Power Brokers: 15 Real Estate Heavyweights

Originally Published: Chain Store Age

JOHN ARTOPE

Executive VP, Market Leader SRS Real Estate Partners, Orlando, Tampa, South Florida

No. of 2013 retail transactions: 46 (individual deals and as lead broker)

Dollar amount of 2013 retail transactions: $85 million

Key tenant clients: AMC Theatres, BJ’s Restaurants, Cooper’s Hawk Winery, Havertys, Red Robin, The Container Store

John Artope spearheads all SRS retail activity in the state of Florida, representing several regional and national retail tenants in various aspects of strategic planning, site selection and retail development. He has solid relationships with regional and national landlords and development companies, and his focus is working with big-box, junior-box, restaurant and disposition clients. Artope serves on the SRS board of directors.

What makes Artope a good broker? “Four key areas have contributed to my success as a broker: Hard work and commitment to this business; a positive attitude and perseverance that keep me going through the ups and downs of this industry; having the opportunity to build long-term and rich relationships with my clients and my colleagues; and having the support of a great company and an outstanding team.”

GARRETT COLBURN

Senior VP SRS Real Estate Partners, Newport Beach, California

Age: 34

No. of 2013 retail transactions: 24

Dollar amount of 2013 retail transactions: $57 million

Key tenant clients: Planet Fitness, Harbor Freight Tools, Chase Bank, 99 Cents Only, Raising Cane’s, AutoNation

Garrett Colburn is consistently recognized as one of the top retail brokers based in Orange County. He was recently selected as Planet Fitness’ National Broker of the Year for completing 16 transactions in 12 months and was up against 75 brokers for the award.

Colburn is the market leader of the Southern California office for the largest retail-only brokerage firm in the country. He started his career as a land planning and entitlement consultant, transitioned into retail development management, and from there went into retail brokerage.

What makes Colburn a good broker? “Successful brokers are problem solvers who figure out ways to get things done.”