Get to Know Forte: Five Questions with Amy Melchior

1. How did you get your start in property management? What was your first job in commercial real estate? What do you like best about working in this industry?

My first job in commercial real estate was an internship via the University of St. Thomas working as a summer surveyor for CBRE. I worked with a team of college students who spent the summer driving all types of commercial real estate to gather data on occupiers in the properties. We did it the “old timey” way of making notes on computer data sheets as we walked through the buildings. We came back to the office and called the tenants to try to verify lease data. We then called the owner or asset manager of each building to further clarify the data. Needless to say, it was a character-building job. I got pretty good at managing rejection. It turned out to be a solid foundation for a career in real estate.

2. There is a lot that goes into managing commercial properties. What’s your favorite part/aspect of the property management process?

The problem-solving aspect of property management is the most gratifying to me. The job requires you to learn something about every aspect of commercial real estate and rarely a day goes by when you are not solving for good outcomes for tenants and Investors. Our realm ranges from working out physical problems with assets to providing input on forward thinking lease clauses to financial management of millions of dollars. In addition to those skills, the primary problem-solving magic happens in successfully managing relationships for all parties involved in operating and owning real estate. Never a dull day.

3. How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

My husband and I are helicopter pilots and our family has spent a lot of years flying. In the early 1980s, we started flying to build hours by attending small town fly-in pancake breakfasts. Our favorite aircraft in those days was a small 2-seat Robbinson R22 helicopter. As our skill grew, so did our aircraft. We ultimately went into partnership on an aviation business centered on electronic news gathering, aerial platforms for the TV/film industry and powerline inspections/repairs. Freedom and mobility, as well as the wonderful friends we met along the way, were the most enjoyable aspect of flying. We have retired our wings and now enjoy hiking, spending time with our 2 boys and look forward to more international travel.

4. Can you recommend a fun family outing around the Twin Cities?

Hiking in Afton State Park or any of the 65 incredible State or 6 National Parks in Minnesota!

Minnesota’s National Parks:

Voyageurs National Park

Grand Portage National Monument

North Country National Scenic Trail

Mississippi National River and Recreation

Pipestone National Monument

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

5. If we gave you an airplane voucher to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

The UK. Just before the pandemic, we joined a motorsport racing club located in southern England called Goodwood. They hold a number of events each year. Last fall we were finally able to attend the vintage Revival racing events. We have met people from all over the world with a unique common bond of a love of motorsports. We look forward to expanding our involvement in their unique automobile and aviation related events. I would go again in a minute!

Learn more about Amy Melchior‘s Property Management expertise here.