Member Spotlight: Mani Raveendran, CCIM  

When most commercial real estate professionals begin their journey toward the CCIM Designation, they anticipate a rigorous 12-18-month process filled with coursework, case studies, and portfolio validation. For Mani Raveendran, CCIM, of Texas, that timeline was condensed into just six months. Balancing his role as a commercial developer running a consulting practice with family life and a growing portfolio of developments, Raveendran’s remarkable pace was matched only by his determination to elevate his business through knowledge, structure, and connection. 

“I spent equal time planning as I did in execution,” Raveendran said. “If you follow the curriculum as it’s designed, the knowledge builds in layers. You can move fast, but you have to be methodical.” 
 

From Corporate America to Commercial Real Estate 
Before building his company into a mid-tier development powerhouse, Raveendran spent years in corporate America, earning degrees in mechanical engineering, computer science, and business administration. Yet it was his family’s long-standing involvement in real estate investment in India, Malaysia, and the Middle East that shaped his instincts for development. 

After settling in Dallas more than 25 years ago, he transitioned from technology and finance to real estate, establishing a brokerage, consulting, and developing company focused on commercial real estate more than a decade ago. His firm now specializes in acquisition, entitlement, and mixed-use development projects that bridge retail, medical office, and multifamily spaces. 

“Real estate has always fascinated me,” he said. “It’s a tangible way to build value and community at the same time.” 

Setting a New Pace 
Raveendran approached the CCIM Designation as both a challenge and a professional benchmark. He committed to an accelerated plan that combined strategic course selection, instructor research, and disciplined scheduling. 

He completed his first course, CI 101, in Fort Worth, then immediately drove to Austin the following week for CI 103. Within six months, he had finished all the required coursework and passed the Comprehensive Exam at the 2025 Spring Forum in Miami, Fla. 

“I evaluated every class, every instructor, every city,” Raveendran explained. “Who teaches the course makes a huge difference and that preparation allowed me to stay focused and finish strong.” 

While many candidates take 18 months to three years to earn their Pin, Raveendran credits his success to structure and planning. “It’s like a college semester,” he said. “If you scatter your classes, you lose momentum. But when you follow the path and stay immersed, the knowledge compounds.” 
 

The Power of the Network 
Before even registering for courses, Raveendran began attending local CCIM chapter events to build connections with leaders and Designees. He credits mentors from the North Texas Chapter for guiding him through the process and helping him identify key instructors. 

“The network is there; you just have to find it,” he said. “What amazed me was how willing everyone was to help, from local chapter leaders to past presidents. That sense of community kept me going.” 

Those relationships, he said, didn’t end when he earned his Pin. They’ve evolved into ongoing professional collaborations and mentorships that continue to influence his projects and business strategy. 
 

Applying CCIM Tools to Real-World Development & Consulting 
Since earning his Designation, Raveendran has fully integrated CCIM tools and methodologies into his company’s operations. Site To Do Business has become central to his market research and client engagement process. 

With experience in site selection and financial modeling, and the use of CCIM’s proprietary tools, he is able to approach national clients like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, or an upcoming retail concept chain with the same analytical rigor as their internal teams. He uses these tools to enable his consulting clients to grow their real estate portfolios 

“The knowledge and tools elevated the level of conversations I can have,” Raveendran said. “I can analyze a site the same way a major corporate real estate team would. That’s a huge differentiator.” 

The data-driven approach not only supports better client outcomes but also ensures his investors’ capital is protected—something he cites as the cornerstone of Beyond Real Estate Group’s philosophy. 
 

The Broader Impact 
For Raveendran, earning the CCIM Designation wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was a mindset shift. The experience, he says, sharpened his analytical lens, deepened his confidence, and expanded his services to his clients, community, and the industry. 

“Someone with the CCIM Pin is instantly recognized as credible,” he said. “It’s a signal of rigor and respect that opens doors to conversations you wouldn’t otherwise have.” 

As he looks ahead, Raveendran is focused on expanding consulting and advisory business and its footprint beyond key high growth areas in the Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin MSAs. The CCIM network, he says, continues to be instrumental as his business grows regionally. 
 

Advice for Aspiring Designees 
To professionals considering the CCIM journey, Raveendran’s advice is straightforward: plan thoroughly, commit fully, and leverage every available resource. 

“The investment pays for itself,” he said. “You gain knowledge, credibility, and a network that will support you for the rest of your career. Put more time into planning than execution, and you’ll surprise yourself with what’s possible.”