry, Finlay views this as a prime example of how the market is poised for even greater disruption in the future.
“The pandemic illustrates how commercial real estate companies need to be more flexible and agile. How will we, as an industry, adapt to changing expectations from businesses, customers, and employees regarding where they work, shop, and so on? These are significant trends that will likely create new challenges. But I believe that by leveraging technology and continuing to innovate, the industry can thrive in the years to come.”