Thought Leadership: Tim Murnane Shares Wisdom Gained During His Storied Career

Over his 46-year career in commercial real estate, our CEO Tim Murnane has built a reputation for excellence, integrity and compassion. Widely respected for his humility and character, Tim recently shared insights from his career at NAIOP MN’s Pull Up a Chair event.

Joined by Tom Shaver, Managing Partner with Inland Development Partners, and moderated by retired industry veteran Russ Nelson, Tim reflected on pivotal moments, lessons learned and advice for the next generation of commercial real estate professionals.

He began by emphasizing the importance of relationships and surrounding yourself with the right people.

“This is a very tight-knit industry,” he said. “You want to get connected with the right people early on – those with integrity and those who are trustworthy. Those are the people you’ll be making deals with one day, the people you’ll partner with. They’re the ones who will show you why being trustworthy is so critical.”

The discussion naturally turned to mentorship, which played a major role in Tim’s career.

“I remember how powerful it was for me to have mentors who helped build my confidence and who gave me direction,” he said. “So when I think I can add value, I take the time to do that for others. I get great satisfaction out of sharing what I’ve learned and watching the next generation go out and succeed.”

Tim also spoke about staying challenged and continuing to grow in a demanding industry.

“If you start to feel like you’re flatlining or if you’re not being challenged, that’s when it’s time to take an assessment,” he said. “Our industry offers so many opportunities to grow and succeed, but you always have to be on an incline. That’s what makes life exciting and interesting.”

In closing, Tim offered one final piece of advice.

“To last in this industry, you have to add value. But what differentiates you is when you create value – when you go out and find opportunities on your own and bring a project to the forefront. That’s what sets you apart.”

Wise words from an industry leader who continues to inspire professionals across the commercial real estate industry.