Joe Barna Wins Lifetime Achievement Award at NAIOP

On May 8th, NAIOP Northern Ohio honored Joe Barna, co-founder of CRESCO Real Estate, with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to Cleveland’s Commercial Real Estate Industry.

Joe is Cleveland real estate. Starting his career selling for Xerox, Joe wore down the shoe leather, prospecting the hardest way. He didn’t send emails or post on LinkedIn. He went door to door, deftly passing gatekeepers, getting attention, building interest and closing a sale. He gained the confidence of business owners city wide and found a way to help his clients and their businesses through real estate.

Joe learned the business from some of Cleveland Real Estate’s aristocracy, who ultimately staked him and his partner to start CRESCO Real Estate. Building on what he learned at the entry level, Joe hoovered data.

Joe never works alone. Always connecting others, Joe was an early advocate for industry allies. In addition to being a long-time NAIOP member, supporter and sponsor, Joe also mentored on the individual level. He built a team within a team here at CRESCO, where he invited emerging real estate professionals aboard to learn the business, and then build their own practices. Many individuals Joe mentored became future partners, others became clients and all of them forever colleagues.

Continuing education and knowledge sharing is how we all stay sharp and add client value. Joe dedicates a good portion of his year to make calls in support of the SIOR Education Fund to introduce and educate the newest members of our industry. It’s the only time Joe twists as arm: to help someone.

The most senior partner at Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO Real Estate, Joe is not slowing down. He founded a partnership that now does more than 650 transactions a year. He has countless clients, all of whom are now his friends.

The NAIOP Lifetime Achievement Award is a well-deserved accolade that celebrates not only Joe’s individual accomplishments but also his profound impact on the industry as a whole. Congratulations again to Joe, we’re lucky to have your continued mentorship.