Each year the WSU Center for Real Estate and the Kansas Chapter of Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM) present their annual Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors local professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the commercial real estate profession and is a great honor and a tribute to individuals who represent the finest examples of Wichita’s rich history of entrepreneurship in the real estate industry.
2015 Honoree – Darrell Leason
Darrell Leason is the recipient of the 2015 WSU Center for Real Estate and Kansas CCIM Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mr. Leason’s real estate career began in 1958 when he began working as a commercial salesperson for Colby Sandlian, a friend from high school and fellow Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. Mr. Leason worked for Sandlian Realty for twelve years, during which time he distinguished himself with his diligence and attention to detail, and learned how to use creative techniques to close difficult transactions.
In 1970, Mr. Leason struck out on his own, and soon formed Brokers Investment Corporation with Jack R. Hunt (another Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient) and James R. Burns, opening an office in the Olive Gravy Building in downtown Wichita. At one point, Brokers investment Corporation was the largest commercial real estate firm in Wichita.
Mr. Leason passed away in 2016 after 57 years as a commercial and investment real estate broker, exchanger, real estate problem solver and developer. He was an active member of the Kansas Chapter of CCIM, the National Council of Exchangers and the Society of Exchange Counselors.
