Keynote Speakers
Industry Leaders. Expert Insights. Unmatched Inspiration.
Join us at the 2025 Midwest Regional Event as we welcome top professionals who are shaping the future of commercial real estate. Our keynote speakers bring decades of experience, market expertise, and forward-thinking strategies to help you navigate today’s evolving landscape.
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Jeff Beals
Vice President at NAI NP Dodge & International Real Estate Sales Trainer
Jeff Beals is an award-winning author and sales trainer with clients in 14 countries and 50 states. He is the creator of the Dealmakers Commercial Real Estate Training Program. In addition to his training work, Beals is vice president at NAI NP Dodge and co-owner of Grow Omaha Media. He has been featured in Investor’s Business Daily, USA Today, Men’s Health, Chicago Tribune and The New York Times.
Steve Jensen
Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development
Steve Jensen combines his expertise in landscape architecture and urban planning to create attractive, functional, and sustainable urban environments. With experience in public service, he helps communities develop cost-effective plans that enhance public services. His work spans community engagement, urban design, transportation planning, redevelopment, and environmental planning, ensuring long-term benefits for residents and businesses alike.
Dr. Ernie Goss
The Jack A. MacAllister Endowed Chair in Regional Economics, Professor at Creighton University
Dr. Goss is the director of the Institute for Economic Inquiry and a professor of economics at Creighton University, where he holds the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics. A nationally recognized expert, he simplifies complex economic issues and provides insights that shape public policy and business strategy. As director of The Goss Institute for Economic Research, he conducts impactful studies and offers practical recommendations for economic growth. His expertise makes him a trusted voice in regional and economic debates.
Alex Waddey
President & CEO, NAI Global
Alex Waddey oversees all operations at NAI Global, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate firms. Previously, he co-led the firm’s Capital Markets practice, overseeing $8.5 billion in transactions, and served as General Counsel. Before NAI, he was a partner at Stites & Harbison, specializing in commercial real estate finance. Waddey is also active in philanthropy, serving on boards for Vanderbilt’s Young Adult Cancer Initiative and the Ronald McDonald House of Nashville.
Jackie Pueppke – Lenders Panel Moderator
Attorney, Baird Holm
Jackie Pueppke has nearly 25 years of experience representing clients in connection with a broad variety of commercial financing and real estate transactions. She represents national, regional and local lending institutions and borrowers in structuring and documenting commercial real estate loans and construction loans. She also represents clients in the acquisition, sale and leasing of commercial real estate. She earned her B.A. from Creighton University and her J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Sam Griffin – Panelist
Associate Portfolio Manager, WoodmenLife
Sam Griffin is a commercial real estate lender with more than a decade of experience in institutional lending. He is responsible for originating $1 billion of loan volume backed by high quality industrial, retail, office, and multi-family properties nationwide. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a member of the CCIM Institute.
Jay Faylor – Panelist
Vice President Commercial Lending, Pinnacle Bank
Jay Faylor is a seasoned banker with extensive experience in commercial lending. After earning a Finance degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Jay furthered his education at the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado. He started his banking career at Pinnacle Bank in 2010 and has specialized in commercial lending since 2012. Currently serving as Vice President of Commercial Lending, Jay plays a key role in providing financial solutions across commercial real estate financing, construction financing, and commercial & industrial financing. His expertise and commitment to client success make him a trusted partner in the financial industry.