How The CCIM Institute Transformed My Career

Jerrod A Trainer, ALC, CCIM, of Valdosta, GA, who was pinned Oct. 8, 2025, in Vancouver, BC, found himself in need of a path forward. Flashback five and a half years ago to early 2020. Trainer recalls applying for numerous jobs only to be unsuccessful time after time. The straw that broke the camel's back came after being rejected for a less than minimum wage, part-time dishwasher job at Outback Steakhouse. Fed up with the results he was having in the job market; he decided to take a different route; one that would lead him to become one of the youngest if not the youngest professional ever to hold both the prestigious Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designations. 

“Not only was I unable to get a job, but I couldn’t even get a call for an interview,” he recalls. “So I said, you know what, I’m getting my real estate license. If I have the license there is no doubt I can land a job with a brokerage somewhere.”  

In May 2020, he did exactly that and has never looked back. There was no plan B. He gave himself one option, and that was to succeed. 

Finding His Lane in Land 

Trainer initially grew up on a small farm in Southern Ohio. Then Eastern Kentucky for a spell. Finally, several rural areas across Florida, which is where he has spent the bulk of his life. With an agricultural upbringing and a love for the land, Trainer naturally gravitated toward land sales. “I’m an outdoors guy—I like hunting, fishing, being outside,” he says. “Selling land just fits me better. There’s less stress, usually bigger deals, and I enjoy it a lot more than houses. Land is what I’m truly passionate about.” Trainer is a licensed broker in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. While his brokerage is based in Valdosta, GA, he serves landowners throughout the Southeast region.  

His focus on land led him to the REALTORS Land Institute (RLI), where he earned his Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation, a move that opened the door to the world of commercial real estate and, ultimately, to the CCIM Designation.  

“When I was taking ALC courses, one day the Georgia CCIM Chapter sponsored a lunch. I heard an authentic passion fueled presentation from Michael Reeves, CCIM, of the Georgia CCIM Chapter. Reeves spoke very highly of the CCIM Institute, and the enormous benefit the CCIM Designation has had on his career and life. That’s what got me seriously interested in CCIM. A seed had been planted in my mind that maybe this is something I should actually pursue. Maybe this is for me.” 

A Breakneck Pace to the Pin 

Trainer’s journey through the CCIM designation program was nothing short of intense. He began classes the Monday after Easter—April 21—and completed all four core courses by June 5.  

“If I have a goal, I want to accomplish it as fast as possible. I become obsessed with accomplishing it. I can’t rest until I do. I’m like a dog chasing a bone,” he says. “In the end it costs the same whether you do it all now or over the course of time, so why drag it out? I would’ve taken the comprehensive exam the next day but had to wait four months until they offered it in Vancouver in October. Plus, the longer you have something the more time you give yourself to get the maximum return on your investment.” 

He completed every course in person, prioritizing networking over convenience. “The people you meet in person—that’s where the real value is,” he explains. Trainer took courses in Florida and Georgia, staying close to markets where he’s licensed, with one exception: his final course in Philadelphia. 

“And the actual course cost is the same, whether you do it online or in person, … I figured, if I'm paying the same price, let's just go meet some great people and make some lifelong relationships.” 

That decision paid off when he sat for the Comprehensive Exam at the most recent Fall Forum in Vancouver, BC. “It was my first time in Canada, and honestly, I probably never would’ve gone otherwise. It was never something I had any desire for. I didn’t even have a passport,” he says with a laugh. “But it was a fantastic experience, and I am truly grateful it will forever be the place I was awarded the CCIM Designation. Lots of good memories that will last a lifetime were made that week.” 

Lessons, Mentors, and Momentum 

For Trainer, the biggest takeaway from CCIM wasn’t just the technical knowledge—it was the people. His fellow classmates and his instructors. For him the relationships made are the most wonderful part of the real estate business. “The instructors were top-notch. I truly feel like I had an all-star lineup of instructors—Tim Blair, [CCIM]; Richard Slaton, [CCIM]; Mark Cypert, [CCIM]; Michael Hironimus, [CCIM]; Paul Aase, [CCIM]; Cynthia Shelton, [CCIM]; Jim Rosen, [CCIM]; Alec Pacella, [CCIM]; George Wilson, [CCIM]; & Patricia Lynn, [CCIM] —all absolutely incredible. Trainer wanted to be sure to take a minute to personally thank each and every one of his instructors.  

He had this to say to them,  

“You all were an integral part of my CCIM journey, and I will forever be grateful to have been a student of yours. I sincerely thank you for everything.” He also had this to say to any aspiring CCIM candidates. “If you are a CCIM candidate or even just someone interested in taking one of the CCIM courses to sharpen your skillset and increase your knowledge, I emphatically recommend you find a course taught by any of these instructors. You won’t regret it.”  

Among his mentors, he credits Bill Eshenbaugh, ALC, CCIM aka “The Dirt Dog™”, a dual Designee from Tampa, FL, for reinforcing the value of earning both credentials. “Bill told me, even as a land guy, the CCIM is well worth it. The network and the credibility you gain—it’ll last your whole career.” In the six months that Trainer has been involved with the CCIM Institute, he has already learned just how very true those statements were.  

Trainer had this to say thanking Bill directly––  

“Bill, if you’re reading this thank you for inspiring, and encouraging me to pursue this massive undertaking that is the CCIM Designation. You’re truly a legend man, and you have inspired me more than you’ll ever know. I will be forever grateful to you. When it’s all said and done and my time is over, I hope to have been at least half the broker you are.”   

He also credits Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM, a dual Designee from Cartersville, GA, for unknowingly inspiring him to pursue this path. Raborn was one of the first people Trainer met in the REALTORS Land Institute. He left a lasting impression on Trainer. He was also the first person Trainer ever met who held both the ALC & CCIM Designations. It was from Raborn that Trainer first heard of CCIM and learned what those four letters even meant. Lastly, Trainer would like to thank the REALTORS Land Institute. Without them, he never would have met any of these fantastic people or even heard of the CCIM Institute. “RLI is truly a phenomenal organization, and I would highly encourage anyone involved with the CCIM Institute who is in the land business or interested in the land business to join RLI.” 

Building on Dual Designations 

Now that both designations are behind him, Trainer is focused on expanding his business beyond land sales. “I’d like to get even more into commercial real estate, not just land like I’ve been doing—but maybe retail, multifamily, or office,” he says. “I also want to start investing in commercial real estate myself. That was one of my motivations for pursuing the CCIM Designation. Taking the CCIM courses helped me understand deals from an investor’s perspective and tremendously equipped me with the tools needed to avoid a lot of potential future mistakes.” 

While his professional achievements are impressive, his enthusiasm for the community shines just as bright. “Everyone I’ve met through CCIM has been welcoming and encouraging,” he says. “From all the wonderful folks who sat beside me during the classes, who took the comprehensive exam with me, my instructors, and especially the leadership team—Steve Rich, [CCIM]; Adam Palmer, [CCIM]; Brad Waken, [CCIM]; Jim Tansey, [CCIM]; & Andie Edmonds, [CCIM]  —they’ve all been incredible ambassadors for the organization. I cannot say enough good things about the entire CCIM organization. The whole experience has been first class every step of the way.” 

Looking Ahead 

Trainer plans to get more involved at the chapter level and eventually contribute nationally. “Some people get their Pin and disappear,” he says. “But I want to stay involved, give back, and help others coming up behind me. The single most rewarding part of this business for me has been the relationships I have made along the way. The fact that there are still so many awesome people I have yet to meet, and amazing relationships to be made excites me greatly. Each day is a brand-new opportunity to create a new relationship. Who’s it going to be?” 

Reflecting on his path—from job rejections to national recognition—Trainer is confident he chose the right route. “Pursuing the CCIM Designation was absolutely the right decision. It took a significant amount of time, money, and sacrifice––both personally and professionally, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Everything happens for a reason. I have zero doubts that I am right where I’m supposed to be. I am extremely grateful for every step of my journey. It’s been quite a ride thus far, and I’m excited to see where it goes. It is truly a privilege to get to do what I do, and I thank God that I get to do it. I am beyond blessed and super thankful. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I’m incredibly eager for life after the Pin and continuing to become further involved with this beautiful organization that is CCIM.” 

Your Network Is Your Next Deal 

Every CCIM knows that the value of membership extends beyond education — it’s the people. The professionals you meet in the classroom, at conferences, and through chapters often become collaborators, mentors, and referral partners. That human connection is the multiplier effect that makes CCIM more than a credential — it’s a community. 

Join Jerrod and the tens of thousands of other CCIMs all over the world by renewing your membership today!