Whitney Commercial Real Estate

About

Our story is filled with good luck, great mentors, trusting clients, and dedicated team members — some of whom have been with us since our inception in 2001.

As the youngest of five children, I was immersed in real estate from age eleven, because my mother, a businesswoman who owned a motel and real estate office on Clearwater Beach, often took me to preview homes for her buyers. That was when a nice beachfront home cost about $25,000! Naturally gravitating toward real estate, I obtained a Florida license in 1974 at nineteen.

In 1987, I had the good fortune of meeting Lee Arnold, Jr., CCIM, CRE, a nationwide industry legend. At Lee Arnold & Associates (now Colliers International), his company provided invaluable mentorship.

Lee taught me the importance of specialization, goal-setting, business planning, and target marketing—lessons I still apply today.

Our VP of Sales and Leasing, Pat Duffy, a humble man who became like a brother to me, taught me countless lessons, including the value of keeping composure under pressure. Pat is now a high-ranking executive at Colliers International in Houston.

Don Ellis CPM, CSM, a Certified Property Manager and Certified Shopping Center Manager, along with Jay Wiseman, our in-house CPA, and a skilled staff of property managers and project accountants, shaped much of what we practice in our property management division today.

In late 1993, George Beverly Jr., a titan in Western North Carolina's real estate scene, offered me a position in Asheville. Working for George was a masterclass in business, and he remains a great friend.

George introduced me to Tom Cochran and Mark Shumaker, seasoned asset managers at Highwoods Properties (NYSE: HIW). While managing their Asheville portfolio, they honed my property management skills and taught me the art of lease negotiation and structuring.

In 1999, when Highwoods Properties decided to sell its Asheville portfolio, I was chosen to list their 180,000 SF of office/warehouse at Ridgefield Business Center. Chuck Archerd, a local CPA and the father of our oldest child’s best friend, formed an LLC to acquire the portfolio. Chuck retained me as property manager and leasing agent—a relationship that continues 25 years later.

Our company may not have been formed if not for the trust of Tom Cochran and Chuck Archerd. But their trust in me was built on a strong foundation provided by great mentors willing to share their knowledge. And, it has thrived because of the good fortune of having loyal clients who have trusted us with multi-million dollar decisions, and a hardworking team of brokers, property managers, and general contractors who arrive each day with a smile on their face, and a dedication to the success of this company.

To all who have been part of our story—thank you!