A decade of PIVOTs

By : J. David Chapman/October 9, 2025

This past week marked the 10th anniversary of the Commercial Real Estate Summit – a milestone for an event that has become the heartbeat of Oklahoma’s commercial real estate industry. It also marked ten years of one of my favorite traditions: the PIVOT Awards.

When we started the Summit a decade ago, our goal was simple – to create a space where every corner of the real estate industry could come together under one roof. Brokers, developers, lenders, appraisers, title professionals, attorneys, contractors, and students—all learning from one another and building the next generation of real estate leaders. But along the way, we realized something else was needed: a way to recognize those who were moving the industry forward with integrity and innovation. That’s how the PIVOT Awards were born.

Each year, nominations come in from across the state – professionals who are making a difference in their communities and their fields. The Summit Foundation Board carefully debates each one, and the categories change annually depending on the nominations. That flexibility keeps the awards fresh and allows us to honor the full spectrum of real estate – from property managers to public officials.

This year’s honorees reflected that diversity. Charles McBride, Broker/Owner of Bailey-Foristell Inc. in Tulsa, received the PIVOT Award for Property Management. For more than two decades, Charles has led by example, shaping ethical property management practices statewide. Will Blake, a respected Oklahoma contractor, was honored for his craftsmanship, professionalism, and mentorship of the next generation of builders. And Larry Stein, Oklahoma County Assessor, received the Government Official award for his transparency, leadership, and dedication to public education around the ad valorem system.

As emcee of this year’s awards, I was reminded why the PIVOTs matter so much. In an industry as complex and dynamic as real estate, it’s easy to focus on deals, developments, and data. But the real measure of our progress lies in people – the ones who set the standard for doing things the right way.

Thanks to the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and participants who made this year’s Summit the best yet. Congratulations to our 2025 PIVOT Award winners – and to everyone who continues to make our industry stronger through character, collaboration, and creativity. Here’s to the next decade of pivotal change.

J. David Chapman is the chair of finance and professor of real estate at The University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu).