News from the Chicago Chapter

Perspectives on Earning Dual IREM Designations: Paul Crump, ARM®, CPM®, Crump Realty Group

Paul Crump, ARM®, CPM®,
Crump Realty Group

What were the key factors that prompted you to pursue and earn a second IREM professional designation?

The CPM further distinguishes me as an elite property manager with knowledge and experience. Although I have a degree in Finance, the CPM finance courses focus on real estate finance and equips me with a very specific financial skill set to help my clients with investment analysis.

What were some of the challenges you faced in balancing work and earning the second designation?

I took the Asset Management Track in New Orleans and turned it into a vacation, so I could focus solely on the coursework. This helped with the balancing act of work and courses. Otherwise, I took some courses online.

Did your employer provide inspiration and support?  If so, please explain.

I am self-employed. But, my family and team were very supportive.

Commercial properties across most asset classes are being redeveloped today to meet new tenant uses and demands. Will earning the second IREM designation make you better prepared to manage these “hybrid” properties?

Absolutely! The CPM designation better prepares me for the accelerating disruption and rapidly changing tenant dynamics as customer demographics shift. I feel more prepared than ever to harness better and faster data to improve service and amenities.

Earning a second designation demonstrates a great commitment to yourself, the profession, tenants and your company. Please share other benefits or insight.

IREM focuses on ethics and this is very important in our industry.  It is rarely addressed and IREM helps keep it a focal point. The market is ever changing, and the CPM seems to address these changes. The designation process equips us to compete in this fast- paced, data driven real estate industry.