2023 award winners

Each year, the Commercial Real Estate Summit recognizes the outstanding men and women of our community who have made an impact on the commercial real estate industry as well as the most influential deal and development that have helped transform our community.

HALL OF FAME WINNERS

Mike Kivett

Partner

Walentine O'Toole, LLP

MIKE KIVETT represents banks and other lenders in commercial real estate loans and other loan transactions, along with creditors’ rights. He also represents clients with regard to real estate purchase and sale transactions and leasing matters. Mike received his law degree, cum laude, from Creighton University in 1980 and is admitted to practice in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.


He is a Fellow of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and is currently listed in Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate and Great Plains Super Lawyers, Banking and is a Past Chairman of the Bank Attorneys Section of the Nebraska State Bar Association.

Donald Linscott

Associate Broker

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate

DON LINSCOTT has extensive and diverse real estate knowledge that spans over 35 years and encompasses all aspects of brokerage. In the early 90’s, he began developing commercial properties completing numerous build-to-suit projects. His experience in site selection, building design and construction has satisfied many clients’ long-term business needs. Don focuses his energy on all aspects of commercial brokerage with his primary focus on retail site selection and sales and leasing of commercial property. He has built many long-term relationships and is committed to providing clients with sound real estate opportunities.

In addition, Don has a tremendous amount of experience working with clients in the acquisition and disposition of investment real estate. His specialty is identifying investment properties for clients looking for either a 1031 Exchange or a long-term investment. He works with clients on the return of an investment over a five-year period and can assist in securing financing for the property.
 

David Schmidt

former President, Associate Broker

Concorde Management

DAVID SCHMIDT is the past President of Concorde Mgt. & Development. He retired five years ago but is still active in his profession. His fifty-two years in Real Estate started after graduation from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Business Administration. In 1971 David started working for a Real Estate Company learning all facets of real estate, then moving on to owning and managing an appraisal company and real estate brokerage franchise office with Century 21. In 1984 he co-founded Concorde Management & Development, Inc. in order to manage and develop the real estate investments owned by himself and his partners. Since that time, the Lincoln-based company has expanded its reach to include fee management for other owners and investors throughout Nebraska and Iowa. David retired as President and sold his company to his son, Dana Schmidt and Aaron Fenton in 2018.  Through David’s leadership, Concorde became a company known for its integrity and dedication to excellence which continues on today.

During David’s fifty two years in the industry he has been a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Lincoln Realtors Association, served on the Board of Realtors and was chair of the Education Committee. Previously he was a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management-Chapter 12 (IREM). He obtained the designation of Certified Property Manager through his affiliation with IREM. Over his career he spent over 15+ years volunteering and sharing his professional knowledge and experience with different organizations as Board Member and President of the Nebraska Trails Foundation and Board Member of the Great Plains Trails Foundation where he raised funds for multiple trail developments in and around Lincoln. During the last seven years he has worked developing the South of Downtown Community Development Organization as a Board Member, Interim Director, Real Estate Chair and Treasurer. His commitment to helping a neighborhood grow and expand has been a great benefit to citizens in the city of Lincoln.  

Throughout his long career David was a caring professional who oversaw, trained and tutored over 50 + employees - many who went on to develop their own careers and businesses in various parts of the profession. His dedication to fairness, his honesty and love of his profession was an inspiration to many who worked for him and to all who worked with him. 
 

John Waldbaum

Vice Chairman

Colliers Nebraska

JOHN WALDBAUM is a highly esteemed professional in the commercial real estate industry, known for his exceptional expertise and accomplishments. In 1989, he co-founded the management division of Pacific Realty alongside Jay Noddle, and their venture experienced remarkable success. Throughout his career, John has established strong working relationships with renowned Omaha businesses, including Mutual of Omaha, First National Bank, UNMC, and Security National Bank, among others. Notably, his clientele extends across the United States, showcasing the breadth of his influence and reputation. Prior to his executive direction at Pacific Realty, John researched and prepared analysis proposals on possible acquisition candidates to InterNorth’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Culmination of his department’s activity included the purchase of Houston Natural Gas for $2.3 billion.

A significant achievement in John's career was his pivotal role in assembling multiple parcels of land in Downtown Omaha for the construction of the future home of First National Bank, known as the FNB Tower. Historical records attest to John's diligent efforts as he helped to facilitate the acquisition of these land parcels on behalf of the bank. Accompanied by a group of investors, they strategically purchased the required properties and assumed responsibility for the loans. More remarkable is that John's involvement extended beyond land acquisition, as he also assisted in the coordination of the implosion of the existing buildings… while still holding the loans for the parcels those demolished buildings sat upon! This undertaking highlights John's exceptional contribution to shaping the skyline of Downtown Omaha that we all recognize today.

An impressive highlight of John's career is his significant accomplishments. Since 2004, he has leased an astounding 48 million square feet of commercial real estate, amounting to a total transaction value of $243 million. Furthermore, he has achieved noteworthy success in real estate sales, having closed deals cumulatively valued at $267 million (includes tax protest savings). These exceptional figures illustrate John's remarkable skills and his ability to negotiate and close significant transactions.

Another notable aspect of John’s career is his proficiency in handling tax protests. He has successfully argued tax protests amounting to an astonishing $4 billion, representing some of the largest appeals in the history of Nebraska state. This track record showcases his extensive knowledge of tax laws and his ability to navigate complex legal matters related to commercial real estate.

In recognition of his professional qualifications, John is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) designee, further highlighting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and expertise in the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, John actively engages in various community organizations and philanthropic endeavors. He has played a pivotal role in the development of the Tri-Faith Initiative, as well as the Temple Israel construction project, demonstrating his dedication to fostering positive change and promoting understanding among different faith communities.

In summary, John’s career in the commercial real estate industry is marked by his reputation as one of the most respected professionals in the region.

Development of the year, lincoln

Antelope Tower

John Hoppe Jr.

Principal

Hoppe Development

Deal of the Year WINNERS: Lincoln

Sale of the Allstate Campus in Lincoln, NE to Bryan Health

Richard Meginnis

President

NAI FMA Realty

Mike Ball

Vice President,
Sales & Leasing

NAI FMA Realty

Scott Vyskocil

Senior Vice President,
Property Management

NAI FMA Realty

David Barton

First Vice President

CBRE

Steve Sheppard

First Vice President

CBRE

Development of the year, OMAHA

Brickline at the Mercantile

Brad Soderwall

Managing Director

Hines

Deal of the Year WINNERS: OMAHA

Relocation of Fusion Medical

Ed Fleming

Executive Vice President, Principal

Colliers Nebraska

AWARD WINNERS: 2022

HALL OF FAME WINNERS

Brenda Dooley

Vice President of Facilities

First National Bank of Omaha

Curt Hofer

Owner & President

Curt Hofer & Associates

Kevin Rhodes

Former Principal

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate

Mark Westergard

Civil Engineering, Project Manager

E&A Consulting Group

Deal of the Year WINNERS: LINCOLN

Bryan Health for Cancer Center Partners Lease

Richard Meginnis

President

NAI FMA Realty

Mike Bell

Vice President,
Sales & Leasing

NAI FMA Realty

Scott Vyskocil

Senior Vice President,
Property Management

NAI FMA Realty

David Reese

Vice President of Operations

Bryan Health

Deal of the Year WINNERS: OMAHA

Blackstone Plaza

 

John Lund

Founder & Chairman

Cushman & Wakefield
The Lund Company

Development of the year, lincoln

Lied Place

 

Tam Allan

President

Lied Place Development LLC

Development of the year, omaha

The Farnam Hotel

 

Jason Fisher

Founder & Chairman

Cushman & Wakefield
The Lund Company