Commercial Real Estate in Greensboro, NC Greg Gehsmann

Interview Interviewee: Richard Beard, Partner at Simpson Schulman & Beard – Commercial Real Estate in the Greensboro/Winston- Salem, North Carolina Area. A graduate of Greensboro College, he has been active in commercial real estate in North Carolina since 1999, and previously began his successful career in economic development in 1993 when he became Senior Project Manager for Economic Development with Forward Guilford (Greensboro, NC), now known as the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance (GEDA).

Simpson Schulman & Beard What is ‘Commercial Real Estate’ – Property that is used solely for business purposes. – Examples of commercial real estate include malls, office parks, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and office towers. “We are uniquely qualified to manage all aspects of commercial real estate” They have an extensive network of investors, contractors, other development companies, and governmental agencies

Mr. Beard’s Job Incentive negotiation Location analysis Governmental relations Real estate brokerage – Costs analysis – financial assistance from state and local governments Enable clients to maximize location decisions and expedite the project timeline

Important Information Business/Economics background is helpful – Consulting, real estate, finance are all emphasis areas in Kenan-Flagler Business School Need strong communication skills because of significant contact with clients and other organizations – Negotiations Knowledge of global economy and overall trends

Greensboro Population: 273,425 (2011 US Census Estimate) The Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, High Point, Winston- Salem) is a dynamic region of more than 1.5 million residents and a labor force of approximately 820,000 workers. Excellent location for industry and offers a superior quality of life. Developed Downtown Area, Four Seasons/Coliseum Area, Airport, Education – Bennett College, Elon University School of Law, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro’s Perks as Center for Business Strong, established economy Growing and skilled workforce Competitive business environment – Lack of clientele is not an issue; many services that attract consumers Easy access to major markets – Interstate 40/85, central location on east coast and within NC, International Airport (PTI) – Greensboro is only 3.5 hours from North Carolina’s deep-ports at Wilmington and Morehead City and also Charleston, Savannah and Norfolk. – Extensive rail service is provided by Norfolk Southern and CSX.

Industry Trends New industries entered Greensboro area in the last couple decades – Aviation/Transportation Ex. Honda Aircraft Company and FedEx Recently, Greensboro has seen the manufacturing industry returning to the area – Impact of Globalization – Rock Creek Center Lenovo - Chinese owned company realizing they have optimal location here PreCor - Swedish owned company, moved from California because of proximity to ports – easy access to export to Europe.

Sources nc.gov/index.aspx?page= nc.gov/index.aspx?page= ercialrealestate.asp ercialrealestate.asp