Star City Six – Thomas Kubert
Kubert Appraisal Group (www.kubertappraisal.com) provides independent real estate valuation and consulting services. Thomas (Tom) Kubert is the president of Kubert Appraisal Group, P.C.
Tell us a little about your business.
Specializing in appraising all types of commercial real estate, Kubert Appraisal Group provides appraisal services related to office, industrial, retail, multi-family, urban development, lodging/hospitality, agriculture, and other special-purpose properties. We also provide appraisal review services, property tax assessment issues, eminent domain valuations, conservation easements, insurance values, estate planning, gifting and IRS purposes, portfolio valuation, real estate market, and feasibility analyses; as well as litigation support, including expert witness testimony.
How did you get started in the business?
Following my father into the industry was a clear path. My father is great at showing me how to work hard and provide quality appraisal services. In the fifth grade at Holmes Elementary, my first choice on career day was to be a future appraiser; 40 years later, it’s still my first choice.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Starting a new appraisal firm. Once thinking there was 100 things to learn, I have since discovered there are at least 1,000 things…and still counting.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Being able to give back to the real estate industry through service on both the Nebraska Real Property Appraisal Board and the Nebraska Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, as well as actively training the next generation of commercial appraisers in our community.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’m blessed to share a marriage with Susan, who I first started dating on my 16th birthday. We have three awesome sons, whom we adore. Ryan is a civil engineer in Kansas City, Tim is a second-year law school student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), and John is a freshman at UNL, studying finance. We are also lucky to consider Enoch Katani of Kansas City to be our bonus son.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I still have my childhood beer can collection stored in the basement, and I have no idea how to get rid of it…perhaps some recycling is in order.
Who inspires you?
Raising three sons inspires me to be the kind of man I want them to be. Developing a strong faith, strong relationships, and solid values are key goals in this path.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John “The Penguin” Bingham
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Faithful.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago (1984).
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
TeamMates is my focus right now. I have a “teammate” at Lincoln East with whom I have been matched with for nearly three years. What a great way to positively impact both an individual student and our community.
What is your favorite TV show?
College Gameday on ESPN.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (531) 500-0890 (Lincoln office); Email: tkubert@kubertappraisal.com; Website: www.kubertappraisal.com.