Three Generations of CCIMs 

This past March, at the 2025 Hallmark Awards, the Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS® (CFCAR) and the Central Florida Commercial Real Estate Association (CFCREA), celebrated an extraordinary moment in commercial real estate history. 

The Strickland family, Robert, Blaine, and Hunter, was honored not once, but twice. First, the Wilbur Strickland Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Robert and Blaine for decades of exceptional leadership, brokerage success, and industry influence. Second, with the inaugural Generational Excellence Award, recognizing their unparalleled milestone: three generations of CCIM Designees, each having served as District Vice Presidents in the CCIM Florida Chapter over the last 40 years. 

Their journey isn’t just a family story; it’s a powerful testament to professional excellence, mentorship, and the enduring impact of the CCIM Designation. 

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The Stricklands: Robert, Hunter, Blaine (left to right). 

Robert K. Strickland, CCIM — The Trailblazer 
Robert Strickland, the family patriarch, set the tone early. A 1955 West Point graduate and decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, he earned his CCIM Designation in 1984. After transitioning to commercial real estate, Robert co-founded the Florida Gulf Coast Commercial Association of REALTORS®, becoming a respected leader known for his discipline, integrity, and vision. His pursuit of the CCIM Designation established a foundation for future generations, not only for success but for leadership and lifelong learning. 

Blaine Strickland, CCIM — The Educator and Visionary 
Blaine Strickland followed closely behind, earning his CCIM Designation in 1987. With both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida, Blaine built a career as CEO of One More Deal and has taught more than 2,500 students globally as a CCIM Instructor since 2007. His influence extends across the industry through books, adjunct professorships, and speaking engagements with organizations like SIOR, ULI, and NAIOP. Blaine has dedicated his career to raising the bar in commercial real estate and helping others succeed through education and mentorship. 

Hunter Strickland, CCIM — The Next Generation 
Hunter Strickland became a CCIM Designee in 2018 and currently leads as Principal of HRS Property Group, where he leads investment sales and leasing in the industrial and multifamily sectors. His approach blends tradition with innovation—off-market deal sourcing, data-driven strategy, and a hands-on, client-first mindset. 

A Path Paved by The Pin 
For Hunter, earning the CCIM Designation was about credibility and legacy. “It wasn’t just about following in their footsteps,” he says. “It was about earning the same level of trust they had.” 

Hunter credits the Designation for accelerating his early career and helping him build meaningful relationships in a competitive industry. And while he draws inspiration from his family’s example, he’s forging his own path by combining timeless values with modern strategies. 

He also sees mentorship as his way of giving back to the CCIM community. “I had people invest in me early on. Now I try to do the same—whether that’s meeting for coffee or just offering guidance when someone asks.” As Principal of HRS Property Group, Hunter is committed to building a client-first platform and mentoring the next generation of professionals. 

Looking at how the business has evolved across three generations, Hunter points to advancements in technology and access to information. But some things haven’t changed: “Relationships, trust, and market knowledge still matter just as much today as they did in my grandfather’s day.”  

A Legacy That Inspires 
To the Stricklands, success in commercial real estate isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about leadership, community impact, and building something that lasts. Their shared achievements highlight not only decades of personal success, but also the power of the CCIM Designation to shape careers and elevate standards across generations.  

Whether in the cockpit, the classroom, or the boardroom, each Strickland has demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose. Through their involvement with CCIM and CFCAR, they’ve built careers grounded in integrity, persistence, and mentorship. 

Their story is not just a family legacy—it’s a blueprint for the next generation of commercial real estate professionals. 

As Hunter puts it, “We’ll keep building, mentoring, and staying active in the industry. The goal is to keep the momentum going and help shape the next generation of leaders.”