MNCAR – Monthly Spotlight- Jack Livingston
1) In one sentence, what do you want MNCAR members to know about your business?
I approach this business with a customer-service-first mindset, where both the broker and borrower are our clients. Ultimately, I believe we’re in the “people business” and commercial real estate is simply a channel to make an impact. Our mission at Sunrise Banks and our ability to pair traditional commercial lending with creative solutions like New Market Tax Credit financing aligns really well with that.
2) What was your most interesting project of the year and why?
One of the most interesting projects I worked on this year was refinancing a building in downtown St. Paul that had previously been condemned. The borrower saw potential where others may not have and, more importantly, believed in St. Paul and its people. We were able to put together a financing package that allowed him to continue investing in the building and ultimately reach 100% occupancy ahead of schedule.
3) What type of deal or project do you find most rewarding to work on?
I genuinely enjoy working with all types of investors and projects, from a straightforward real estate investment to a complex community-focused project. The most rewarding deals are the ones where the financing accomplishes more than just getting a deal done, whether that’s helping an investor execute their vision, creating jobs, expanding services, supporting a nonprofit or bringing meaningful investment into a community.
4) What’s a common misconception about your role in CRE?
A common misconception is that a commercial lender’s job is simply to approve or decline a loan. There’s much more to the process — we help structure financing, solve problems and connect people with the right resources to get projects done. We’re also not afraid to tell you when we’re not the right fit, or when we shouldn’t be the only fit.
5) What excites you most about the future of CRE in Minnesota?
What excites me most is the opportunity to continue investing in people and communities across Minnesota. Whether it’s redevelopment, adaptive reuse, supporting an entrepreneur or bringing capital into a community that has historically had less access to it, commercial real estate can be a really powerful tool for creating lasting impact.
To submit yourself or another MNCAR member for a monthly spotlight profile, email lindsey@mncar.or