Each year, Midwest Real Estate News selects new members to its Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. This year is no exception. And once again, we are running profiles of these new Hall of Fame members on our site.
This week, we look at the busy career of Richard Agree, executive chairman of the board for Agree Realty in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Rick Agree is no stranger to the commercial real estate industry. In fact, he’s worked in this business for 48 years, getting his start in CRE in 1971.
The reason for this longevity? Productivity. Throughout his long career, Agree has overseen the development of more than 8 million square feet of retail space across the country. Not surprisingly, Agree’s success story has attracted the attention of his peers. He has been honored in several trade publications, and was recently named a Real Estate Icon by Real Estate Forum magazine.
What’s behind Agree’s success? He points to the combination of his passion for the job and the experience he’s gained during his nearly five decades in the business.
“I have always enjoyed every aspect of the commercial real estate business, whether it be asset management, acquisitions, development or finance,” Agree said. “This, along with the fact that I was fortunate enough to have a strong educational background both in real estate and law, has helped me build my career.”
Agree took the time to learn all aspects of the construction business, too, by working his way through a variety of industry jobs. He started his career in real estate as a carpenter. He also dug ditches.
“That gave me a foundation to build from,” Agree said. “I was also extremely fortunate to have several significant mentors, which allowed me to avoid a lot of the mistakes that others have made in the business.”
Outside of work, Agree is active in his community. He is a member of the board of Temple Israel and the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. He is also an active volunteer with Kids Kicking Cancer, Friendship Circle and Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
When not working or volunteering, Agree prefers to spend time with his six grandchildren. That means attending plenty of sporting, dancing and academic activities. Agree also enjoys golf, biking and working out.