I BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. I DON’T JUST SELL CARS & TRUCKS... Be well, CRES Inc.: More than a Quarter-Century of Commercial Real Estate Expertise Real estate—whether residential or commercial—is a precious asset, so it’s important to have an experienced professional on your side. Many who manage or invest in local commercial real estate properties turn to Commercial Real Estate Services (CRES) Inc., which launched in Fauquier County in 1999. CRES owner Bill Chipman explains that after earning a degree in finance from James Madison University, he began working for a large commercial real estate firm in Washington, DC, which planted the seeds for his future business venture. He and Steve Athey started the business together, and after Steve’s untimely death in 2005, Bill continued to grow the business as its sole owner. He currently has two associates working with him, and while they are familiar with commercial properties throughout Fauquier and surrounding counties (Culpeper, Fairfax, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford), they primarily focus their attention on areas within 30 miles of Warrenton. CRES offers sales, leasing, and consulting services regarding land, buildings, warehouses, and some retail spaces to owners and buyers as well as landlords and tenants. Bill notes that in earlier years, the business managed sales and leases in fairly equal amounts, but that has shifted, with about 80% of their business dealing with sales and investments. Thanks to the company’s longevity, both sales and leasing clients benefit from their professional expertise. In addition, Bill has called Fauquier County home for more than three decades. Throughout the years he has served in various volunteer capacities that have increased his knowledge of county processes that tie in to commercial real estate—such as on the board of the Fauquier County Water and Sewer Authority. Similarly, he has had opportunities to spend time with To advertise: local government leaders as well as other business professionals, providing him with comprehensive resources upon whom he and his clients can rely for guidance in the various processes and compliance elements associated with commercial real estate. The consulting element of the business has stemmed from both their deep understanding of Fauquier County and their excellent service in sales and leasing. Thanks to CRES’ stellar reputation, investors often approach them to consult on a related commercial real estate element, which sometimes leads to a sales or leasing opportunity. Experience is critical, but Bill believes the human touch is equally important in this field. “We don’t just work for a transaction,” he says. “You have to Helping Families In Warrenton for CHRYSLER • JEEP • DODGE • RAM SAFFORD OF WARRENTON 28 YEARS NEW CARS • USED CARS • TRUCKS 540-307-2562 (direct) or 540-347-6622 bhildebrandt@saffordauto.com BILL HILDEBRANDT FAUQUIER HIGH SCHOOL 50 YEAR REUNION 1975 1974 Bill Chipman Class of 1975 with Class of 1974 Date & Location Set! Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 6pm - 10pm Marshall Ruritan Club, 8400 Salem Avenue, Marshall, VA. www.FHS-Reunion.com For more information and tickets. Please share with others to spread the word. Advertising Sponsored by Virginia Realty & Management LLC Virginia Wright, Broker, ABR, GRI 540-878-5041 • 540-219-9531(cell) 28A John Marshall Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 www.virginiarealtymanagement.com 8 Discover Fauquier ■ June/July 2025 have empathy.” He insists that he and his colleagues put themselves in their clients’ shoes, striving to understand their philosophy and goals, an approach that inevitably leads to the best possible outcome for all involved. Bill also realizes the benefit of having younger minds working with him. His two associates Chris Bernard and Nick Fallows bring different marketing strategy aspects to the business, which has given CRES more exposure. For example, subscriptions to commercial real estate platforms like LoopNet and CoStar allow them to better market themselves, resulting in inquiry calls. But it’s thanks to their combined expertise and holistic approach that these inquiries often turn into satisfied clients. To learn more, call (540) 347-2610. ~ Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire www.discoverypubs.com 540-349-8060