THE SPECS: Company: Alterra Real Estate Advisors Location: Columbus, Ohio Property Type: Industrial & Office Specialist Year Built with SIOR: 2001

OVERVIEW - Why He’s the Real Deal

Brad Kitchen, SIOR, president at Alterra Real Estate Advisors, has been knee-deep in the world of Commercial Real Estate since 1991. A fervent world-traveler, Kitchen has touched down on places all over the world—from Iceland or Peru to a Safari in Africa, he’s seen it all, and yet nothing can quell his wanderlust. As a hobby, Kitchen enjoys racing cars, collecting art, and giving back to charity. When he’s not winning the next big deal in real estate, he is winning races on the speedway. He's more than just an SIOR.

HIGHLIGHTS - Get to Know Brad

SR: Besides commercial real estate of course, what’s been your favorite job you’ve ever had?
BK: When I was 16 years old, I worked in landscaping for commercial buildings. I enjoyed being outdoors (most days); I liked the physical labor and seeing the manicured end result on the same day, especially since real estate deals take so long. Now I own a few of those properties that I landscaped.

SIOR Report: What’s the worst job you've ever had?
Brad Kitchen, SIOR: Working at a car wash in the winter, spraying off the cars before they went into the car wash and my hair would freeze from the spraying water. I did not smoke but many others took frequent smoke breaks so when I tried to take a “smoke break” just to thaw my hair, they said I could not take a smoke break unless I was smoking. I definitely did not take up smoking.

SR: What secret talent do you have that not everyone knows about you?
BK: I don’t know how talented I am, but Bob Dikman, SIOR, in Tampa, got me hooked on racing cars. I race cars as a hobby on road courses throughout the Midwest and Florida with usually 50- 80 other cars on the track with me. Driving 140 mph in a pack of cars working to get ahead of other drivers is definitely an adrenaline rush and a talent that I continue to try to improve.

SR: Who would you want to play you in a movie and why?
BK: Brad Pitt. (The hair of course!)

SR: What is your 15 minutes of fame?
BK: Being included in the SIOR Magnificent 12.

SR: Describe yourself in three words.
BK: Ambitious, Caring, Generous.

SR: What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
BK: Racing cars is pretty risky, even with all of the safety gear. I have also bought some vacant buildings that were calculated risks, but risks that many other people would not take.

SR: What are some causes you care about?
BK: Animals—We support the Columbus Humane Society and recently purchased a building that we will donate to them for an animal wellness center. I also support the arts and am involved with the Columbus Museum of Art, as well as other art organizations.

SR: What are you happiest doing when you aren’t working?
BK: I enjoy socializing over a nice meal, watching movies, any outdoor activity, and traveling all over the world. I have traveled to several Formula 1 races including Monaco, on a couple of African Safari’s, to Machu Picchu, and many other amazing places.

SR: If you could have a personal motto, what would it be?
BK: Work hard, smart and play hard too. You only live once so enjoy every day.

SR: What is something you think everyone should do at least once?
BK: Travel internationally to experience other cultures. Italy is one of my favorites.