The First Step
Heather Ewing • September 30, 2023

I'm excited to have you here, thank you for joining me!


I'm Heather Ewing, the Founder and CEO of ABSTRACT Commercial Real Estate LLC in downtown Madison, WI. This blog will allow us to delve into an array of topics, from national and local real estate trends to art-forward marketing, intricacies of various deals and getting to know me on a deeper level. This includes exploring the essential role of mindset and a passion of mine, marathon running.


Allow me to introduce myself further, so you can gain a better understanding of who I am and what this blog will entail. One of the things I've often said is that people generally fall into two categories: those who follow a clear, linear path and those who embrace the winding route. I'm definitely a member of the latter group. My college years were a period of exploration, as I pursued studies in both operations and human resources. Yet, neither field truly resonated with me when it came time to make a decision. Ultimately, I found myself venturing into operations.


In the initial years, my focus was on establishing stability. This foundation later proved invaluable when I dared to step outside the family norm and become an entrepreneur. The beauty of my operations background and creative natures lies in its ability to underpin what we do at ASBSTRACT.


Life took a dramatic turn in my early twenties when a life-altering car accident shook my world. This event prompted a soul-searching journey to discover what truly resonated with my heart. While many might experience a midlife crisis much later in life, I found myself grappling with these questions at an early age. This period of introspection led me to realize that while I was doing well financial and working for industry leaders, I felt an emptiness within. I yearned for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.


Over the next few years, I meticulously examined what energized me and what drained me. I dabbled in various arenas, including painting, becoming a certified fitness instructor, and exploring life coaching. This trial-and-error process yielded successes and lessons that I carried forward. Eventually, a friend's suggestion led me to commercial real estate. Initially foreign to me, the world of retail and restaurant real estate felt like a perfect fit. The excitement of shopping and indulging in exquisite food was beautifully mirrored in this field.


Commercial real estate, I've come to realize, serves as a remarkable catalyst for self-learning and growth. This path demands a positive mindset and personal development. My initial positivity was bolstered by the necessity to mature, and that's the beauty of the journey. I approached my work in a disciplined manner that blended heart and artistry. Representing landlords, developers, and tenants, I liken my role to grand-scale shopping. It involves proactive outreach, canvassing, and meticulous matchmaking to find the perfect fit.


As my journey progressed, I achieved the designation of Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), propelling my career to new heights. Simultaneously, I founded ABSTRACT. This endeavor has been the most arduous and rewarding of my life. I've sought to revolutionize my approach, marrying it with art-forward marketing and superior client service. The feedback I've received reassures me that we're on the right track.


My mindset revolves around continuous growth – personal and professional. The positive reputation of ABSTRACT is spreading nationally, prompting internal changes that support our present and future growth. This blog aims to offer insights into the world of commercial real estate, guided by the mindset that has been pivotal in my journey. I believe I'm just scratching the surface of my potential, and I'm excited to continue upleveling my life through relationships, self-growth, and learning from those who've achieved remarkable success.


Returning to the thread of marathon running, this passion perfectly complements my work in commercial real estate. Both arenas are high-stakes, demanding, and filled with remarkable people. Training for marathons mirrors the meticulous breakdown of challenges and commitment that mirror CRE.


The culmination of my journey, personal growth, and professional prowess is reflected in the mission of ABSTRAT. It's about curating deals that empower businesses to thrive, ultimately enriching our community. Having lived in the Madison, WI area for over four decades, community involvement is close to my heart. ABSTRACT's work serves as a conduit for giving back, contributing, and maximizing life's potential.


In the upcoming blogs of "Musings by Heather Ewing" expect insightful discussions on commercial real estate, empowering mindsets, and the synergy between fitness and success. I'm here to be a resource, to guide you in the right direction, and to assist with your commercial real estate endeavors. Together, let's embark on a journey of living life to the fullest, one blog at a time. Thank you for joining me.

Recent Posts

Achieve More in Less Time: Goal Setting with the 12 Week Year Principle

By Heather Ewing • January 30, 2025
In the whirlwind of our busy lives, annual goals can often feel distant and are easy to push to the next day, week or month. Enter the 12 Week Year by Brian Moran—it’s a game-changing approach to achieving your dreams faster by breaking down your goals into shorter, more actionable sprints. What is the 12 Week Year? The principle is simple yet revolutionary: Instead of setting goals for a year, treat every 12 weeks as a year. This means focusing on achieving results within a compressed time frame, which promotes clarity, urgency, and intense focus. It reminds me of marathon training (which has been really effective for me) but instead of 16 weeks, it’s only 12 weeks. Here’s why it works: Shorter Deadlines: Procrastination thrives when we think we have “plenty of time.” With only 12 weeks, you’ll naturally increase your focus and effort. Clearer Goals: You’ll prioritize what matters most, eliminating the clutter of irrelevant tasks. Frequent Feedback: Every week offers an opportunity to reflect and course-correct. How to Get Started Define Your Vision: What do you truly want to accomplish? Whether it’s launching your dream business, completing a fitness milestone, or mastering a new skill, clarity is key. You have to really want it; otherwise, you’ll fizzle out and lose confidence. Set Measurable Goals: Be specific. Instead of “I want to get in shape,” try, “I’ll lose 8 pounds by the end of 12 weeks through consistent workouts and a balanced diet.” Create Weekly Tactics: Break down your goal into weekly actions. For example: Week 1: Plan workouts and prepare meals. Week 2: Attend 4 gym sessions and track meals daily. Track Progress: Every week, evaluate your performance. Did you complete your actions? If not, adjust your approach for the next week or work on the weekend to get caught up. Celebrate Wins: Recognize and reward your achievements each day with recognition and at the end of 12 weeks celebrate in a bigger way. Then, take a week off to clear your mind, reset and then set your sights on the next cycle! Take the Leap Avoid the “all or nothing” attitude. We’re in Week 4 so start today, you will be much further ahead than if you don’t. Every day is a choice and chance to advance your life and career in the direction you dream of. I believe in You. Isn’t it time you believe in You?!

What's Done in Private is Praised in Public

By Heather Ewing • December 1, 2024
You’re an Achiever, you do the work when you want to and when you don’t want to. It’s a positive habit that reaps benefits for You and Your Clients in Commercial Real Estate or When running marathons throughout the world. The work put in behind the scenes fuels 🔥the wins witnessed in public. In fact, since 2015, I’ve raced 26 half-marathons of which I placed in the top 3 in 50% of my races and have completed 10 full marathons of which 3 were international, 7 in the US. I was ecstatic when earlier this Fall, the email below arrived in my Inbox. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon reached out to me to claim GUARANTEED ENTRY 🎯 to the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Did I sign up?! Most certainly! 🙌🏻 It took me by surprise! I was and AM THRILLED!! Next year is set: 🏃🏼♀️April 2025-Milan, Italy marathon 🏃🏼♀️October 2025-Chciago marathon It’s lined up and taken care of! Look forward and create your Future while living fully in the Present. Live Fully!

Lessons on Entrepreneurship, Authenticity, and Growth

By Heather Ewing • November 30, 2024
It's Heather here, and I'm excited to share a heartfelt conversation between me and my friend, Ashley Quinto Powell. We both have unique stories in the world of entrepreneurship, and we want to take you on a journey through our experiences. In this blog post, we'll reflect on the challenges we've faced and the lessons we've learned along the way. So, let's dive into our candid conversation about authenticity, the value of experience, and overcoming obstacles in the entrepreneurial world. Our Journey into Entrepreneurship: I started my entrepreneurial journey in my mid-thirties, while my friend took the plunge in her early twenties. In my case, I had a few early businesses that, looking back, might have been better off as hobbies. Nevertheless, these experiences quickly revealed our strengths, weaknesses, and what it truly takes to run a successful business. She sold her apartment and cashed in her 401k to fund her first business in her early twenties. We admit that youthful hubris led to some misguided decisions. But like me, she emerged from that experience with invaluable lessons that would shape our future endeavors. The Value of Authenticity: In a world where many people create facades to project a certain image, both of us believe that authenticity is a game-changer. We pride ourselves on being direct and straightforward in our approach to business. We want you to know that you get what you see with us. Our authenticity has been a cornerstone of our success, and we believe it can be for you too. The Importance of Experience and Mentorship: Our early ventures weren't without their challenges. We both acknowledge that a lack of mentorship and resources made the road tougher. While we don't necessarily recommend this path, we recognize that the steep learning curve can be an accelerator for those who persevere. Finding the right mentors and having a solid plan can make a significant difference in your entrepreneurial journey. Overcoming Failure: We've both faced failure in our careers, and we're not ashamed to admit it. My first business didn't go well, and my friend experienced a spectacular failure. These setbacks were difficult to overcome, but they provided us with the resilience and determination needed to succeed in our subsequent endeavors. Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: So, what advice do we have for you, aspiring entrepreneurs? First and foremost, take time for self-reflection. Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and what you genuinely want. Hard work is non-negotiable in entrepreneurship, but don't be swayed by the myth of endless working hours and burnout. Find the right mentors and create a solid plan for your journey. Conclusion: In closing, We want you to know that authenticity, resilience, and staying true to yourself are essential in the world of entrepreneurship. Our stories serve as a testament to these principles. We hope that by sharing our experiences, you can gain valuable insights for your own entrepreneurial journey. Remember, it's not always about the destination, but the lessons learned along the way that truly matter. So, here's to your entrepreneurial success! Learn more on these topics on Episode 10 of the Heather Ewing: The CRE RUNdown podcast with Ashely Quinto-Powell.

The Evolving Landscape of Commercial Real Estate in the Restaurant and Retail Sectors

By Heather Ewing • October 29, 2024
The Evolving Landscape of Commercial Real Estate in the Restaurant and Retail Sectors By Commercial Brokers International

Running, Mindset, and Growth: Training for My 9th Marathon

By Heather Ewing • September 30, 2024
I'm in Week 2 of 16 of training for the Madison Marathon! This will be my 9th marathon. It holds a special place in my heart as it was also my first marathon approx. 23 years ago! Yes, after the initial marathon, I said never again! I didn't run my 2nd marathon until 17 years later in 2019 (in New York). Morale of the Story, Never say Never. Of course I pondered, what changed that I said never again to really enjoying the process? I changed. Much of running is mindset, what you tell yourself, discipline, re-creating and upleveling your life. In fact, after 2019, I realized I had been playing small. In 2020, I founded ABSTRACT Commercial Real Estate, returned to the downtown I love, live and breathe, I obtained my CCIM designation (only 5% of real estate professionals have attained this), I've ran three international marathons, and more. Wow! With each marathon, I grow and evolve. This melds into other aspects of life in the best of way....as you can see! I have several ideas I'm "chewing" on. As always, more to come! Meanwhile...Follow my daily updates on training runs, gear, musings and more on my personal facebook.

Retire Before 50!

By Heather Ewing • August 2, 2024
In this compelling podcast episode, we delve deep into the journey of Emma Powell, a real estate photographer turned investment powerhouse. Emma’s story is one of resilience, strategic thinking, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. As the driving force behind Rise Capital, Emma’s mission was to retire her husband before the age of 50, a goal she proudly achieved in 2022. However, her journey extends far beyond financial milestones. Emma emphasizes the importance of fostering a deep relationship with oneself, rather than seeking joy in external accomplishments. This philosophical perspective is woven throughout her narrative, offering listeners a unique blend of practical advice and life wisdom. Emma’s journey into real estate began somewhat accidentally. Initially a photographer, she was introduced to real estate photography by a neighbor who was a realtor. This experience reignited her childhood fascination with buildings and properties. Emma’s passion for real estate grew organically, eventually leading her to explore investment opportunities. This organic growth is a testament to the importance of loving the business you’re in, a point Emma stresses repeatedly. Her passion for real estate is evident, and it has played a crucial role in her success. A significant portion of the episode focuses on diversified real estate investing strategies. Emma discusses the importance of specialization and teamwork in the real estate industry. By focusing on one area of expertise—finding and marketing real estate properties—Emma has been able to mitigate investment risks through a diversified portfolio. She highlights the importance of partnering with others for tasks like property management, emphasizing that you don’t need to be an expert in every aspect of the business. This approach allows her to invest in various types of real estate, from private notes to multifamily apartment buildings, without overexposing herself to market fluctuations. Stress management and work-life balance are also key themes in this episode. Emma shares her techniques for managing stress, including watching TV to decompress. While this might seem unconventional, it’s a method that works for her. She also enjoys various hobbies such as hiking, traveling, and artistic pursuits, which help replenish her energy. Emma’s ability to balance work, play, and relaxation is a crucial part of her overall strategy for achieving happiness and success. This balance is essential for anyone looking to follow in her footsteps and achieve similar goals. Another critical aspect of Emma’s journey is her expertise in raising capital and networking. Emma offers invaluable advice for those looking to get involved in the investment world, whether as active or passive investors. She emphasizes the importance of networking and meaningful conversations, rather than relying on impersonal email lists. Her professional background in pitch deck design also comes into play, as she helps others create compelling presentations to attract investors. Emma’s insights into the art of networking and capital raising are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in the real estate industry. Emma’s story is not just about financial independence; it’s also about internal happiness and personal growth. She believes that true happiness comes from one’s relationship with oneself, rather than external achievements. This philosophy has guided her through her journey, helping her navigate the ups and downs of the real estate market. By focusing on internal happiness and fostering a deep relationship with herself, Emma has been able to achieve her goals and find true contentment. The episode concludes with Emma discussing what living fully means to her. For Emma, living fully is about choice and play. She used to view freedom as something to fight for, but she realized that this mindset was stressful. Instead, she now focuses on making choices that bring playfulness and joy into her life. Whether it’s through her work, hobbies, or relationships, Emma strives to find wonder and playfulness in everything she does. This shift in perspective has allowed her to live a more grateful and playful life, truly embodying the concept of living fully. In summary, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration for anyone interested in real estate investing or seeking financial independence. Emma Powell’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, strategic thinking, and internal happiness. From practical advice on diversification and capital raising to philosophical reflections on true happiness, this episode is brimming with actionable strategies and inspiring narratives. For more insights and to connect with Emma, visit investwithemma.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most inspiring figures. Listen to our Podcast here: Ep. 29 Emma Powell - Retire before 50! (buzzsprout.com)

The Curveball

By Heather Ewing • July 31, 2024
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but it's how we handle these unexpected challenges that defines our success. Mike Deaton’s journey is a powerful testament to this truth. In this episode, we explore Mike's transformation from a corporate employee to a successful entrepreneur in land flipping and an ultra-marathon runner. Mike's story is not just about overcoming setbacks; it's about seizing opportunities and living life to the fullest. In 2016, Mike and his wife faced a pivotal moment when they both got laid off. Rather than succumbing to the fear and uncertainty that often accompany such events, they chose to reflect deeply on their life goals. This introspection led them to downsize, relocate to Colorado, and start a business in real estate. Their venture into land flipping and commercial real estate not only replaced their previous incomes but also surpassed them. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would transform their lives in unimaginable ways. One of the critical elements of Mike's success in real estate was his ability to maintain a resilient mindset. Shifting from a corporate role to becoming a limited partner in multifamily investments, and eventually taking on more dynamic roles, Mike learned the importance of finding a niche and continually learning from mentors. He delved into various real estate asset classes, including triple net leasing and storage units, always maintaining a beginner's mindset. This approach enabled him to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the real estate world with grace and adaptability. Parallel to his real estate journey, Mike rediscovered his passion for running. What began as a high school punishment transformed into a meditative and social activity that brought immense joy and personal growth. Starting with 5Ks, Mike gradually progressed to marathons and ultra-marathons, including the grueling Leadville 100. He draws fascinating parallels between endurance sports and business, emphasizing the necessity of a strong "why," a well-thought-out plan, consistency, and adaptability. These principles not only guided him through his running challenges but also proved invaluable in his entrepreneurial endeavors. Living fully is a recurring theme in Mike's story. He shares his love for travel, adventure, and the joy of being present in each moment. For Mike, living a full life means prioritizing experiences over material possessions. Whether it's running in the beautiful foothills of Pikes Peak or exploring new business opportunities, Mike embodies the spirit of seizing life's opportunities and making the most of every moment. Mike’s journey from corporate setbacks to real estate triumphs and ultra-marathons is a source of inspiration for anyone facing challenges in their career or personal life. His story underscores the power of introspection, resilience, and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. By embracing these principles, Mike not only transformed his own life but also continues to inspire others through his coaching and mentorship. For those interested in real estate, Mike's experiences offer invaluable insights. From understanding the significance of a resilient mindset to the importance of finding a niche, Mike’s journey provides a roadmap for aspiring real estate investors. His success in land flipping and commercial real estate serves as a testament to the potential of this industry when approached with the right mindset and strategies. Moreover, Mike's return to running and his participation in ultra-marathons highlight the importance of physical fitness and mental fortitude. His story demonstrates that success in any field requires dedication, consistency, and a willingness to push through challenges. Whether it's training for a marathon or navigating the complexities of real estate, the principles of resilience and adaptability remain the same. As we wrap up this exploration of Mike Deaton's incredible journey, it's clear that his story is one of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. From corporate layoffs to real estate success and ultra-marathon triumphs, Mike's journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities with the right mindset and approach. For those seeking inspiration and practical insights, Mike's story is a must-listen. To connect with Mike and learn more about his ventures in land flipping and real estate, visit his website at flippingdirt.us. Here, you can find valuable resources, set up appointments for further discussions, and gain insights into the world of land investing. Whether you're an aspiring real estate investor or simply seeking motivation to overcome life's challenges, Mike Deaton's story offers a wealth of inspiration and actionable advice. Listen to our Podcast here: Ep. 31 Flipping Dirt with Mike Deaton (buzzsprout.com)