GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Marty Nusser
[Garden City, KS] October 9, 2024 – For Martin “Marty” Nusser, a Garden City native, the path to success began at Garden City Community College (GCCC) in the fall of 1961. Like many students, Marty was unsure of his educational direction when he first enrolled. However, after a few classes, GCCC became more than just a starting point—it became the foundation of his career.
“I found my focus at GCCC,” Marty reflects. “The college gave me the time and space to discover my goals.” By the time he graduated with the class of 1963, Marty had developed the drive and vision that would shape his future. Armed with his Associate in Science degree, he continued his educational journey at Valparaiso University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science.
Marty’s career in real estate has flourished. As a licensed broker with Coldwell Banker, he holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM) designation, a credential that only 4% of commercial real estate professionals possess. This distinction speaks to Marty’s deep expertise in areas like investment performance, site analysis, property trends, risk management, and financing options. For his clients, Marty’s CCIM status guarantees that every decision he makes is with their investment goals in mind.
Beyond real estate, Marty has extensive experience in agriculture. Born and raised on a farm in his current location, he started his career at the age of eight, climbing windmills, and by age twelve, he was hauling water to the family’s trees using the windmill. Marty took full ownership of the farm in 1966. With over 60 years in farming, he has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of buying and selling agricultural property.
Since 1987, Marty has been immersed in commercial real estate, applying his expertise to both sectors. His leadership within the community is equally remarkable. He has served as a member of the Garden City Industrial Development for decades, represented Finney County in the Great Plains Development, and was a past member of the Economic Development Corporation. He is also one of the founding members of the Western Kansas Community Foundation, currently serves as Chairman of WKCF Holdings, LLC, is a member and past president of the Trinity Lutheran Church Congregation, and is a current member of the Finney County Sales Tax Oversight Board.
Through it all, Marty credits GCCC with shaping the confidence and determination that fueled his career. “GCCC helps build confidence in one’s self and one’s abilities,” he says. To current and future GCCC students, he offers this advice: “Carefully select your path and complete your goals. Enjoy the ride. Seek knowledge—knowledge is power.”
Today, Marty is not only a successful broker but also a testament to the power of community college education. His journey from undecided student to leading real estate professional is a reminder that sometimes, the best first step is discovering where you truly belong. For Marty, that place was GCCC.
Garden City Community College is proud to have played a role in Marty’s success. Make a difference for future Busters by starting your own Endowed Scholarship through the GCCC President's Scholarship Initiative!
From HERE, you can go ANYWHERE.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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