{"id":30418,"date":"2018-05-25T10:00:41","date_gmt":"2018-05-25T14:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/?p=30418"},"modified":"2018-06-18T16:45:45","modified_gmt":"2018-06-18T20:45:45","slug":"fiu-real-estate-panelists-examine-the-boom-in-south-floridas-industrial-properties-marketplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/2018\/05\/fiu-real-estate-panelists-examine-the-boom-in-south-floridas-industrial-properties-marketplace\/","title":{"rendered":"FIU real estate panelists examine the boom in South Florida’s industrial properties marketplace."},"content":{"rendered":"

South Florida\u2019s strategic location as the gateway to Latin America, the Port of Miami\u2019s increasing influence in international trade and a fast growing e-commerce marketplace are driving growth for the industrial real estate sector.<\/p>\n

Industry experts that participated in the bi-annual Real Estate Speaker Series presented May 15, 2018 by FIU\u2019s Hollo School of Real Estate<\/a> describe this as industrial real estate\u2019s \u201cmost dynamic cycle.\u201d Plus, investment from major industrial developers is reaching fever pitch across the region.<\/p>\n

There are currently 2.6 million square feet of industrial space – warehouses, distribution space, manufacturing centers, and office service space – under construction in Miami-Dade to be delivered in 2018. Broward has 1 million square feet and Palm Beach County about 300,000 square feet.<\/p>\n

\"FIU<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody wants a piece of Miami,\u201d said Edward Redlich (BBA \u201901), who leads the ComReal Miami Industrial Team.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest drivers of the industrial real estate boom is e-commerce. Last year Amazon signed a lease for its biggest warehouse in Miami-Dade, at 800,000 square feet. The company also operates a fulfillment center near Doral and another near Miami International Airport.<\/p>\n

\u201cE-Commerce has been a game-changer for industrial real estate,\u201d said George Pino, an FIU alumni and president of State Street Realty. \u201cConsumers want their purchases now and that merchandise has to be in a warehouse and ready to ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Industrial real estate is a \u201chot asset class rapidly adapting to meet consumer demand for same day, even same hour delivery,\u201d said Suzanne Hollander<\/a>, a real estate attorney and broker who moderated the panel and teaches at FIU\u2019s Hollo School of Real Estate. \u201cBuying on the internet directly impacts the need for modern warehouse space equipped\u00a0with the newest technology and transportation options.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another growth driver for the industrial real estate market is manufacturing, ventures that today represent 17 to 20 percent of businesses in the region.<\/p>\n

Amerikooler, a Miami-based manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers and refrigerated warehouses, began at a 30,000 square-foot warehouse. Today it operates out of a 200,000-square foot facility, housing a fully-integrated network of robotic machinery and custom software.<\/p>\n

\"From
From left to right: Ed Redlich, Gian Carlo Alsono, Suzanne Hollander, Ford Gibson, George Pino, Sebastian Juncadella, Edison Vasquez, Bill Hardin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIn manufacturing you\u2019re one with the space because it\u2019s not easy to move. It has to be very precise, laid out a certain way,\u201d said CEO, and FIU Business alumnus, Gian Carlo Alonso (BS \u201904). \u201cYou don\u2019t need a pretty building, just a nice big box with parking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opportunities for students and graduates.<\/em><\/p>\n

Participants in the Real Estate Speaker Series pointed out that vacancies of industrial spaces are at the lowest Miami has seen in decades, with demand healthy and strong. This, they agreed, opens many possibilities for business and real estate students as well as graduates.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I had to advise students, interning as a broker is a great starting point,\u201d said Oliver Ford Gibson, managing director of development and investments at Foundry Commercial. \u201cFinancial analysis is a great track because your ultimate objective is to become a deal principal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Panelists including Fairchild Partners\u2019 Sebastian Juncadella and Edison Vasquez (MSIRE \u201908) from ComReal, introduced students to important commercial real estate organizations including the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), FIU\u2019s MSIRE students earn credits towards the CCIM Designation.<\/p>\n

Commercial real estate offers many options for specialization, noted Pino, who began his career as a property manager and five years later moved into brokerage. \u201cGet yourself with a company that gives you options,\u201d said Pino. \u201cYou can train with brokers, developers, construction companies. That\u2019s how you\u2019ll figure out what you like.\u201d<\/p>\n