THE SPECS: Company: The Ivy Group Location: Fremont, CA Property Type: Industrial Specialist Year Built with SIOR: 2021

OVERVIEW - Why He’s the Real Deal

For more than 20 years Tim Vi Tran, SIOR, founder and president of The Ivy Group, has been advising both public and private sectors, providing strategy and execution for complex commercial real estate transactions. Born in Vietnam in a war-torn country in the 70s, Tran and his family endured incredible hardships as they fled, eventually getting refugee sponsorship in the United States that took more than a year. Despite this, he learned English and excelled in school, even skipping a grade. He was awarded a scholarship to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering. After also receiving his Masters in Software Engineering Business Administration, he went on to work for several high profile U.S. defense contractors. Tran is actively involved in giving back to his community, and volunteers his time and resources with the Rotary Club of Fremont and the Asian Pacific Fund. He’s more than just an SIOR.

HIGHLIGHTS - Get to Know Tim

SIOR Report: What’s one thing about you that surprises most people?
Tim Vi Tran, SIOR: I served in the U.S. Navy for 9 years.

SR: What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
TVT: During my engineering career, I accepted a field position where I traveled the world to combat terrorism to safeguard our country’s freedom. I visited many places and was prohibited from disclosing my locations, including to my family. I would leave for months without any advanced notice.

SR: Flashback to when you were 10. What did you want to be when you grew up?
TVT: I always wanted to be an astronaut and visit space when I was a kid. There may still be an opportunity to do that when I grow up. I just need to round up $28M to get a seat on Blue Origin.

SR: What are you happiest doing when you aren’t working?
TVT: I love to take long runs. It’s an excellent stress reliever and helps to refocus my thoughts and energy.

SR: What’s one thing everyone should do/try at least once?
TVT: Train for and complete a marathon at least once in your lifetime. It’s a true commitment to yourself, and pushes your mind and body to new heights and limits.

SR: What would be your personal motto?
TVT: Never ever give up!

SR: What are some causes you care about?
TVT: Education is so important in everything we do. It is essential to provide equal education to everyone because our society and life depends on it good, quality education to all.

SR: Teach me something interesting you think most people don’t know.
TVT: I was born of Chinese parents in Vietnam, relocated to Texas, graduated in New York, lived in Washington DC and settled in California. Also, I have ridden an automobile, train, plane, helicopter, Navy destroyer, motorcycle, bicycle, scooter and rollerblades.

SR: When did you screw everything up but no one found out it was you?
TVT: In high school, I once took my mom’s car to the mall without her permission. While backing out of the parking garage, I mixed up the brake with the accelerator and slammed the car into the wall. I kept quiet for several days until my dad found out about it and grounded me for several days.

SR: When did you do something you were incredibly proud of but no one knew about it but you?
TVT: In 2020, I pledged to run 1,000 miles to raise money for the Rotary Club of Fremont. I exceeded my goal by completing 1,178 miles. However, I never mentioned to anyone that I ran through: 1) five pair of shoes, 2) the COVID-19 pandemic, 3) thick smoke and orange skies as a result of the California wildfires, 4) inequality protests, 5) and a swollen ankle (my daughter was learning to walk and ran the walker into my left ankle).

Each quarter SIOR goes beyond the transactions and the brokerage business to identify the true character and background that defines an SIOR. After all, it’s not what you are that truly matters, it’s who you are. SIOR Report digs deeper to find out The Real Deal behind its members.

Request Additional Information: tim@ivycommercial.com | +1.510.213.8883

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