Why the Best Real Estate Solutions Start with Better Questions 

Interview with Colton Rupprecht, Commercial Real Estate Manager  

Q: You've supported Variety – the Children's Charity for years as both a volunteer and fundraiser. How did that relationship eventually lead to helping the organization find its new home? 

Colton Rupprecht: It happened very organically. Through volunteering, I built genuine relationships with the Variety team and gained a strong understanding of their mission. At the same time, they came to know what I do in commercial real estate. When discussions about relocating began, I was able to offer guidance based on both my professional experience and my familiarity with how the organization operates. Rather than simply looking for another office, we started thinking about what type of space would best support their mission. 

Q: What did you learn about Variety's operational needs that influenced your real estate strategy? 

Colton Rupprecht: Every organization uses its space differently, so I always begin by asking questions about how they operate on a daily basis. For Variety, that meant understanding how they store adaptive bicycles and equipment, how often they host board meetings, how frequently families visit the office, and what level of accessibility they needed. Those conversations quickly made it clear that a traditional office space wasn't the best solution. Their operations required a combination of professional office space and functional storage, which pointed us toward a flex property. 

Q: Finding the right facility is about much more than square footage. What factors were most important during the search? 

Colton Rupprecht: Like most organizations, budget was certainly a consideration, but functionality was just as important. We evaluated how the space would support their day-to-day operations, provide room for bike storage, accommodate board meetings, and create an accessible experience for employees, volunteers, and the families they serve. Location also became an important part of the conversation. While Variety had been located downtown for many years, a suburban location offered improved accessibility for staff, board members, and visitors traveling from across Central Iowa. 

Q: Variety ultimately selected space at Aurora Business Park. Why was it the right fit? 

Colton Rupprecht: Aurora Business Park checked all of the boxes. The approximately 3,800-square-foot space provides office space in the front with dedicated storage in the back, allowing Variety to keep its operations under one roof. The property also offers shared conference and training facilities, which are ideal for monthly board meetings and organizational events. Its location in Urbandale also provides convenient access from across the metro, making it easier for employees, volunteers, board members, and the families they serve to visit the office. 

Q: Many organizations aren't familiar with flex space. What is it, and who benefits most from it? 

Colton Rupprecht: Flex space combines traditional office space with warehouse or storage space within a single suite. Typically, you'll have offices in the front and warehouse space with an overhead door in the back. It's a great fit for organizations that need a professional office environment but also have inventory, equipment, supplies, or materials that require storage. For nonprofits like Variety, it creates operational efficiencies by eliminating the need for separate office and storage locations. It's also an excellent solution for contractors, service businesses, distributors, medical suppliers, and many growing companies. 

Q: What advice would you give organizations beginning the search for a new office or facility? 

Colton Rupprecht: Don't start by looking at buildings—start by understanding how your organization works. The most successful real estate decisions come from identifying your operational needs first and then finding a space that supports them. Things like workflow, storage requirements, employee experience, accessibility, and future growth often have a much bigger impact than simply choosing the newest building or the lowest lease rate. When you understand how a business functions, you can identify solutions that create long-term value rather than simply meeting today's needs. 

Q: What did this project reinforce about your approach to serving clients? 

Colton Rupprecht: This project reinforced that commercial real estate is ultimately a relationship business. When you take the time to build trust and understand an organization's goals, you're able to provide advice that goes beyond available listings. Sometimes that means introducing a property type they hadn't considered or helping them think differently about how their space can support their mission. Whether I'm working with a nonprofit or a growing business, my goal is always the same: understand their needs first, then help them find a solution that positions them for long-term success. 

The right commercial real estate solution starts with understanding your organization’s needs. If you're looking for guidance on your next office, industrial, retail, or flex space, learn more about how R&R Real Estate Advisors can help here.