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CPSWFL Names James Kishel as Chief Operating Officer

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Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL) has announced the appointment of Jamie Kishel as Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant addition to the firm’s executive leadership team. In his role as COO, Kishel will oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations across brokerage, property management, development, and facility services, driving strategic alignment and operational efficiency. His leadership will support CPSWFL’s continued growth and commitment to providing clients with industry-leading real estate solutions across the region. Kishel brings more than two decades of experience with Cushman & Wakefield, where he held several senior positions and played a key role in expanding the company’s industrial platform nationally. His expertise in organizational development, process improvement, and client service strategy has been instrumental in shaping performance-driven teams across multiple markets. “Bringing Jamie onto our leadership team reflects both the strength of our organization and our confidence in the region’s continued economic growth,” said Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker at CPSWFL. “His experience, insight, and leadership will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients and partners.” Kishel’s relocation to Southwest Florida underscores his belief in the market’s long-term potential. As COO, he will focus on advancing operational initiatives, mentoring emerging talent, and supporting CPSWFL’s mission to provide best-in-class commercial real estate services throughout the Gulf Coast region. Kishel was recently featured in Gulfshore Business for his transition to Southwest Florida and his expanded leadership role. Read the full article here.

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Mid-Season Check-In: Staying Hurricane-Ready in Southwest Florida

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By: Bill Mitchell, Senior Property Manager at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida We’re Halfway Through. Is Your Property Still Prepared? With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season in full swing, Southwest Florida is starting to see an increase in tropical activity. Experts warn that we may not be out of the woods yet. Now is the time to double down on storm readiness to ensure your commercial property and tenants remain protected through the peak months of the season. At Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, we’re committed to helping you stay proactive, not reactive. A mid-season check-in can make all the difference in reducing damage, downtime, and stress should another storm approach. Mid-Season Hurricane Preparedness Checklist Here are key steps we recommend revisiting to ensure your property is ready for the next storm: ✅ Reinspect the Property Walk the property to identify any new vulnerabilities: damaged roofing, clogged gutters, loose signage, or deteriorating seals. Remove any storm debris or fallen branches that may have accumulated during earlier storms. ✅ Refresh Communication Protocols Confirm tenant contact information is accurate and communication channels are functioning (emails, group texts, emergency alert systems). Re-share your emergency response plan with tenants, including evacuation procedures and storm protocols. ✅ Reevaluate Emergency Supplies Check generator functionality, fuel levels, and backup power sources. Restock first-aid kits, flashlights, batteries, and water supplies on-site if applicable. ✅ Review Insurance and Documentation Ensure your insurance policies remain active, and that coverages haven’t changed. Update photo and video documentation if any property modifications or improvements were made recently. ✅ Reconfirm Vendor Availability Touch base with key contractors, restoration services, and emergency vendors to confirm they’re still on standby should services be needed post-storm. Know who to call for HVAC, roofing, debris removal, and electrical repairs. Supporting Tenants Through Uncertainty Now is a great time to check in with your tenants. Open communication builds trust and confidence, especially when the forecast looks uncertain. Provide tenants with: Updated contact information for property management Guidelines for securing office space or retail units Instructions for submitting post-storm repair requests Lean on Your Property Management Team Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida is here to assist every step of the way. Whether you need a mid-season inspection, help reviewing your insurance coverage, or support coordinating storm repairs, our dedicated property management team is ready. Resources to Revisit Stay informed and empowered by bookmarking these key resources: NOAA National Hurricane Center Florida Disaster – Business Resources Lee County Emergency Management Charlotte County Storm & Recovery Collier County Hurricane Resources Florida SBDC Disaster Planning FEMA Disaster Recovery Center And don’t forget mobile tracking apps: iOS: National Hurricane Center Data Android: My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts Don’t Wait, Stay Hurricane Ready Being proactive mid-season gives you the best chance at minimizing disruption and damage. Let Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida help you maintain your edge with trusted expertise and timely support. 📞 Need help or a property check-up? Call 239-489-3600 🌐 Visit us at cpswfl.com We’re in this together: protecting your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind.

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Navigating the 2025 Hurricane Season: A Guide for Commercial Property Owners

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By Gayle Erickson-Ash & Bill Mitchell, Property Management at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season expected to be more active than usual, preparation is key for commercial property owners across Southwest Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, fueled by unusually warm ocean waters and a developing La Niña pattern. Advancements in forecasting technology, such as NOAA’s Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), are offering communities better lead times. But even with better warnings, the time to prepare is now. At Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, hurricane preparedness is a cornerstone of our proactive property management strategy. We work closely with property owners and tenants to mitigate risk, protect assets, and ensure business continuity. Before a Hurricane: What We Do and Recommend Building Compliance: We inspect buildings to ensure they meet current hurricane codes and complete any necessary structural improvements. Insurance Reviews: We confirm flood and general insurance policies are comprehensive and up to date. Lease Review: Review lease terms with tenants regarding storm-related responsibilities. Hazard Assessment: Use FEMA tools to identify potential vulnerabilities unique to your location. Secure Documentation: Take and store photographic or video records of property conditions. Protect Lower Levels: Remove or elevate valuables and equipment from ground-floor areas prone to flooding. Outdoor Item Storage: Secure or remove outdoor furniture and debris to reduce storm hazards. Tenant Communication: Maintain clear, proactive communication with tenants before, during, and after the storm. Emergency Readiness: Update contact lists and follow all local evacuation orders. Generator Checks: Test functionality, confirm fuel levels, and arrange for post-storm refueling. Water Intrusion Prevention: Use barriers or sandbags at entry points and windows. Digital Backup: Store essential files in secure cloud platforms and protect physical documents indoors. After a Hurricane: Rapid, Responsible Recovery Safety First: Only re-enter buildings cleared by structural engineers. Plan for Delays: Communicate openly with tenants about potential repair delays due to labor or supply shortages. Tenant Support: Reach out quickly to assess damages and assist tenants in recovery efforts. Insurance Follow-Up: Begin the claims process using your pre-storm documentation. Our team is available to help assess your coverage and assist with filing. Insurance Coverage—Your First Line of Defense Storm damage can bring costly setbacks. Make sure your flood and property insurance are comprehensive and current. With policies frequently changing, our team is here to review your coverage and assist with storm planning tailored to your property. Helpful Resources for Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Explore these trusted resources to strengthen your hurricane plan: Horizon Foundation – Business Continuity Resources Florida Disaster – Planning for Businesses FEMA – Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Lee County Recovery Resources Charlotte County Storm & Recovery Info Collier County Hurricane Preparedness Florida SBDC – Disaster Planning for Small Businesses Additionally, download hurricane tracking apps to stay updated: iOS: National Hurricane Center Data Android: My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts We’re Here to Help As both a brokerage and full-service property management firm, Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida is committed to supporting you before, during, and after a storm.  📞 Call us at 239-489-3600 🌐 Visit us at cpswfl.com Stay prepared, stay protected—and let our team be your trusted partner this hurricane season.  

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Trump 2.0: How Policy Changes Could Impact Commercial Real Estate

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Cushman & Wakefield’s recent webinar, Trump 2.0: Implications for Property, provided expert analysis on how recent shifts in economic policies might influence the real estate market and overall economy. Our Global Think Tank identified several important considerations for investors and stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape, including: Economic Uncertainty and Stagflation: A short-term economic slowdown combined with higher inflation is anticipated in 2025. Rising Construction Costs: Tariffs are likely to increase construction material expenses by 5-7%, potentially benefiting existing property owners due to slower new development. Federal Employment Cuts: Reduced federal workforce expected to impact office space demand, particularly in the DC area. Interest Rate Volatility: Significant fluctuations in interest rates are expected, with a general stabilization around 4-4.5% for the 10-year Treasury. Industrial and Retail Sectors: Tariffs and weaker consumer demand could temporarily affect occupancy rates, but resilience is anticipated. Capital Markets Outlook: Short-term cautious investment climate evolving into a gradual recovery, driven by demand for stable income assets. Long-Term CRE Investment Strength: Commercial real estate remains an attractive asset class, offering diversification and protection against inflation. GSE Privatization: Possible privatization of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is unlikely immediately, but multifamily lending remains strong. Explore detailed insights and data shared during our expert-led session: Trump 2.0 Webinar Key Points April 2025 Presentation Slides Replay the Webinar For questions or additional insights, please connect directly with our team of experts.  

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Resources and Support for Our Community After Hurricanes Milton & Helene

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We hope you and your loved ones are safe as our community begins the road to recovery following Hurricane Milton. Once again, our strength and resilience are being tested, and our thoughts are with all those affected. At Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, we are here to support you during this challenging time. We understand the immediate concerns regarding property damage, operational disruptions, and the safety of your teams. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of essential resources to help guide you through the recovery process: Key Resources for Hurricane Recovery: FEMA Disaster Assistance: Apply for federal disaster aid for property damage, losses, and repairs. SBA Disaster Loans: Low-interest disaster loans available for businesses, property owners, and renters. FloridaDisaster.org: Stay informed with the latest recovery efforts, services, and updates. Emergency Partnerships: Cushman & Wakefield | CPSWFL is a preferred partner for Fireservice. Fireservice has a 24/7 emergency response team, and they are prepared to assist us will all mitigation needs no matter the size. This means we are top of the list when we call. If you need assistance, we are ready to support you. Please call your property manager if you are in need of these services. This partnership along with many more allows us to help you as quickly and as efficiently as possible to get you back to business as usual. In the wake of Hurricane Milton, our top priority at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida is to serve you—our valued clients, partners, and the community. We are actively working to assess properties, address repairs, and ensure the safety of all our tenants. Our dedicated team is here to provide support during this challenging time, and we are committed to assisting you every step of the way as we recover and rebuild together. For any immediate concerns or assistance, please contact us at 239.489.3600 or email us at info@CPSWFL.com. Thank you for your trust and patience as we navigate this recovery process. We are here for you.

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Six Critical Questions Part 3: Will We See an Avalanche of Distressed Assets in 2024? 

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This article is part three of a six-part series focusing on the six most critical questions about development and commercial property in Southwest Florida.  Across the country, borrowers and lenders are bracing for a potential surge of distressed assets. According to a study by Cushman & Wakefield, the U.S. commercial property market exhibited an alarming $80 billion in outstanding distress as of Q3 2023. Even more concerning, the report showed more than $215 billion in potential distress on the horizon, surpassing the cumulative distress observed during the Great Recession.  However, Southwest Florida has been able to buck a number of national trends in commercial real estate over the last few years. This brings us to the third question in our series:  Will Southwest Florida See an Avalanche of Distressed Assets in 2024?  To understand the reasons why borrowers and lenders are concerned about distressed assets, it’s important to first understand how commercial loan interest rates contribute to distress levels.  Interest Rates and Distressed Assets  Commercial real estate loans are typically structured with short maturities, often in the neighborhood of eight to ten years, with a much longer amortization period. Consequently, property owners face a large balloon payment at the end of each loan.  If owners are unable to settle these balloon payments in full, they will refinance that balloon payment at current interest rates.   When the majority of existing commercial loans were established, historically low interest rates were in effect. Eight years ago, the average 10-year treasury yield was an astonishing 1.84 percent. Now, with rates more than double that, the cost of refinancing a commercial property balloon payment may not be worth the added cost of borrowing money. This is particularly true in markets where inventory is high and property values are declining.  Distressed Property in Southwest Florida  Here in Southwest Florida, we are experiencing some of the lowest levels of distressed commercial real estate in the state. Our area boasts a loan loss rate of only 11%, which falls below the state average of 12%. Southwest Florida’s resilience comes in part from our strong rental rates, which are helping to keep many properties profitable and net operating income (NOI) positive.  Will distress levels rise in Southwest Florida?  Most likely, although not to the potentially catastrophic levels we may see in other parts of the country. Maturing loans will exert pressure across all product types, especially middle and low-quality office assets. However, rent growth has lifted NOI considerably over the life of the average loan, meaning we shouldn’t anticipate an avalanche of distress. Southwest Florida borrowers who secured financing prior to 2019 have likely accumulated enough appreciation to make their property’s current values higher than their debt balance. Coupled with low vacancy rates, strong job growth, and favorable net migration, our region will likely outperform most of the rest of the country.      Are you a commercial property owner with a loan on the cusp of maturity? If so, the Commercial Property Experts  at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL) can help you determine your best next move in our current economic climate. CPSWFL has the data, analytics, and local experience to help you understand the dynamics of our region’s economic potential and commercial property landscape. Complete our online contact form or call us at 239-489-3600 to speak with an expert.     

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Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida Announces Several Promotions and New Hires

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2018) — Gary Tasman, CEO & Principal Broker of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, announced that the firm has promoted Heather Adams to Brokerage Operations Manager and Claire Meyer to Director of Research, as well as welcomed two new employees,Mandy Bacchas and Tamara Roach, who joined the firm as Staff Accountant and Real Estate Marketing Assistant respectively. The firm closed the year with record activity and overall growth in business in all departments facilitated the need for increased staff. Adams will be responsible for providing executive support to the CEO and brokerage department; developing and implementing processes, policies and procedures, leading office and administrative support staff, overseeing marketing execution activity and broker communication to clients, as well as facilitating LOIs, leases, contracts, amendments and listing agreements. A vital staff member of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida since 2016, Adams has a 13-year background in facilities and property management. Prior to that, she held a variety of positions within the real estate management industry, including Real Estate Services Administrator, Property Manager and Business Manager, as well as Executive Administrator. Meyer will be responsible for generating marketing proposals, overseeing the broker’s opinion of value (BOV) process, marketing research, and delivering market reports and analytics. An employee of the firm since 2016, Meyer has over 10 years of experience in the real estate research field. Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, she spent eight years at CoStar Group as a Research Analyst, where she oversaw high-profile portfolios in various markets across the country. As Staff Accountant, Bacchas will be responsible for preparing financial reports, onboarding new accounts, overseeing tax filings, managing rent collection, preparing property budgets and reconciling accounts, as well as managing and maintaining property reference files. She has a decade of accounting experience, having worked in a variety of industries. Most recently, she spent one year at Carstar as an Accounting Manager, performing reconciliations for three locations. As Real Estate Marketing Assistant, Roach will be responsible for managing the in-house design of marketing collateral, maintaining social media accounts, executing marketing campaigns, updating property listings and maintaining the customer database, as well as managing relationships with external agency partners. Roach has a 15-year plus background in business development and marketing. Most recently, she spent a period of time with Unique Pavers Design as Office Manager, managing the day-to-day operations. “Our employees’ diverse backgrounds and business insights have played an integral role in our success over the years,” said Tasman. “They are an asset to the organization, and we are excited about the opportunity to develop and grow our team further.” About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm that helps clients transform the way people work, shop and live. Our 43,000 employees in more than 60 countries help investors and occupiers optimize the value of their real estate by combining our global perspective and deep local knowledge with an impressive platform of real estate solutions. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com or follow @CushWake on Twitter.

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