J. Blake Hering Jr. a fourth generation Oregonian, has been in commercial real estate since 1990. Starting off at Coldwell Banker (now CBRE), then Holiday Fenoglio (HFF, now JLL), then as a Principal at Norris Beggs & Simpson. Over that time, he has originated loans totaling more than $4.0 billion for a wide variety of property types and has been recognized for high levels of production with a variety of life insurance companies including State Farm, Nationwide, and StanCorp Mortgage Investors. In March of 2020, the commercial loan origination and servicing platform at Norris Beggs & Simpson was acquired by Gantry, Inc. Blake joined Gantry as a Principal and helps lead the Portland office. Blake earned a B.A. from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, and is a member of the National Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), NAIOP, and the Multnomah Athletic Club. In addition to the Westside Economic Alliance Board, Blake also serves on the Providence Heart Advisory Board, The Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Board, and is a volunteer youth lacrosse coach.