Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon Bast, MiCP.
Hi Simon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started young working on large cattle farms, which taught me responsibility, grit, and how to figure things out completely on my own. That work eventually led me into the auctioneering industry, where I spent a lot of time around people buying and selling everything — equipment, property, businesses, livestock. Being in that environment opened my eyes to the world of investing, especially commercial real estate. Watching buyers make fast decisions and feeling the energy around a good deal made a huge impact on me.
That exposure pushed me to buy my first investment property right out of high school, and that’s really where my path began. Later on, I moved into an analyst role at a consulting company that handled site selection for data centers and power plant facilities. That experience gave me a deep understanding of zoning, infrastructure, and large-scale real estate planning.
Eventually, I joined eXp Commercial and founded SRB Property Investments, brokered by eXp Commercial, diving fully into the world of commercial real estate investment sales — multifamily, retail, office, industrial, and more. Commercial real estate is incredibly dynamic, and I’ve fallen in love with the strategy, the numbers, the people, and the challenge of it all. Today, I get to help others play the same game, and my passion for it keeps growing every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first got my real estate license and jumped straight into a commercial-only brokerage, I knew what I was up against. Everyone in the industry kept telling me the same thing: “It’ll be at least 18 months before your income becomes stable.” I heard it, and I believed it in the back of my mind — but I was also incredibly optimistic and convinced I’d have everything rolling from day one.
I was wrong.
Commercial real estate, especially in the beginning, is like musky fishing. You don’t catch a fish often, but when you do, it’s a big one. There are long stretches where nothing seems to move, and then suddenly everything hits at once. Add in the normal challenges of the business — slow transactions, unpredictable timelines, and tough deals — and it becomes a lot to manage for someone trying to build a brand-new business.
On top of that, I had my own struggles with tenants that made things even more financially stressful. Between the ups and downs of getting SRB Property Investments off the ground and dealing with tenant issues at the same time, I realized pretty quickly that I needed an additional source of income to stabilize everything while I built my pipeline.
That’s when I launched S&R Signature Solutions, my mobile notary and loan signing business. It’s a great industry because it’s extremely affordable to get into, the overhead is almost nothing, and the work is steady if you put in the effort. That side business provided real support during the slow months and helped me stay afloat while I grew my commercial sales business into what it is today.
So no — it hasn’t been smooth. But every challenge pushed me to adapt, learn, and build a more resilient foundation. Looking back, I’m grateful for the hard parts, because they’re what got me here.
As you know, we’re big fans of SRB Property Investments – eXp Commercial. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
SRB Property Investments, brokered by eXp Commercial, works in the world of commercial real estate — meaning properties used for business or purchased as investments, such as apartment communities, retail spaces, offices, and industrial buildings. Our role is to help people understand the true value of these properties, bring qualified buyers and sellers together, and guide them through decisions that often involve significant financial stakes. For investors, we identify opportunities that fit their goals, including many that never make it to public listing sites.
Behind the scenes, we analyze market trends, study local economic shifts, and build detailed financial models so our clients can clearly see how a property might perform over time. Think of us as advisors who take a complicated industry and turn it into clear, confident next steps. We also collaborate with a trusted network of attorneys, lenders, contractors, and other specialists to make sure each stage of a transaction is handled properly. At its core, our work is about helping people navigate important real estate choices with clarity, insight, and a steady hand.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me starts with my relationship with God and doing my best to live in a way that reflects my faith. That’s the foundation for how I try to approach every part of my life. Right behind that are my friends and family. I’ve always believed in showing up for people, helping where I can, and being someone others can count on.
The third thing that drives me is building financial freedom — not just for myself, but for the family I hope to have someday. I want to retire young enough to enjoy life fully, and I want my future family to grow up without the kind of financial stress that weighs on so many people. Those three things together guide almost every decision I make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://srbpropertyinvestments.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bast.simon/profilecard/?igsh=eHdzZGpxbXk0b2I3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15MwTmwZGV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-bast-micp-97069932a
- Twitter: https://x.com/simonbast_cre?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@the-commercial-real-estate-guy?si=_jefYIBZToUEsTF0
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/srb-property-investments-exp-commercial-massillon
- Other: https://srsignaturesolutions.com/
