Meet Drew Strohmeyer, vice president at McGregor Interests, Inc.
Tell us a little about your business. – At McGregor Interests (mcgregorint.com), I oversee lease administration, tenant and owner relations, construction supervision, real estate tax protests, annual budgeting and reconciliations, and a variety of many other hats. It’s one of the things I like most about working at a smaller company—I get to see many different sides of the business and rarely have one day that was the same as before.
How did you get started in the business? – I got started in residential real estate in college, mainly flipping and renting single family homes. I got my real estate license in Nebraska. I then transitioned into commercial real estate, where I got my license in Kansas and Missouri and later earned my CPM designation.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The transition from residential to commercial real estate was a huge shift in thinking and experience. Commercial real estate is linked to almost every industry. I needed to learn about real estate law, contract law, lending and finance, construction and construction plan review, insurance, relationship-building, income valuation, tax protest strategy, and lots of math I never thought I would need to use.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Earning my CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management. It took a few years of classes and it finished with a week-long class in Denver that ended with a two-day exam. Let’s just say, I was glad to pass on my first attempt!
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Brandi and I met in college and have been together for 17 years. We have a 7-year-old son named Dean and a new addition expected in October. We are very excited to meet the little one.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When my wife and I separated. It put a lot of things into perspective. To have someone as patient as her lose her patience said a lot. This made me reflect on the things I put my energy towards and which of those were most important. I came out of it realizing my wife and family were far more deserving of my time and energy than anything else in my life. You get it right on the home front, and the rest will fall into place.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golf. If I have more than one day off, it would be family UTV trips.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I don’t know if it’s interesting, but I am a green technology nerd. I geek out over solar, wind, earth homes, no-till farming, and off-grid living. The technology and alternate views are fascinating to me.
Who inspires you? – My son Dean. He is a sponge and is always eager to learn and ask questions. He is always listening and is so kindhearted. I try to be more like him every day, some days with more success than others.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Trust, but verify.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Honest.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Wilding by Isabella Tree. I’ve also been reading The Economist, which is a weekly magazine subscription.
What is your favorite movie? – 300.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Tavern 180.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 334-2123; drew@miicre.com; mcgregorint.com.