What can Little House on the Prairie teach us about Commercial real estate

Fifty years. Wow! Has it really been that long since Half Pint, Ma, Pa and Almanzo graced our tv screens? In a word, yes. Little House on the Prairie, the iconic 1970s series about a pioneer family struggling to make their way on the prairies of Minnesota just celebrated its golden anniversary. Little did I know the series was filmed in our very own Simi Valley, California right down the road from the Ronald Reagan presidential library. Admittedly, my wife is a larger “bonnet head” than I - but I cooperatively loaded the car with water and snacks and left the house at 6:30 in the morning in order to make an 8:45 bus tour of the original filming location. The day unfolded with sights, sounds and scenes from another era - that of our youth and unspoiled innocence shared by many of us in the seventies. I’m officially now a Landon head. 
 
You may be wondering what any of this has to do with commercial real estate? Indulge me as I draw a few parallels. 
 
Sense of Community. In the rolling hills of Simi Valley - err, Walnut Grove - community wasn't just a concept; it was a way of life. The Ingalls family relied upon their neighbors for support and camaraderie, facing challenges together and celebrating victories with a common goal - survival. Commercial real estate brokers also enjoy a strong community forged by transacting together. You quickly discover on whom you can rely, and those that require a bit more caution. Reputation is hallmark. Commercial real estate transactions can be long, difficult, and stressful. If there is enjoyment with your colleagues on the other side of the deal, the journey is so much more fun.
 
Pioneering Spirit. The pioneer spirit runs deep in the veins of characters like Charles Ingalls and his family. Their courage, resilience, and willingness to venture into the unknown embody the essence of taking a risk. The career of a commercial real estate broker is pioneering as well. You see, we are not paid a salary, but rely upon revenue generated from closing transactions. In effect, we eat what we grow. We experience a harvest, similar to the Ingalls, after - many times - a long growing season. But harsh winters or early spring rains can destroy our efforts and crater our work. 
 
Hopeful Attitude. Despite the harsh realities of frontier life, optimism never waned in the Ingalls household. Their hopeful outlook and unwavering determination served as examples to others. Longevity as a commercial real estate broker must start with an optimism for positive outcomes. You simply must look at every situation and know in your gut that something great is going to occur. If you allow negativity to creep into your brokerage, the universe will deliver less than stellar results. Many in our trade are quite superstitious and will not discuss transactions in progress until after they have closed. Pioneering families in the 1800s were also superstitious but relied upon a deep faith in God to carry them through difficult times.
 
Adaptation to Change. Change was a constant companion for the Ingalls family as they navigated through shifting seasons, economic fluctuations, and societal transformations. Their ability to adapt and evolve in response to change was instrumental to their survival and prosperity. Likewise, in commercial real estate, adaptability is key to staying relevant and resilient in a dynamic industry. Who would have imagined the advanced technologies today that allow us to work from anywhere and achieve wonderful outcomes. 
 
Long-Term Vision. Beyond the immediate struggles of pioneer life, the Ingalls family held onto a vision of a brighter future - a vision that fueled their determination and guided their actions. In commercial real estate, having a clear long-term view is essential for success. Setting specific actionable goals is paramount. Necessary for success must be an attitude of “playing the long game” and not getting consumed with short term distractions. 
 
The day resonated deeply with me. I came away with an appreciation of Michael Landon’s legacy, his style and un-compromised standards. His creative character development, attention to detail, and sense of humor gave us a glimpse into the harsh life in the prairie. So, as we celebrated fifty years of Little House on the Prairie, let us also celebrate the enduring wisdom it imparts, guiding us forward on our own journey through the prairies of commercial real estate.
 
Allen C. Buchanan, SIOR, is a principal with Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services in Orange. He can be reached at abuchanan@lee-associates.com or 714.564.7104. His website is allencbuchanan.blogspot.com.