NEWS POST

From marathons to mountain peaks, the Forte team shares a passion for activities to stay healthy

At Forte Real Estate Partners, we place a high value on health and well-being.  As a boutique commercial real estate advisory firm and a two-time Best Places to Work honoree, Forte was formed from the merger of two smaller companies each led by senior-level commercial real estate experts. A shared passion for outdoor activities, such as skiing, golfing, mountain climbing, and biking, united the two former firms. Our 25 employees also enjoy indoor sporting activities, with hockey, pickleball, and basketball being a few of our favorites.  We frequently organize team outings centered on sports, whether it’s celebrating our third anniversary with a St. Paul Saints baseball game or commemorate our Best Places to Work selection with a fun lawn bowling event last June.

Leaders in the Industry and Athletic Achievements
Jim Jetland, a former standout goalie for the University of Minnesota Gophers, and Steve Brown, a former defenseman for Colorado College, first faced off in high school hockey, with Jim representing Grand Rapids and Steve playing for rival Edina East. For the past 30 years, they have built a strong professional relationship and, in 2021, joined forces with Phil Simonet, an avid mountain climber and biker and a partner at another commercial real estate firm in the Twin Cities, to establish Forte Real Estate Partners.

When launching Forte, they focused on what they had in common, to develop a new path forward. While one commonality is their hands-on, in-depth, strategic approach to their clients’ real estate needs and a passion for matching their clients’ purpose in real estate, they also have a love of sports and physical activity.

Creating a Culture of Wellness
At Forte, the owners’ dedication to physical health fosters a culture of wellness among all team members. Employees embrace their unique fitness journey, recognizing that physical well-being is crucial for mental health.  Beyond that, they simply love staying active. This shared commitment not only enhances their own lives but also empowers them to be better advocates for their clients.  “Our focus on fitness and wellness not only keeps us healthy but also strengthens our team camaraderie and dedication to our clients.  There’s nothing like getting on the golf course with a client for a competitive match to build strong relationships and have some fun,” stated Jim Jetland.

Forte has a dynamic mix of extreme sports enthusiasts and casual activity lovers.

Here are a few examples:

• Chad Thomas: An avid gravel/adventure biker who recently returned from Northern Portugal and the Douro Valley.
• John Young: Recently returned from his second year completing the three-day, 100-mile Leadville Stage Race in Leadville Colorado.  John has also completed the one-day Leadville 100 mile race three times.
• Nancy Powell: P is for pickleball with Nancy, a seasoned player who has been enjoying the sport long before it became the latest craze. She plays at an intermediate level for over 10 hours per week at Lifetime and various other locations, and she loves helping newer players grasp the nuances of the game.
• Katie Trevena: Another former hockey standout, first at Benilde-St. Margaret’s high school and then at the University of St. Thomas.
• Amy Melchior: Amy’s life is a whirlwind of activity, from her days as a helicopter pilot to her passion for hiking and racing vintage cars; she never sits still.
• Kate Damato: Kate has been a runner for 20 years just completing Grandma’s marathon late last year, and a one-day, 25-mile Grand Canyon hike, with Ericka Miller, rim-to-rim from north to south in 2022. Kate has also participated in the Wild Duluth Race, a 50K trail run, twice in the last five years.

Creating a Culture of Wellness
At Forte, nearly everyone is active in or watches sports.  Our team finds joy in activities like golf, skiing, pickleball, dog walking, biking, volleyball and softball. These shared interests bring us together, whether it’s for a cornhole tournament or our annual bike outing, the Tour de Forte.  We celebrate our culture of wellness, working hard and having fun, which helps us foster strong connections with family, co-workers, friends, and clients.