In its 26th year, the Small Business Leader Awards honor leaders of small businesses who have achieved company success while contributing to the development of our community. This week, we'll profile 10 finalists from seven outstanding businesses. Recipients will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at the Small Business Forum & Leader Awards.
Finalist: Over $1 Million in Revenue - Rich Schuen, Colliers International, Greater Columbus Region
“We have people we entertain daily—owners and tenants from around the country—they come here and it puts a smile on their face. They always mention the hospitality of Columbus and the wonderful people.” --Rich Schuen
Staying Power in a Risky Business
While commercial real estate might seem like risky business for some, for Rich Schuen it’s been his passion and line of work since the early 1980s. Using his knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit, he formed his own local commercial real estate company in 1997. Now doing business as Colliers International, Greater Columbus Region, the company specializes in office, industrial, retail and investment properties. Services provided within these specialties include project leasing, disposition, tenant and buyer representation, corporate services, property management, construction management, development, and consultation.
In a market that’s certainly had its highs and lows, Colliers continues to have staying power in the Columbus region. Its overall company revenue through July 2010 was up by 26 percent.
Competitive Edge: Ethical and Agile
Schuen shares that Collier’s has outstanding track record of success, ethical business dealings integrated service offerings and the uniqueness of being a locally owned business backed by an international brand. With local ownership and leadership, Schuen and his team can make quick decisions in the best interest of their clients. In addition, they have the benefit of one of the world’s largest commercial real estate brands to back them and provide them resources as well as an international platform.
The Secret of Our Success: Spirit of Adventure
“To start a business you have to have a crazy and adventurous streak. You must be comfortable with adventure and the unknown because that’s the day-to-day operation of small business ownership. Along with that, you have to have that spirit and desire to do what small business owners do every day, knowing that you have to have the right people in place to show up, know what they’re doing and treat your customers how you want them to be treated.”
Time is running out to register for the Small Business Forum & Leader Awards. Go to www.columbus.org/sbfla to register and read more about 20+ educational sessions. The Small Business Forum & Leader Awards are Presented by Commerce National Bank, Presenting Partner Columbus Business First, and Honorary Chair Mike Rosati of Rosati Windows.

I really like what Mr. Rich Schuen has said - "We have people we entertain daily—owners and tenants from around the country—they come here and it puts a smile on their face. They always mention the hospitality of Columbus and the wonderful people.”
Posted by: Revealty | November 11, 2010 at 05:18 AM