If you were looking for a commercial real estate broker or leasing agent on Thursday, chances are you could find many of them in one place.
About 150 boarded three buses for a day-long tour of 37 properties from Boca Raton north to Jupiter.
The Retail Bus Tour, a marketing and network event, began last year with tours of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
It’s the brainchild of Gary Broidis, a former corporate financial analyst turned commercial real estate guru, and Larry Brooks, who has completed more than 300 lease transactions.
Although deals are getting done, the overall message from participants was “we are looking to make deals.”
Some were looking for anchor tenants, others for smaller retailers. Many voiced that they were willing to subdivide – a message that most of the big box retailers will welcome given that many, including Office Depot Best Buy and Sports Authority, are looking to downsize.
Many struggling shopping centers are willing to take “pop ups” usually seasonal stores that come in before the holidays and then leave.
Not everyone on the bus was a real estate pro. A few retailers and those who service the commercial real estate market went along for the ride.
Maritza Velez of 1st United Bank was on one of the busses and told attendees the bank was doing loans and would lend to retailers.
Matthew Livingston, a real estate manager for Tijuana Flats, was among a handful of retailers looking for space. He said his company is expanding with plans to add seven more stores in the next year.
The company is looking for 2,000 to 2,800 square feet, though the sweet spot is around 2,400, he said.
James DePetris of Legend Florida came in from Pennsylvania for the tour. He said many of his tenants in Philly were looking to expand in Florida.
It wasn’t all work and no fun. Beth Azor of Azor Advisor Services, who has been in the commercial real estate industry since 1986, challenged those on my bus to some real estate trivia. After lunch she handed out costumes, hats and funky glasses to liven up the ride. And, after nearly 8 hours and numerous stops, Azor brought the team home leading them in song karaoke style. Who knew that Larry Harmon of the Rotella Group could sing?