Bryant Meyer’s Journey to Earning the SIOR Designation
Earning the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR) designation is not simply a matter of completing an application or paying membership dues. It represents years of commercial real estate experience, demonstrated production, education, ethical standards and recognition from industry peers.
For Oakbrook commercial real estate broker Bryant Meyer, SIOR, earning the SIOR designation was a goal years in the making.
“I wanted to be recognized by my peers, clients and prospective clients as a leader in our market, along with the credibility that comes with the SIOR designation,” Bryant said.
A Goal That Took Years to Reach
The formal SIOR process included educational requirements, an ethics course and a comprehensive membership entrance exam. But for Bryant, the work required to qualify began long before the application process.
“It took me nothing short of five years before my production was at a level that was applicable,” Bryant said. “That’s a lot of reps and hours spent honing my craft.”
Applicants must demonstrate a sustained record of commercial real estate production and document their experience as part of the qualification process. Bryant’s application also required professional recommendations and verification of his production history.
That rigor is part of what made earning the designation meaningful.
“Relief, then pride,” Bryant said of receiving the designation. “SIOR requires years of production and peer review to qualify. Earning it felt like validation from people who know exactly what the work takes.”
Mentorship Along the Way
Bryant credits Oakbrook Vice President of Brokerage Chris Caulum, SIOR, with playing an important role in his path toward earning the designation. Chris became an SIOR in 2008 and provided mentorship throughout Bryant’s commercial real estate career, including encouraging him to attend an SIOR national convention as he worked to build the transaction experience required to qualify.
“I couldn’t have achieved the requirements without the guidance and mentorship from Chris over many years of working together,” Bryant said.
Chris’s own experience with SIOR helped motivate Bryant to become involved with the organization and complete the process. Chris himself followed in the footsteps of Oakbrook founder and longtime SIOR Mark Winter, now retired, continuing a history of SIOR involvement at Oakbrook.
As part of Bryant’s application, Wisconsin-based SIOR members also provided the required letters of recommendation.
What surprised Bryant was how welcoming the SIOR community was once he became involved.
“People want to learn and be engaging,” he said. “It’s refreshing.”
A Network That Benefits Clients
For Bryant, earning SIOR isn’t only a professional milestone. Membership provides access to a national network of experienced industrial, office and commercial real estate professionals. Learn more about why businesses choose to work with an SIOR-designated commercial real estate professional.
That network can become particularly valuable when a client’s real estate needs extend beyond southern Wisconsin.
“A client needs a building in another market, I’m calling a trusted SIOR, not a stranger,” Bryant said. “Faster execution, better intel.”
The designation gives Bryant direct relationships with commercial real estate professionals across the country who can provide local market knowledge when an Oakbrook client is considering an acquisition, expansion, relocation or other real estate decision outside the Madison area.
Two SIOR Designees at Oakbrook
SIOR membership is selective, and relatively few commercial real estate professionals in the Madison market hold the designation. With Bryant joining Chris as an SIOR designee, Oakbrook now has two brokers within its commercial real estate team who have earned the designation.
“It shows how small this group is, even in a strong market,” Bryant said. “Having Chris here at Oakbrook raises the bar for both of us. Clients get that level of expertise in-house.”
For Bryant, the designation is ultimately evidence of something built over time.
“Proof the results have been consistent, not lucky,” he said. “SIOR only recognizes brokers with a real track record.”
His advice to other commercial real estate professionals considering the designation reflects his own experience:
“Start now, even if you’re years out. The standards sharpen your practice either way. The relationships alone are worth it.”
Key Takeaways
- Earning the SIOR designation requires significant commercial real estate experience, production, education and peer recognition.
- It took Bryant Meyer approximately five years to reach the production level required to pursue the designation.
- Chris Caulum, SIOR, played an important mentorship role throughout Bryant’s commercial real estate career and path toward SIOR.
- SIOR membership connects Bryant with a national network of experienced commercial real estate professionals who can provide local expertise in markets outside southern Wisconsin.
- Oakbrook now has two SIOR-designated commercial real estate brokers: Bryant Meyer and Chris Caulum.
- For Bryant, earning SIOR represents consistent results and a demonstrated professional track record, rather than simply membership in an industry organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIOR designation?
The Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR) designation is a professional credential for experienced commercial real estate professionals. Earning the designation involves meeting requirements related to industry experience, production, education, ethics and professional recommendations.
How long did it take Bryant Meyer to earn the SIOR designation?
Bryant said it took approximately five years for his commercial real estate production to reach the level necessary to qualify. His path also included education, an ethics course, an entrance exam, documentation of his production history and professional recommendations.
Why did Bryant Meyer pursue the SIOR designation?
Bryant wanted to be recognized by his peers, clients and prospective clients as a leader in the commercial real estate market and valued the professional credibility associated with earning SIOR.
How does working with an SIOR benefit commercial real estate clients?
SIOR gives members access to a network of experienced commercial real estate professionals in markets throughout the country. When a client needs assistance outside southern Wisconsin, Bryant can connect with an SIOR professional who has knowledge and experience in that local market.
How many SIOR designees does Oakbrook have?
Oakbrook’s commercial real estate team has two SIOR designees: Bryant Meyer, SIOR, and Chris Caulum, SIOR.
What advice does Bryant have for brokers interested in earning SIOR?
Bryant recommends beginning the process even if qualifying is still years away. Working toward SIOR’s standards can help brokers strengthen their professional practices while also building valuable industry relationships.
Bryant Meyer, CCIM, SIOR
Commercial Broker Associate
Commercial real estate advisor specializing in industrial sales and leasing, investment property sales, and development land. I help owners, investors, and businesses navigate transactions throughout the greater Dane County market.
608-443-1004
bmeyer@oakbrookcorp.com
Meet Bryant Meyer