The Jeffrey E. Smith Institute of Real Estate Hosts the Annual Emerging Issues & Trends in Real Estate Forum

On Monday, September 28, 2015, the annual Emerging Issues & Trends in Real Estate Forum took place at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, University of Missouri. More than 700 students and business professionals joined together to enjoy lunch, a keynote presentation and the 2nd annual “Shark Tank” competition.

The University of Missouri Chancellor, R. Bowen Loftin, began the program by welcoming JES Holdings President Jeffrey E. Smith in stating, “The caliber of this forum is a testament to what the Jeffrey E. Smith Institute of Real Estate accomplishes each year. Jeffrey and his team bring incredible expertise to the table and oversee such an impressive event. We are proud to host this event each year at Mizzou.”

Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Stifel Financial gave the keynote address. Mr. Kruszewski delivered an entertaining and informative presentation; students were quick to ask questions about the current economy following his address.

The annual Real Estate Shark Tank Competition followed the keynote speaker. Now in its second year, the competition began with 12 student teams of aspiring entrepreneurs proposing innovative ideas for a chance to win $3,000. During the qualifying round, each team had 3 minutes to pitch their concept to a team of expert judges and the final five were selected based on product innovation, proof of market and competitive advantage.

The five qualifying teams made their pitches in front of Sharks, Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stifel Financial Corp., Elliot M. Bross, General Director and Partner of Planigrupo, Harvey Eisen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wright Investors’ Service Holdings, Inc., and Rosemary Vrablic, Managing Director and Private Banker of Deutsche Bank.

The winning team, Visio, took home the prize of $3,000 with an idea involving augmented reality.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this event a success!

Platinum Sponsor: BKD

Gold Sponsors: Stifel, Sherwin Williams, Frost Cummings Tidwell Group, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management

Silver Sponsors: Sterling Bank, Smith McGehee Insurance Solutions, First Midwest Bank, Maly Commercial Realty, Inc., Simmons First, Lashly & Baer, P.C., Quadrant Properties, McDermott Will & Emery, Kutak Rock

Bronze Sponsors: The Bank of Missouri, Central Bank of Boone County, The Dan McClain Law Firm, Dentons, Cushman & Wakefield, Forum Development Group, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, J. L. Morgan Company, King & Spalding, The Kroenke Group, Lockton Companies, Mohawk, NorthMarq Capital, Northwestern Mutual, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, The Private Bank, Providence Bank, PwC, Quarles & Brady, UMB, Van Matre, Harrison, Hollis, Taylor and Elliott, PC and Watchtower Security