Todd J. Drowlette, a commercial real estate broker with over $2 billion in transactions, is launching a new television series on A&E titled "The Real Estate Commission." The show aims to make the commercial property market, which Drowlette calls a "trillion dollar industry hidden in plain sight," accessible to everyday investors.
The 44-year-old founder of TITAN Commercial Realty Group will share insights gained from more than two decades in the industry, including his work with major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin'. The unscripted series premieres on October 11 and seeks to guide viewers through the complexities of investing in commercial properties.
Key Takeaways
- Veteran broker Todd J. Drowlette is hosting a new A&E show, "The Real Estate Commission," to educate people on commercial real estate.
- With over 20 years of experience, Drowlette has completed more than 1,700 deals valued at over $2 billion.
- He advises new investors to start small, with entry points in some markets as low as $200,000, and to prioritize good locations.
- The show will address the perceived complexities of commercial deals, aiming to make the sector more approachable for the average person.
A Career Built on High-Profile Deals
Todd J. Drowlette has established a significant presence in the commercial real estate world over the last two decades. Based in Albany, New York, he founded TITAN Commercial Realty Group and has personally managed a substantial volume of transactions.
"I represent some of the country’s biggest companies [and] I’ve done over 1,700 deals," Drowlette stated. His career began with a notable achievement at a young age. "When I was 22, I was the youngest exclusive Starbucks broker in the country. I found the locations, analyzed the sites, and negotiated the deals."
His portfolio of clients extends to numerous well-known national brands. "I currently represent a large Dunkin’ franchisee, label shopper Peter Harris [Clothes]—they're like a T.J. Maxx [and] they have 80 stores that I've represented in the last 20 years—Hertz Corporation, Enterprise, I can name a ton of retailers that I've done deals with and do deals with regularly," he added.
By the Numbers: Drowlette's Career
- Total Deals Closed: Over $2 billion
- Number of Transactions: More than 1,700
- Industry Experience: Over 20 years
- Current Project Value: A $40 million affordable housing development
Beyond brokering deals for clients, Drowlette is an active investor himself. His personal investments have included office buildings and a portfolio of trailer parks, which he described as "very lucrative." He is currently undertaking a large-scale development project in New York's North Country, involving a 250-lot subdivision for affordable housing on a 100-acre riverfront property.
Breaking Down Perceived Barriers
A primary goal of Drowlette's new show is to demystify an industry that many potential investors find intimidating. He acknowledges that the complexities of commercial transactions can be a significant deterrent.
"Commercial deals are very convoluted. To just give you an instance, a typical house contract might be five pages. A commercial lease might be 80 pages."
Despite these complexities, Drowlette argues that the underlying principles are not fundamentally different from residential real estate. "It's not. The roof's not that much different than the roofs on your house. You have a hot water tank [that] isn't that much different than the hot water tank in your house," he explained. His message is that the sector is more approachable than it appears.
He believes that because people interact with commercial real estate daily—from shopping centers to gas stations and offices—they should also consider it as an investment vehicle. "Even though we're a much bigger volume than residential real estate, it's not something people are thinking about every day," he noted.
Actionable Advice for New Investors
For those considering their first commercial real estate investment, Drowlette's advice is straightforward: start small and focus on location. He emphasizes that entering the market does not require massive capital.
"Commercial real estate doesn't have to be a huge investment," he advises. "You can start with a couple hundred grand and get your feet wet. You can buy a two-tenant strip center for a couple hundred thousand dollars."
Why Location Matters
According to Drowlette, location is the single most critical factor for a successful real estate investment. A well-located property, even if it's small, is more likely to retain tenants, appreciate in value, and generate consistent returns over time. Poor location can undermine an otherwise good property.
He suggests looking for opportunities that might be overlooked, such as small office buildings currently being sold at discounted prices. "If you're an owner-occupied business owner, that's a great first step into owning commercial real estate," he added, highlighting a practical entry point for entrepreneurs.
Drowlette cautions against being deterred by the size of the property and instead focusing on its potential. "Pick something that's in a good location," he stressed. "It might be a nail salon or hair salon, or you can buy a small office building because people are selling them across the country at fire sales."
Investing with Community Impact
Drowlette also connects commercial real estate investment to the health of local economies. He argues that filling vacant commercial spaces, particularly offices in downtown areas, has a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.
"If people care about their downtowns, you need to bring the office tenants back," Drowlette suggested. "That helps the overall community and everybody else. Businesses and offices grow communities." This perspective frames commercial investment not just as a personal financial tool but as a form of community development.
Furthermore, he believes that lucrative opportunities are not confined to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles. "Most of the market isn't New York and LA," he contended. "Most real estate transactions, whether commercial or residential, happen everywhere else in the country, and it really is possible for the average person to change their life investing in commercial real estate."
"The Real Estate Commission" is scheduled to debut on Saturday, October 11, at 9 a.m. on A&E, offering viewers a closer look at this influential industry.
