Tom Beckius grew up in the real estate industry, starting to work during his junior high school summers as a file clerk at his parents’ title insurance and escrow closing companies.  During college and after his 2003 graduation from UNL, he worked in lending with both First Federal Lincoln Bank and Nelnet, Inc.  In 2007, he re-joined his parents and their business partners to work in commercial real estate and tax lien investing.  He is currently an associate broker with McCombs Commercial Realty, LLC, and also works in real estate development with Apples’ Way, LLC.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – For me it’s not one big thing that matters, rather the thrill of finding the solution for a client and then working to make all the little pieces of the puzzle fit together (which is always a challenge in real estate).

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Meeting my better half in college was a big turning point for me – made me grow up, focus on what’s important in life and become a more responsible guy in general.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Read the paper, do some yard work, take an afternoon nap on the sofa (this is a must!), go out to dinner, and then hit a movie or Barnes & Noble.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Traveling is a big passion of mine that was instilled by my parents during childhood.  I’m missing only a handful of US states that I have yet to see, and have visited 18 countries.

What are you the most proud of? – The accomplishments of my family and friends.  I am truly blessed to have a great group of people around me with whom I can share life and have fun.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My oldest sister always told me to think twice before you speak, and I still try to do that today.  Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I fail.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – To write a novel and see it published, or live in Budapest part-time.

How would your friends describe you? – Very direct, sharp-tongued.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I am a profuse writer, but in the business world it can be burdensome.

Which talent would you most like to have? – Some sort of musical or artistic ability.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – I wish I was always outgoing and optimistic.  Those are two things I must focus on, and work on, almost every day.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I don’t have a favorite book.  I enjoy most anything by EM Forster, Virginia Woolf or Willa Cather.

What is your favorite movie? – Love Actually

What is your favorite TV show? – Modern Family, Flipping Out

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – I go in phases – I’m in an Imperial Palace phase right now.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Tina Fey or David Sedaris might be fun dinner company.

What it the best way to reach you? – Phone 402.499.6585, email tbeckius@mccrealty.com and on the web at www.mccrealty.com.