It’s about the education

By: J. David Chapman/March 22, 2018

Jack Werner founded A to Z Inspections in 2002 to do residential and commercial real estate inspections. With degrees in construction and finance, Werner developed a process to produce an inspection that educates the buyers about the property they are purchasing. What I find intriguing is that A to Z does commercial inspections as well as residential.

Using only certified inspectors is great; however, many commercial building owners, property managers, and investors don’t trust the inspection companies’ survey-type inspection as performed on homes. Most commercial contract due diligence contains inspections; however, specialized experts are brought in to evaluate the structure, HVAC, roof, plumbing, mechanical/electrical, and ADA elements. The process of bringing in experts in each area makes the due-diligence period lengthy and expensive.

I do both commercial and residential transactions and have always found the commercial inspection process convoluted in comparison to residential. Granted, the properties and uses are significantly different; however, A to Z has developed processes taking these differences into consideration. Jack has built a network of experts – the best in every area to help should questions arise and further inquiry be necessary. He builds this network by providing these experts educational opportunities. He promotes a quarterly luncheon where he invites a unique and diverse group of commercial real estate practitioners. The topics range from political issues affecting the industry to building techniques – basically whatever is of concern to our industry, these luncheons discuss.

Jack also supports the Commercial Real Estate Summit, which will be held Sept. 20 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. I’ve described the goal of the CRE Summit as a “crucible” for all those invested in commercial real estate – a breaking down of barriers and silos between disciplines in our industry. Jack is about this as well.

I attended Jack’s quarterly luncheon, hearing Marva Ellard and Brian Fitzsimmons. Marva is what I’ve referred to as the “accidental developer” in this column in the past. She has a growing list of development accomplishments, almost all including historic tax credits. Along with her architect, Brian Fitzsimmons, she talked about her latest and likely greatest development, the Villa Teresa redevelopment project. Thanks, Jack, for providing this multidisciplinary learning environment for our industry and promoting quality and engagement.

J. David Chapman is an associate professor of finance and real estate at the University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu).