Each year, Midwest Real Estate News elects a new class to its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Here’s a look at one of our new inductees, Paul Krimm, managing director and principal with the Columbus, Ohio, office of Colliers.
A seasoned professional who knows his local commercial real estate market inside and out. That’s how Paul Krimm’s peers describe this managing director and principal with Colliers’ Columbus, Ohio, office.
Krimm has now spent more than 28 years in commercial real estate, brokering some of the biggest deals in the Columbus market. His peers say he has relied on his deep knowledge of the Columbus market to deliver the best results for his clients, something that has led to a steady stream of repeat clients.
“There is so much that fuels my passion for this industry: the opportunity to grow, learn and develop myself and others; interacting with people from varied backgrounds and roles; and the direct impact that commercial real estate has on the world in which we live,” Krimm said. “The competitiveness certainly helps keep me interested.”
Today, as managing director of Colliers’ busy Columbus office, Krimm spends much of his time recruiting new brokers, launching strategic plans, developing new training procedures and doing everything he can to grow his office’s presence in his market.
Like other CRE professionals, Krimm has had to overcome challenges to reach his success. But Krimm says he looks at these challenges as opportunities.
“Change intrigues and excites me,” he said. “Keeping myself and my team engaged while the markets shift and adjust is an opportunity that consistently presents itself.”
Krimm’s advice for others hoping to succeed in commercial real estate? Never stop learning.
“I learn from every individual that I engage, from more seasoned veterans than myself to up-and-coming team members in the business,” Krimm said. “Lessons are everywhere.”
Krimm isn’t hesitant to share his real estate knowledge. He serves as an adjunct professor at the Ohio State University Fisher School of Business. He gives back to his profession by serving as a member of the Building Owners & Managers Association and the International Council of Shopping Centers.
When he isn’t helping to grow the Columbus office of Colliers, Krimm devotes significant time to his community. He volunteers for Friends of the Homeless and is a former board member of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Franklin County, Ohio.
And when Krimm has some free time? He prefers spending it with his family. Krimm points to hiking, fishing, teaching and reading as his favorite ways to spend time outside of the office.
