Star City Six – Richard Meginnis
NAI FMA Realty (www.naifmarealty.com) is a locally-owned, full-service commercial real estate firm that specializes in sales, leasing, tenant/buyer representation, management, and maintenance of commercial buildings in Lincoln and the state of Nebraska. Richard Meginnis is the president of NAI FMA Realty.
Tell us a little about your business.
As a commercial real estate agent, I see myself assisting people in complex deals.
How did you get started in the business?
A good friend, Bud Cuca, introduced me to Jon Weinberg at Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., who was looking for a sales and leasing agent. Jon took a chance on me in 1990. I have been helping people and companies with their commercial real estate needs ever since.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Since a commercial real estate transaction is not something everyone experiences frequently, it’s educating people on what we do and how we can assist them in the transaction. We are specialized experts that can really make it simple if they are buying, selling, or leasing a commercial property.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
For me, it’s being recognized by peers. In 2011, I was awarded the Commercial Service Award by the Realtors Association of Lincoln and the National Commercial Award by the National Association of REALTORS; both for excellence in the commercial real estate industry.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am lucky that I was born and raised in Lincoln. I had loving parents and five brothers. I am married to Lisa and we have three (as she says) beautiful boys and a daughter-in-law. Two of our boys choose to follow my career path in commercial real estate.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Meeting my wife Lisa and starting our wondrous journey of raising a family, including various dogs. There is nothing more rewarding than being a parent and seeing your family contribute their skills and talents to the community.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
As a candidate for City Council, I don’t currently have any days off. If I did it would be with family doing activities outside.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I played football for the University of Utah.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Joe Hampton taught me to look beyond someone’s outer self and find what their real passion is.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, LIBA, Junior Achievement, and Teammates. The first two help our business climate in Lincoln and the last two are there to give our youth a great start to their lives, which is so important to me.
What is your favorite movie?
Casablanca. It proves that friendship and love can conquer the bad in the world.
What is your favorite TV show?
Anything sports related. Of course, my favorites are the Huskers and college football.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
My mother. She passed away when I was 19. I would want her to meet my family today. She had so much love to give.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 441-5828; Email: rmeginnis@naifma.com; Website: www.naifmarealty.com.