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The Role of Commercial Property Managers in Real Estate

Managing a commercial property is a full-time commitment that can consume a property owner’s time and attention, making it difficult to focus on other investment opportunities that could generate revenue. Thankfully, hiring a commercial property manager relieves many responsibilities of maintaining an asset while entrusting it to reliable hands that can maximize profits.

What Is a Commercial Property Manager?

A commercial property manager is an individual or a service company responsible for running a property’s day-to-day operations. Property managers oversee real estate properties such as hotels, shopping malls, hospitals, office spaces, and other businesses that generate revenue. They ensure they are filled with reliable tenets that can respect and provide merit to an occupied space. If there are any issues, questions, or concerns with a property regarding payments or repairs, they are handled by the property manager. 

The property owner decides upon the number and type of property managers. Depending on the industry and size of a commercial property, management can consist of one or two individuals or even an entire team that works collectively to run an investment.

Why Are They Important?

Running a commercial real estate property takes considerable time and focus that some senior management teams may not have readily available. Poor commercial real estate property management can lead to reduced profits, impacted public perception, and negatively impacted property value. 

That’s why commercial property managers are such valuable assets. Outsourcing commercial property management responsibilities is an excellent way for investors to scale and grow their portfolio without the hassle of maintaining certain aspects of an investment themselves. Hiring an experienced property manager ensures that a building is being taken care of both financially and physically, allowing property owners to divert their attention to other business matters such as investing and acquiring additional assets.

What Does a Commercial Property Manager Do?

The duties of a commercial property manager are extensive, as they are entrusted to handle any matters concerning the owner’s investment. Responsibilities of a commercial property manager include:

  • Responding to Tenant Requests: A competent property manager responds to the needs of tenants accordingly and does their best to retain them long-term by establishing solid relationships.
  • Screening Tenants: Not all tenants are created equal, and it’s the job of property managers to assess and determine whether potential candidates are a worthwhile investment.
  • Collecting Rent: It’s up to property managers to collect and process rent promptly by making the process as streamlined as possible. If rent is not paid on time, they must notify the tenant of late fees and additional repercussions.
  • Building Maintenance: Commercial maintenance requests from tenants and routine building maintenance from hired contractors are all conducted through the property manager. They ensure that repairs or additional maintenance requests are completed quickly and correctly.
  • Capital Planning and Budgeting: Commercial property managers are responsible for managing a building’s expenses, including marketing costs, operating costs, repair costs, and more, using a created budget. Capital planning and budgeting ensure it is on track with its projected gross revenue.
  • Negotiating Leases: Rent can fluctuate over time, and commercial property managers must ensure their lease prices are competitive with similar businesses in the area. Additionally, they must negotiate leases to navigate inflation without running off current tenants.
  • Managing evictions: When tenants fail to pay rent for extended periods or severely violate the terms of their lease agreement, property managers must conduct the eviction process to remove them from the premises. 
  • Commercial Property Marketing: When a property is unoccupied, the manager needs to properly market the available space to prospective tenants interested in finding a new office space for their business. Marketing can be done by hosting events, creating signage, online listings, and more. The faster a property is occupied, the more revenue it can generate for investors.

Property management services offer all the perks of an experienced property manager without the hassle of finding one. Learn more about property management services today.

Property Management Services

Signs of a Quality Commercial Property Manager

Choosing a property manager is an important matter. Picking an under-qualified individual to run your commercial property can cause a reduction in profits and public reception. Likewise, knowing what to look for can help you appoint the optimal candidate to manage your property. Here are some management qualities to keep in mind:

Experience

Trusted real estate managers have an ample amount of industry experience that shows they are capable of maintaining commercial properties. Managers with experience should be able to inform you about their level of experience, the management duties they performed daily, what property types they’ve managed, and how they positively impacted the bottom line of previous properties they managed.  

Certifications and Licenses

The best way to tell if a property manager is qualified to run your property is by their certifications and licenses. Certificates may include being an Accredited Management Organization, having a bachelor’s degree in a related field, being part of a trade association like the National Association of Community Managers, or having a requisite real estate license to show their industry knowledge.

Positive References

Before hiring a real estate manager to oversee your commercial property, you should inquire about references or reviews regarding their prior experiences. A confident and reliable prospect should have no problem providing references, along with contact information, so that you may reach out to connections if needed.

Finding a commercial property manager that aligns with your business goals is no simple task, but by checking for these signs of quality assurance, you’re guaranteed to discover a qualified candidate that increases your property’s bottom line.

Let Hokanson Companies Property Management Services Handle Your Assets

Busy property owners likely don’t have the time to run a commercial space alone, nor the resources to sift through potential candidates, only to be let down. However, hiring a service specializing in commercial building management can provide the perfect solution.

That’s where Hokanson Companies can help.

With over eight decades of industry experience in commercial property management, construction, development, brokerage services, and project management services, Hokanson Companies has the skills and knowledge to help your real estate assets thrive. Our team has improved the real estate portfolios of organizations across numerous industries by increasing profitability and maintaining properties, and we intend to do the same for you.

If partnering with a trusted commercial property management company sounds appealing, consider partnering with Hokanson. Contact us today to get top-of-the-line property management services.

Contact Hokanson Companies

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Christopher M. Horsley

President and Chief Executive Officer
cmh@hokansoninc.com

“Working hard to make a difference to earn your business.”

Chris Horsley joined Hokanson Companies, Inc. in 1997 while completing his degree in Civil Engineering at Purdue University. Chris began his employment at Hokanson Companies in the construction area and in 2000 added Property Management to his responsibilities. Now as President and Chief Executive Officer, he focuses his efforts on construction, development, and property/facility management. Chris oversees a team of property and construction managers to provide management services to approximately 5M square feet in a 7-state geographical service area. Chris also works closely with multiple financial institutions to meet their bank branch real estate needs which includes a 140-branch system across a 3-state geographical area.

Chris graduated from Purdue University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He holds a Professional Indiana State License for an Engineer in Training (EIT) and an Indiana Real Estate Broker and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). Chis is also involved with The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and is currently serving on the International Executive Committee and is the President for BOMA Indianapolis.

Chris enjoys spending time, working in the business, being outside, riding motorcycles, exercising, playing golf, and being with his family.

Stephen J. Adams

Executive Vice President
sja@hokansoninc.com

Stephen J. Adams joined Hokanson Companies, Inc. in 2000 and now serves as the Executive Vice President for the company.  While leading the leasing and brokerage team over the past 25 + years, Stephen has grown his client list by being accountable, trustworthy and responsive at all times.  He manages his client’s corporate real estate needs from coast to coast through providing site selection, transaction advisory, tenant representation and acquisition/disposition services.

Stephen serves as the outsourced real estate partner to many major corporations and has developed long-term relationships by integrating and learning the business of his clients.  His proactive approach to cost savings has provided an invaluable benefit to his customers.  He continues to have success with both large, multinational companies and regional businesses as he earns his client’s business daily with an eye on strategic planning, both locally and nationally.

As Executive Vice President, he helps manage a team of seasoned professionals who provide expert market research, real estate knowledge, and function as a cohesive team to enhance the decision making of his clients.  Capabilities include strategic planning, market evaluation and transaction management.

Continuing the company’s history as the premier medical real estate provider, Stephen has developed relationships with the major hospital systems in Indiana, such as Indiana University Health, Community Health Network, Ascension St. Vincent, Lutheran Health, Parkview Health, Hancock Regional Health and Johnson Memorial Hospital.  In addition, representation services have been provided to many private physician groups such as OPTUM, Otolaryngology Associates, Dawes Fretzin Dermatology, Indiana Spine Group, Midwest Fertility, Northside Gastroenterology, The Surgery Center of Indianapolis, the Suburban Health Organization and the Indiana Hospital Association.

Stephen also counts several publicly traded REITS and Private Equity groups as clients.  Major investment sales experience includes on-campus MOBs at St. Vincent – Indianapolis, Indiana University – Methodist Downtown, Indiana University Health North and West Campuses, Parkview Health, Lutheran Health and various other campuses.  Also, he has completed several national, single-tenant, industrial sale/leaseback transactions including tenants such as Hershey’s, Firestone and several 3PL providers.

Stephen has devoted his time to various organizations including Noble of Indiana, Penrod Arts Society, Youthlinks Indiana, Hoosier Oncology Group, Allisonville Youth Baseball, St. Pius X School, and Cathedral High School the Governors Awards for Tomorrows Leaders.  He is also a member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Class XXXVII.

Jay B. Gehl

Vice Chairman
jbg@hokansoninc.com

Jay Gehl serves as Vice Chairman of Hokanson Companies, Inc.  With over thirty years of experience, Jay has been directing and managing the company’s expertise in the areas of corporate advisory work, strategic planning, tenant representation, financial analysis of leases, brokerage, and build-to-suit assistance.  He has been instrumental in assisting the efforts of several major corporations establishing or relocating their corporate headquarters and managing vast portfolios of leased and owned properties across the United States.  His attention to detail and his unparalleled customer service have been the foundation of his relationships with the institutional customers served by Hokanson Companies, Inc.

Jay has excelled in investment sales with multiple transactions each year that annually rank him as a top producing broker on a local and national level. In addition, Jay’s efforts have helped corporate clients establish or renew leases in facilities across the United States from Connecticut to California.  He has also served the international needs of his clients in six countries including a facility in Turrialba, Costa Rica with 230,000 square feet and 35 acres.

Jay’s resume includes multiple build-to-suits of logistics and manufacturing facilities.  In addition, investment sales such as the 550,000 square foot U.S. Postal Facility in downtown Indianapolis and a 450,000 square foot medical portfolio make Jay a top producer in the local market while managing a team of highly experienced real estate professionals.  The success of Jay’s business is benchmarked by the multiple transactions and ongoing relationships with customers that have remained satisfied by the level of service and the quality of the transactions resulting from his guidance.

Today Jay continues to excel at providing excellent advice and service to several customers that lead their individual industries in quality, growth, and innovation.

Stephen P. Hokanson

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, CRE, CPM, RPA
sph@hokansoninc.com

“We put our clients’ interests first… always.”

Steve Hokanson serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hokanson Companies, Inc. He began with HCI in 1971, and has been its President and CEO since 1983. When Steve joined the organization, Hokanson Companies was primarily focused on property management. Under Steve’s leadership, Hokanson Companies has grown to include four active divisions and five separate disciplines.

HCI currently manages over 6 Million square feet under its property management division, and has over $100 million in project management and development. Its sales and leasing division closes over $100 million in sales and leases annually, while they continue to be very active in construction management for its various clients and out-of-ground buildings.

In addition to his role at HCI, Steve has also fulfilled numerous civic and professional leadership roles locally, statewide, and nationally, including the International President of BOMA International 1991-1993. Steve’s other accomplishments include being selected for the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, the Eagle Scout Silver Beaver Award, the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, named in Outstanding Young Men in America, and the Sagamore of the Wabash award, which is the highest award given in the State of Indiana by our Governor.

Steve Hokanson graduated from Indiana University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration. Steve is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Indiana, and his designations include Counselor of Real Estate (CRE), Certified Property Manager (CPM), and Real Property Administrator (RPA).

Boyd R. Zoccola

Chief Development Officer
brz@hokansoninc.com

“Your ideas become reality through our combined efforts.”

Boyd R. Zoccola serves as Chief Development Officer of Hokanson Companies Inc. With over 25 years of experience, he focuses his expertise on development of office and medical space, and corporate consulting. Boyd has been actively involved in the development of nearly $600 million worth of real estate, including client partners like IU Health, Springleaf Financial, Vectren Corporation, and Old National Bank.

Boyd’s industry involvement with The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) is extensive beginning in 1994. He served as Chair and Chief Elected Officer of BOMA International, and has also served on the Executive, Finance, Medical, and Healthcare Facilities Committees. He also served and chaired numerous task forces along with being a panelist and/or speaker. Boyd’s BOMA Indianapolis experience includes positions as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and multiple committee chairs. In addition, Boyd served as a Board Member of the Real Estate Round Table from 2011-2012.

Boyd graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Biology and is a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series. Boyd has served the community through his involvement with Horizon House, Girls Inc., and the IYHA. He is a member of Second Presbyterian Church, Sigma Chi Alumni Association, Meridian Hills Country Club, and is an Indiana Real Estate Principal Broker.

Tony R. Townsley

Chief Financial Officer, CPA
trt@hokansoninc.com

“A great company has great people who are passionate about what they do! I am proud to be a part of the Hokanson Team, where we demonstrate that passion every day in helping our customers solve their Real Estate challenges.”

Tony Townsley serves as Chief Financial Officer of Hokanson Companies, Inc. Tony began with HCI in 2001, bringing with him 25 years of accounting and operations management experience including four years with Arthur Anderson. This vast knowledge has contributed to his success overseeing the corporate financial reporting, cash management, budget coordination, and year-end audit and tax responsibilities at Hokanson.

Tony graduated from Indiana University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant, and was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Governor’s Council of Impaired and Dangerous Driving. Tony also served on the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers’ Board of Directors. Currently, he’s involved with the Merciful Help Center, and is an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.

Tony enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, camping, fishing, biking, and reading. Those same family values led him in publishing a children’s book titled “Three Cups”, which teaches children how to save, spend, and be charitable with their money. There are more than 50,000 copies of the book in distribution.