Emilee Collins-Pickett Sprouse Commercial Real Estate

05/29/2026

If you want to know what makes the CCIM Institute the gold standard, it really comes down to three things:

1️⃣ Networking
2️⃣ Education
3️⃣ Technology

James Milner, CCIM, explains how these three pillars keep us ahead of the game. It’s not just about having a designation; it’s about having the right community, the sharpest skills, and the best data to back up every deal.

When you have all three, you aren't just a broker, you're an essential resource for your clients.

Which of these three do you think is most important in today’s market? 💬

Appalachian Commercial Real Estate

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05/28/2026

Tech is great, but it isn’t everything. 🤖🤝

Everyone’s talking about AI right now, but how do you actually use it to serve your clients better?

In this clip, James Milner, CCIM, and I are diving into how CCIM empowers us to harness the latest technology without losing that "boots on the ground" feel.

The secret sauce?

It’s not just having the tools it’s pairing that tech with real human relationships. That’s where the best work happens.

Do you think AI will ever replace the relationship side of real estate? Let’s hear your thoughts.

Appalachian Commercial Real Estate

05/27/2026

Ever wonder what it actually takes to become a CCIM?

It’s more than just sitting through a few classes and passing a test.

James Milner, CCIM breaks down his own "path to the pin" from making the jump into commercial-only back in '08 to the reality of building a deal portfolio in a small market.

If you're looking to be the best in the biz, this is the roadmap.

What’s your take? Is a specialized designation a game-changer or just extra letters after a name?

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/XDelsDUbjkA
Appalachian Commercial Real Estate

05/26/2026

The latest episode of Behind the Building is officially here!

We’re sitting down with James Milner, CCIM, President of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate and a newly elected member of the CCIM Institute Global Board of Directors.

James has been a "champion for the pin" for over a decade. In this deep dive, we explore how elite education and a global network allow a boutique firm in Western North Carolina to deliver world-class results.

In this episode, James discusses his "path to the pin" and how CCIM’s global network empowers small firms to compete on a massive scale.

Whether you are a seasoned designee or an aspiring pro, James’s perspective on leadership and "speaking the same language" as other experts is invaluable.

Watch the full episode here: 👉 https://youtu.be/XDelsDUbjkA

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the foundations of our country.

We talk a lot about "building for the future" and "investing in our communities." But today, we remember that the ground we build upon and the businesses we grow are only possible because of the courage of those who served.

We are incredibly grateful to live and work in this country.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

05/20/2026

Here's a quick look at the progress!

ARCO Construction Company is delivering 129,600 SF of prime industrial space with 32’ clear height, perfectly located just a mile from RTP and I-885.

Outstanding work by the ARCO Construction Company and Colliers teams!

05/20/2026

Great to be out at Alliance RTP today to see the walls up! 🏗️🚀

ARCO Construction Company is bringing 129,600 SF of top-tier industrial space to the heart of the Triangle. It’s a massive project in a perfect spot, just a mile from RTP with direct I-885 access and 32’ clear heights.

Thanks to the teams at ARCO Construction Company and Colliers for the tour!

And of course, big shoutout to Pizzeria Toro for the amazing lunch! 🍕🥗

05/14/2026

Last night, I attended a forum discussing our region's future about defense and technology. It's impressive how the Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) and Executive Director Ryan Combs position our community as a global leader in innovation.

Times are changing, and what a better time to be here.

North Carolina is supporting over 2,500 defense-related companies that generate a significant $19.7 billion annual economic impact for our state.

Conversations revolved on how we are leveraging our top-tier tech talent and supportive infrastructure to solve complex challenges in cybersecurity and autonomous systems. The RTRP’s strategic focus on these high-growth sectors is exactly why we continue to see major wins, such as the recent CITEL, Inc. relocation to Orange County, which brought significant investment and new jobs to Hillsborough.

We are doing more than just growing; we are strategically building an ecosystem where technology and national security thrive together.

05/12/2026

Durham Tech is officially leading the charge in North Carolina’s energy evolution as one of only ten community colleges selected for the $2.5 million Careers in Electric™ training network.

This strategic move establishes Durham Technical Community College as the definitive authority in preparing a high-caliber workforce for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and clean energy sectors. By securing this role in the statewide network, the college is directly addressing the infrastructure needs of our region and ensuring our local economy remains competitive on a national scale.

You are looking at the future of industrial innovation right here in our backyard, and it is clear that Durham Tech is the primary driver for this essential technical advancement.

Read and learn more about it here: https://www.durhamtech.edu/news/durham-tech-one-10-nc-community-colleges-selected-25m-careers-electrictm-training-network

Durham Tech is among 10 community colleges selected to spearhead the statewide expansion of high-impact electrical workforce training.

05/06/2026

Ever wonder why your office feels a bit smaller than the number on your lease? It usually comes down to the difference between your "usable" and "rentable" square footage.

Your usable space is the actual area where your desks and team sit the space strictly inside your own four walls.

Rentable space, however, is the number you actually pay for. This total includes your private office plus your share of the building's shared areas, like the lobby, hallways, and restrooms.

The gap between these two numbers is called the "load factor."

A lower load factor is a win for your budget because it means more of your rent is going toward your actual workspace rather than the shared hallways. Knowing this distinction ensures that when you sign a lease, you know exactly how much room you're paying for.