Editor’s Note: Due to a printing error, the full story was not printed in our Aug. 1 edition. We will reprint the  story in next week’s edition. We apologize for the error.

By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
August 1, 2012

For 60 years Victor Ross & Co., Realtors has been helping clients find the perfect space.

“It’s a great accomplishment to be a family owned business today and be in business 60 years,” said Victor Cascio, president and broker of Victor Ross & Co., Realtors. “We’re doing business now with second and third generations because of the way that we always try to treat people in a fair and equitable manner.

“One of my dad’s sayings used to be, ‘A good deal in our business is a deal that is good for the buyer and the seller.'”

Both Cascio’s mother and father are still involved in the business. Ross, 82, who founded the Historic Northeast business still visits the office everyday to provide assistance, and Cascio’s 81-year-old mother, Clarene, comes to work three days a week, serving as a comptroller.

As far as family, the business extends beyond Cascio’s parents. Every employee is like a second family, he said.

Cascio commended his six licensed agents and Closing Secretary Angela Brassfield.

“She does a great job for us,” Cascio said. “Angela is our right-hand person.”

Victor Ross focuses on commercial properties and is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas. Properties available for sale extend beyond the Northeast area, Cascio said. Victor Ross routinely conducts business north of the river, in Independence and in Blue Springs.

Although technology has changed over the years with the Internet increasing its presence, Victor Ross still favors face-to-face interaction, Cascio said.

“I like to be able to look somebody in the eye and see if they like a deal or don’t like a deal,” he said.

Asked what Cascio likes about his job, he said, “It changes every day – different people every day. You have to be able to think on your feet while you’re moving; You have to be on top of your game.”

Property gems

Two properties on the top of Cascio’s list include the former LaRocca grocery store and the DeFeo Produce building.

DeFeo Produce is located in the City Market area of Kansas City, directly across from the Cold Storage Lofts at Third and Oak. With more than 13,000 square feet, the three-story building features multiple large coolers, two office areas, ample parking and a loading dock. Since the building is part of the City Market Urban Renewal District, tax credits are available for remodeling projects.

Another Kansas City gem is LaRocca, 813-817 E. Fifth St. Built in 1921, the building features more than 10,000 square feet and includes a sizable reception hall upstairs. In addition, it includes warehouse space, a fully functional walk-in cooler and a loading dock.

As for Historic Northeast, Cascio said the area is experiencing a renaissance.

“We’re seeing owners taking a renewed interest in redeveloping their properties and fixing them up,” Cascio said. “We’re seeing a continuing opportunity to bring new people into the Northeast area.

“We’ve got even national companies trying to relocate to the Northeast area, so we’re working on a daily basis to try and find locations for them.”

For more information, visit victorrossandcompany.com or contact the office,(816) 483-0500. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but sales associates are also available on the weekends and on a 24/7 basis.

Cascio’s Commercial Buyer Advice
•Gather all the information you’ll need before you visit the bank for a loan
•Seek owner financing whenever possible, which saves on closing costs
•”Contrary to what’s in the media, there are still great opportunities for people who are looking to buy or lease, to start businesses, and to pursue their dreams of ownership.”