Million dollar idea

In the past year, Spencer has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to start Green REIT, an investment trust focused on renewable energy properties. Not bad for a 25-year-old. The commercial real estate broker with Heise-Meyer came up with the idea two years ago when dealing with solar development at work. He’s still blown away by how quickly his effort took off — and how much investment bankers loved it.

“Green is a hot topic right now, and people are interested to see where it will go,” he said. “My idea just came at the right time.”

The Forbes list

Spencer realized the immense impact he had made on the business world when Forbes magazine recently named him one of its 30 Under 30, a list of impressive up-and-coming entrepreneurs ages 29 and younger. The attention astounded the Liberty native. Ever since the recognition emerged, he has been contacted by businesspeople from all over the world who want to work with him or find out the secret to his success.

“It showed me that hard work does pay off, and it proved the viability of the business itself,” he said. “I’m honored people are taking notice.”

Jack of all trades

Spencer is currently wearing three hats. Not only is he a broker and CEO of Green REIT, but he also started another business this year: Invicta, a multi-family redevelopment company.

When he’s not stuck in meetings all day or swamped with paperwork, he spends most of his time working from home.

“Sometimes it is hard to juggle all three,” he admitted. “I have to say no a lot. I tend to work on one project at a time and put the others on cruise control.”

Since his two companies are so new, the UMKC business grad is also working on websites and marketing.

Business advice

When it comes to success, passion is key, Spencer stresses. He encourages young people to find something they love and be the best at it.

“I get up every day, and I love the work I do and the people around me, and that’s the most important part of my life,” he said. “Everything else just follows.”

He also thinks it is important to surround yourself with positive influences.

“No one gets in the position I am in without people in their lives who help them out, professionally and personally,” he said. “I’m lucky to be surrounded by great people. I haven’t had a train wreck yet.”