The Rise of Commercial Real Estate on Reality TV: A Look at “The Real Estate Commission”
Introducing Todd Drowlette
In the bustling real estate landscape of Albany, New York, Todd Drowlette is a name that aims to reshape perceptions about commercial real estate. At 44 years old, this broker believes that the often-overlooked domains of strip malls, office buildings, and warehouses hold stories worth telling. Drowlette seeks to prove that the commercial sector can be as compelling as its glamorous residential counterpart.
A New Reality Show on A&E
On October 12, A&E, the network known for hits like “Hoarders” and “Duck Dynasty,” is stepping into the commercial real estate arena with “The Real Estate Commission.” The eight-episode series chronicles Drowlette’s ups and downs as he navigates the intricate world of commercial dealmaking. This show promises an inside look at a multitrillion-dollar industry typically dominated by billionaire developers and corporate giants.
Captivating a New Audience
The timing of this reality series coincides with a growing fascination among Americans for side hustles and do-it-yourself investment strategies. Many individuals are yearning for financial freedom and exploring avenues beyond traditional corporate careers. Drowlette invites viewers into the world of commercial real estate, assuring them that they won’t be disappointed. “All the people who want to be rich, who hate their corporate jobs and want to invest in real estate, there are options that don’t involve toilets or residential tenants,” he emphasizes.
Behind the Scenes of Deal-Making
“How does a transaction translate into captivating television?” is one of the questions underpinning the series. Drowlette offers insights into the realities of the commercial real estate landscape. The show will alternate between leasing—where he helps clients, like a large discount retailer, find suitable store spaces—and sales, including properties such as a rental apartment building outside Syracuse and a dilapidated office building in downtown Albany.
In filming, Drowlette is keen on showcasing the genuine highs and lows of deal-making, a process often fraught with challenges. “A good deal falls apart three times before it actually happens,” he shares, hinting at the rollercoaster nature of transactions that will unfold in the series.
The Kinship of Authenticity
Drowlette is critical of the typical melodrama often seen in reality television and insists on authenticity in his show. He emphasizes that the filming is grounded in real transactions, requiring patience and resilience through unforeseen obstacles. For instance, in one episode, Drowlette exhibits both excitement and frustration as he searches for a building for an Albany law firm that ultimately falls through, necessitating a restart in filming and negotiations.
“I definitely thought more than once, ‘How are we going to get this across the finish line?'” reflects Drowlette on the challenges of threading genuine business experiences into engaging television.
A Glimpse into Drowlette’s Background
Drowlette’s journey began in Malone, New York, along the Canadian border. Introduced to commercial real estate through a college connection, he landed a significant assignment with Starbucks, helping to lease retail spaces throughout upstate New York. A decade later, he founded Titan Commercial Realty Group in Albany, a brokerage that now boasts eight brokers.
Unlike many real estate shows aimed at major markets like New York City or Los Angeles, “The Real Estate Commission” explores quieter locales, capturing the essence of deal-making in places like upstate New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. This insight into less-glamorous regions aims to resonate with viewers who often feel distanced from the big-city hustle.
Tapping into Relatable Narratives
Justin Cerone, an executive producer of the show, asserts that the essence of good storytelling lies in relatability. “It’s everyday people, for the most part — they’re relatable,” he states. With stakes high and drama inherent in real-world experiences, audiences can anticipate not just entertainment but also lessons in resilience and inspiration.
The Call for Fresh Perspectives
Barbara Corcoran, a real estate mogul and a star of “Shark Tank,” notes the need for new angles within the real estate genre of reality TV. She remarks on the saturation of apartment shows and expresses curiosity about how audiences will respond to a focus on commercial real estate, which traditionally involves intricate layers of profit margins and financing.
Yet, she also recognizes that seemingly mundane topics can transform into compelling narratives. Reflecting on her own experience with “Shark Tank,” Corcoran shares that what began as a skeptical venture evolved into a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imaginations of audiences everywhere.
An Intriguing Future
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “The Real Estate Commission,” viewers are left wondering about the unpredictable nature of commercial real estate and the stories it offers. With Todd Drowlette at the forefront, the series promises a fresh take on a world filled with challenges, triumphs, and the potential for extraordinary journeys hidden in everyday transactions.