It started with a realization…

In October of 1997, Frank Demeter and Jim Zemezonak of Boulders Realty Advisors, while writing annual checks to local real estate networking groups, found themselves frustrated that small, entrepreneurial firms had to pay the same amount as large, established firms yet never seemed to get the same benefits.

Frank and Jim were small; most other members at these events even didn’t care to talk to them. Yet they felt compelled to pay annual dues (plus enormous breakfast or lunch costs) to hear the same old speakers with little assistance for networking.

A better approach…

What if there was a different kind of networking group that catered to both large and small members, one centered on drink and conversation rather than powdered eggs, cold toast, and boring presentations?

This idea came to fruition at the landmark El Chorro. At a time when e-mail was still a novelty (except among the most tech savvy of us), Frank and Jim sent out faxes to 20 of their associates in the commercial real estate sector. Joe McGovern, a managing partner of Liesch Southwest, took an early interest in the idea and quickly joined on as an organizer. Soon they had an ever-growing group that was meeting regularly over drinks, talking about real estate and making real connections that led to projects and partnerships. The only dues? Their own drinks.

Values still held today…

Although membership is still invite-only, the concept has remained the same since 1997. CRENAB is a community of commercial real estate professionals that meet once a month to relax and enjoy themselves, share information and make deals, all without hurting the pocketbook.

In 2022, Crystal Pierce assumed leadership of CRENAB and began expanding her team the following year. Since then, she has grown the organization while bringing a fresh perspective through her monthly poems, engaging social media content, and events hosted at exclusive venues.

CRENAB continues to uphold the tenants of the original charter: No organization, no dues, no shameless marketing, and absolutely no whining.