FUTURE LEADERS OF THE AMERICAN REAL ESTATE SOCIETY (FLARES)

摘要

In part, Webster's Dictionary defines the word 'relationships' as "the ways in which two or more people or things are connected." 'Relationships' is the word that came to mind four years ago as I listened to Don Epley, my mentor, colleague, and friend, describe the decision he and a small group of 'connected' academic researchers made over thirty years ago to form ARES. His numerous contributions to the literature that he co-authored with so many ARES members serve as a fitting testament to the significance of the dozens of relationships Don had the opportunity to build through ARES. In a recent conversation with Pernille Christensen, the word 'relationships' again came to mind as I learned how she came to know Spenser Robinson, Drew Sanderford, and Jeremy Gabe. All were early in their academic careers, and all were doing research in a similar space. So it seemed natural they would all one day meet at an ARES conference. In just a short while, those new relationships spawned a mutual desire to become part of ARES' future. Thus began FLARES, the Future Leaders of the American Real Estate Society. At the 2015 conference in Fort Myers, FLARES held its first officially sanctioned event. Seventeen young academics, and ARES veterans Mike Seiler, Stephen Roulac, Glenn Mueller, David Harrison, and Sofia Dermisi, joined FLARES' four founders to increase our membership to 26. AH at the meeting got the sense that FLARES' members will play a vital role in ARES future. Next spring in Denver, FLARES will again provide opportunities for new academics to establish relationships, and encourage its members to begin to understand how important ARES can be in building their academic careers. ARES' founders had a vision of becoming the leading global real estate research and education organization. To be sure, sound judgment and diligent leadership has made it so today. For tomorrow, FLARES invites you all to work with us as we continue our critical mission of providing the nucleus from which the next generation of ARES leaders will spring.