Each year, Midwest Real Estate News elects a new class to its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Here’s a look at one of our new inductees, A.J. Beachum, broker with Income Property Organization in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
A.J. Beachum is no stranger to big production numbers. Since joining Michigan’s Income Property Organization in 2007, Beachum has sold more than 325 multifamily properties in the state.
That comes out to more than 22,000 apartment units sold since 2007 and more than $750 million in transactional volume. Beachum has also sold about 100 multifamily properties in Michigan on behalf of lenders.
How big are these numbers? Income Property Organization is unaware of any other broker who has sold more multifamily properties in Michigan during the past decade than Beachum. This industry pro traces part of this success to his training as an attorney, something that allows him to understand the often complex landscape of a commercial real estate transaction.
When asked about his success, Beachum credits his passion for real estate. As he says, he’s found the career best suited for his personality and talents.
“Honestly, I really don’t know exactly why I have found success in this business,” Beachum said. “I do feel that I was born for this job. I’m exactly where I want to and need to be. This understanding is both very powerful and comforting. And it enables me to be deeply passionate about what I do. My clients seem to convey that the passion I display is what makes them choose IPO over our competitors. I have real relationships with my clients because they know how real my passion is for the business we do together.”
After graduating from Michigan State University, Beachum attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School. In his final year, he focused on real estate law, acquiring in-depth knowledge on the legalities of nearly every aspect of real estate transactions in the state of Michigan. Beachum graduated cum laude from law school, ranking fifth in his class.
Beachum’s peers have recognized his abilities, too. In 2016 and 2020, he was awarded the CoStar Power Broker designation. He also qualified as one of the top commercial brokers in Michigan last year based on the total sales transactions he closed during the year.
Despite his many successes, Beachum has faced challenges in his career. He points to the Great Recession as an example. In 2008, Beachum was given the Flint, Michigan, market as his territory. Trying to build his business during these tough economic times was no easy task.
“Getting started as an investment broker is tough sledding no matter the market or market cycle,” Beachum said. “This was different. So, to work that tough of a market during the second-biggest economic collapse this country has ever known was a serious challenge, but I would not trade it for the world. It made me tough and forced work ethic and humility that I believe laid the foundation for the success that I have been fortunate enough to be part of at IPO.”
Outside of work, Beachum is a fan of sports and the outdoors. His favorite activity, though? Spending time with his daughter, Cecilia.
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