Meet Dave Smies!

What’s unique about the way you do business compared to others?

“I try to treat the people I do business with the way I would want to be treated. Which means truly caring about the people I do business with and not just trying to place them in a building. I pride myself on doing business with empathy.”

How do you keep yourself from getting burnt out?

“Balance. If I wanted to work 80 hours a week I could make more money, but I know that working too much can negatively affect other areas of my life. This balance is achieved through volunteer work and spending time with my family.”

What values and beliefs define the way you do business?

“I believe that all I have worked for and done in my life has been a blessing from God. I value my work and what I do, but I believe that I am supposed to be a steward of what God has given me, so I try to conduct my business that way.

If you had one piece of advice for someone starting out in commercial real estate, what would that be?

“I have learned through my 35 years of commercial real estate that everything is a sales tool. Take your car for example; I remember traveling with an agent in his car and seeing how unorganized it was, and that was the moment I realized you’re not just selling a building, you’re selling your image. Since then I have cleaned and washed my car every weekend.

Perseverance is crucial for the beginning of your career. When I started I went 18 months without a deal. However, because of my determination I was able to land a deal with Pepsi, which then kick-started my career.”

What do you enjoy most about working for NAI Wisinski?

“We are the largest independent commercial real estate firm in West Michigan and are able to make our own decisions. As a partner here, I meet with other partners to make decisions on philosophy, culture, and business. I enjoy being able to share my ideas, knowing that my opinion means something.”