Fifty years. Has it really been that long since Half Pint, Ma, Pa and Almanzo graced our television screens?
In a word, yes. “Little House on the Prairie,” the iconic 1970s series about a pioneer family struggling to make their way on the Minnesota prairies, just celebrated its golden anniversary.
I didn’t know the series was filmed in our own Simi Valley, right next to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Granted, my wife is a bigger “hood head” than me, but I cooperatively loaded the car with water and snacks and left the house at 6:30 a.m. for a drive. 8:45 a.m. bus from the original filming location.
The day unfolded with sights, sounds and scenes from another era – that of our youth and the untouched innocence shared by many of us in the 70s. I am now officially a chef Landon.
You may be wondering, what does this have to do with commercial real estate? Do me a favor by drawing some parallels.
Sense of community
In the hills of Simi Valley – er, Walnut Grove – community wasn’t just a concept; it was a way of life.
The Ingalls family relied on the support and camaraderie of their neighbors, facing challenges together and celebrating victories with a common goal: survival.
Commercial real estate brokers also benefit from a strong community forged by transacting together. You quickly learn who you can rely on and who needs a little more caution. Reputation is a trademark.
Commercial real estate transactions can be lengthy, difficult and stressful. If there is fun with your colleagues on the other side of the transaction, the journey is much more fun.
Pioneering spirit
The pioneering spirit runs deep in the veins of people like Charles Ingalls and his family.
Their courage, resilience and willingness to venture into the unknown embody the essence of risk-taking.
The career of a commercial real estate broker is also pioneering. You see, we don’t receive a salary, but we rely on revenue generated from closing transactions. Indeed, we eat what we grow.
We experience a harvest, similar to that of the Ingalls, after – many times – a long growing season. But harsh winters or early spring rains can destroy our efforts and undo our work.
Hopeful attitude
Despite the harsh realities of life on the frontier, optimism never wavered in the Ingalls household.
Their hopeful vision and unwavering determination served as an example to others. Longevity as a commercial real estate broker must begin with optimism about positive outcomes.
You just have to look at each situation and know deep down in your gut that something big is going to happen. If you allow negativity to seep into your brokerage, the universe will not produce stellar results.
Many in our business are quite superstitious and will only discuss current transactions after they have closed. Pioneer families of the 1800s were also superstitious, but relied on a deep faith in God to help them get through difficult times.
Adapting to change
Change was a constant companion for the Ingalls family as they navigated changing seasons, economic fluctuations and societal transformations.
Their ability to adapt and evolve in response to change has been instrumental in their survival and prosperity. Similarly, in commercial real estate, adaptability is key to remaining relevant and resilient in a dynamic sector.
Who would have imagined today’s advanced technologies that allow us to work from anywhere and achieve wonderful results.
Long-term vision
Beyond the immediate struggles of pioneer life, the Ingalls family clung to a vision of a better future – a vision that fueled their determination and guided their actions. In commercial real estate, having a clear long-term vision is essential to success. Setting concrete, concrete goals is essential. Success requires an attitude of “playing the long game” and not getting carried away by short-term distractions.
This day resonated deeply with me. I came away with an appreciation of Michael Landon’s legacy, his uncompromising style and standards.
His creative character development, attention to detail, and sense of humor gave us insight into the harsh life on the prairie.
So, as we celebrate 50 years of “Little House on the Prairie,” let us also celebrate the enduring wisdom it imparts, guiding us on our own journey through the prairies of commercial real estate.
Allen C. Buchanan, SIOR, is a principal at Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services in Orange. He can be reached at abuchanan@lee-associates.com or 714.564.7104.
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