Jeff Hicks, MAI President  Dohring Group RealWired!

I didn't know I even had one, but a year ago I was driving home along the same road I drive every day and noticed an Indian man jogging in dress clothes. I laughed citing what appeared to be Gucci shoes, dark dress slacks, collared dress shirt with long sleeves and a dress watch.  At first I thought this road haberdasher fashionista worked for Macys and his clothes were an advertising stunt or alternatively, he might have mental issues.  However, after watching "Perry Ellis" run every day I realized that Kenneth Cole-like men's apparel was his normal running wear.

So as the weeks went by I would laugh and say, "There's that dressed-up Indian guy jogging super slow."  But something slowly happened.  I realized that the man was getting slightly faster in his pace and going longer distances.  It didn't go unnoticed that he was running my specific route around the lake I live on.  Then after some passage of time, I realized his pace and distance matched or exceeded mine.  I also noted we were about the same age.  On that day he became my nemesis. Sometimes when I drive by I shake my fist at him in a faux demonstration of defiance.  He has no idea I exist or would care about my weird little mental construct, but it's all in good fun.

Nemesis is defined as an opponent that can't be beaten or overcome; it comes from the Greek goddess of retribution and vengeance. Having traveled to India, I find many Indians to be incredibly educated, motivated and loving people so calling this random Indian guy my nemesis obviously is just for fun.  But what I didn't realize is that I am more competitive than I thought.  I would like to think that I have a small ego but when challenged, the blood starts to pump.

In my commercial appraisal world, I am seeing "Indians" appear on the scene.  I'm not really sure who they are.  I'm not sure if they're young and hungry appraisers entering in my market, existing firms merging vis-a-vie nationwide franchise model or simply my established competition raising the competitive bar. It doesn't really matter. 

As appraisal fees and turnaround times become more competitive, you might not be laughing any longer.  The once slow Indian can't be ignored any longer.  He is getting faster and stronger.  What about your competition in your market?  Is everything status quo or are you noticing signs of competing firms picking up the pace?  It's time to lace up your shoes and get out there. Take a long-term view, but start your training today.