Scott E. Olson

Scott practiced architecture in eastern Iowa from 1969-1992 and has been involved in real estate development since 1975, owning a number of properties. In 1975, he became a registered architect in the state of Iowa. After practicing architecture for 22 years, Scott joined Skogman Realty in 1993 as a licensed Realtor and in 1996 obtained his broker’s license. In 1998 he obtained a Certified Facility Manager designation from IFMA. He received an office and industrial specialist designation from SIOR in 1999. In 2003, Scott was awarded the first annual “Good Neighbor” award by the Iowa Association of Realtors. In 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 he was selected by the readers of the Corridor Business Journal as the “Best Commercial Realtor in the Corridor”. (Award ended in 2011) In 2011, Scott received the ISU Alumni Association Merit Award for his “contributions to human welfare that transcend purely professional accomplishments and bring honor to the university“. Midwest Real Estate News magazine named Scott to the 2015 class of the Real Estate Hall of Fame.

Scott is the only commercial broker in the U.S. who holds dual Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) designations; is an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) certified facility manager, retired (RCFM); and a licensed architect (retired) in the state of Iowa. After 29 years of bringing exceptional insight and knowledge to commercial projects, Scott’s sales/leasing volume has exceeded $825,000,000. His diversified commercial real estate experience includes everything from proposal development and client presentations to feasibility studies, market analysis, rezonings, consulting services, expert witness testimony and of course, sales/leasing activities.

Scott has been active in over 50 civic, community and professional organizations on a local, regional and national level. Currently serving on 14 boards/committees, he is also a member of the Cedar Rapids City Council serves as chairperson of the Corridor Metropolitan Planning organization and Linn County Solid Waste Agency. His community involvement has ranged from nonprofit human service agencies; low-income housing groups; downtown development/housing; city/county commissions; numerous task forces, to fraternity and Iowa State University activities. Professionally, Scott is actively involved in economic development, real estate, facility management, marketing, housing and architectural organizations. In addition to his professional background, Scott has helped start 6 businesses and participated in the creation of 4 non-profit organizations.

Testimonials

Scott Olson has continually exceeded my expectations in assisting RBC Dain Rauscher in securing expansion space. Throughout this experience Scott has been the consummate professional and delivered on all of his promises.

David E Myers
Commercial

Scott is a magician. When the negotiations get tough, Scott made all the hassles vanish. He helped us through every step of the process from location to parking. Scott knows the city, the processes and the keys to making a great decision so you can focus on building your business. Scott can work through the city’s red tape, the leasing contracts and help get your business moving and growing. He has a way of making things happen. There are no tricks. No slight of hand. Just hard work and great service – and to others it looks like magic.

Mark Mathis
Commercial

You provided me with many creative ideas and offered several very useful suggestions that helped me obtain my objective. I especially appreciate the time you took to review with me the current market conditions in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area. That information was very helpful in my negotiations. I was impressed that you put my needs first.

Randall Easton
Commercial

We have very specific requirements in each of our facilities and the cost to retrofit our buildings can be significant. The work you did on our behalf, bringing together a team of qualified contracts from every trade, helped us get realistic estimates before buying and hasten start-up once we’d made the purchase. This has been the easiest plant opening we’ve had, and we owe considerable thanks to you.

Ladd Lavellee
Commercial

As former Mayor of the city of Cedar Rapids, it was my honor to support the nomination of Mr. Scott Olson of Skogman Commercial Real Estate for the 2003 Good Neighbor Award. Scott’s passionate commitment to Cedar Rapids has a tremendous impact on our city. Because of these leadership qualities, I asked Scott to chair my Development and Building Task Force in Cedar Rapids. The goal of this ongoing task force was to standardize and simplify the development process in our city so we can all move forward together. This is yet another example of Scott’s commitment to his community.

Paul Pate
Commercial