Recognized Commercial Leasing Leaders 2025

I'm a specialist commercial finance broker with 16 years of experience helping Australian business owners access commercial property finance. As founder of Smart Business Plans, I've overseen $550 million in commercial finance across more than 3,300 clients, with a 92% approval rate working across a panel of 60+ specialist lenders. My expertise sits at the intersection of commercial property, business finance, and wealth strategy — particularly for small to medium business owners looking to buy their own premises, invest through their SMSF, or fund development projects. I work exclusively in the commercial space, which means I specialise where the major banks often can't or won't go. I'm also the author of The Premise Effect (2026), which makes the case for why Australian business owners are leaving millions on the table by renting rather than owning their business premises. I'm available to comment on: commercial property finance, SMSF borrowing, business lending, commercial mortgage rates, Australian property market trends, and small business wealth building.

I founded Commercial Funding Partners in 2012 with a clear mission: build a performing portfolio of customers who return because we treat them right and help them grow responsibly. After six years at a competitor and seeing how customers were often handled at deal end, I knew there was a better way to do business in commercial equipment finance. We’re a national direct lender with capacity from $250,000 to over $100 million per project, serving manufacturers, contractors, healthcare providers, transportation companies, and others across the U.S. What sets us apart is speed paired with judgment. Our small, senior-level finance committee allows us to make decisions quickly—often the same day—and months faster than SBA processes, where time value often outweighs minor rate differences. We listen to the story behind the balance sheet and underwrite context, not just numbers. We structure real-world solutions through progress funding, 100% project financing, sale-leasebacks, and tax-aware terms that banks often can’t provide. We don’t do deals we wouldn’t sign ourselves. Over 40% of our business comes from repeat clients, many with long-standing relationships that improve with each transaction. I’m active in industry leadership with ELFA, NEFA, and AACFB, where I chaired the Education Committee for four years and received the President’s Award. Before CFP, I worked at IBM and helped manage and grow Plumbers Supply Company through its acquisition by Wolseley. I hold a BS from the University of Utah and an MBA from Westminster College. Our goal is simple: be the first call for our customers and help great businesses grow smarter and faster.

Commercial Real Estate Expert helping women entrepreneurs build unshakeable financial security through strategic CRE decisions. 30+ years experience, $750M+ closed. Earned CCIM certification at 25, built career navigating unwritten rules of male-dominated industry. Used own commercial real estate as financial lifeline during cancer diagnosis. Founder of VentureWise Woman educational platform teaching women how to use CRE for financial stability: 'You don't have to figure this out alone.' Available for interviews, stories and articles on women's financial empowerment, commercial real estate investing, women in business, mentorship, commercial real estate trends, and breaking industry barriers.

I'm a credit officer who happens to think like a deal-maker. After 34 years in credit, mortgage, and equipment finance, I've learned that the best financing solutions come from understanding both the numbers and the business behind them. As Chief Credit Officer and President of Equipment Leases at Commercial Funding Partners, I lead credit and underwriting operations for a portfolio that's grown from $15 million to nearly $100 million annually, with clear sight lines to $300 million. My role sits at the intersection of rigorous credit analysis and flexible deal structuring, which means I spend my days solving financing challenges that traditional banks simply can't accommodate. Here's what that looks like in practice: We fund 100% of equipment projects so companies can preserve working capital. We manage vendor deposits and progress payments directly, including international transactions in euros, removing cash flow strain during long equipment builds. We structure deals for clients who've hit exposure limits with their banks, allowing them to maintain those banking relationships while still accessing the capital they need to grow. Most of our transactions range from $250,000 to $25 million and support revenue-generating equipment in manufacturing, construction, pharmaceuticals, and other industries where the right asset makes the difference between winning a contract and walking away from it. We typically approve leases in 10 to 14 days, and even complex, multi-million-dollar deals close within a few weeks. What sets our approach apart is the team mentality. Clients don't get a rigid lender relationship. They get a credit partner who understands their cash cycles, their vendor timelines, and their growth plans. My team works cross-functionally (credit, sales, documentation, accounting) to deliver financing that's both sound and practical. I'm actively involved with ELFA, NEFA, and AACFB, and I've been recognized as a Top Woman in Leasing and with the AACFB President's Award. These aren't just credentials. They reflect a commitment to advancing the industry and building financing structures that help mid-market companies compete and scale. If you're a CFO or business owner dealing with bank exposure caps, international vendor payments, or the need for 100% project funding, let's talk. I'm here to structure deals that work.

With 18 years of experience specializing in commercial real estate, I am an Independent Commercial Broker with strong negotiation skills and deep market knowledge. I have successfully represented both tenants and landlords, offering a client-focused approach that emphasizes trust and exceptional service. My ability to adapt to changing market conditions and find innovative solutions has consistently delivered results over the years. I have a proven track record in deal origination and have built a robust network of industry contacts. My passion lies in helping clients optimize their real estate portfolios and identify strategic opportunities in the ever-changing retail real estate landscape.

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct "forever homes". She works with high-achieving professionals (like physicians, attorneys, and CEOs) to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique. With 20 years of experience in high-end interior design, Lesley ensures a smooth, stress-free design experience, providing proactive communication and concierge-level service. She finds true joy in designing homes that celebrate her clients' successes and build a lasting family legacy. Media outlets including Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart, Forbes Home, Business Insider, and HouseBeautiful have celebrated Lesley for her signature aesthetic of bold, colorful, and collected interiors that offer a fresh take on Southern design.

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Invest in what you know, with people you know! Seeking new deals! See investment criteria below. OWN Alabama is a commercial real estate investment company formed in 2018. We are experienced Alabama based investors who understand the local market. -Investment Criteria- Target Market: State of Alabama Investment Stage: Stabilized, Value-Add, & Select Development Projects Preferences: Sale-Leaseback, Multi & Single Tenant, Short Remaining Lease Terms Property Types: Medical, Industrial, Office, & Multifamily Let's Chat! Use this link to find some time to connect that is convenient for you. https://calendly.com/sam-zoldock

Kimberly Schmidt is a San Diego real estate expert and team lead of Kimberly Schmidt & Associates at Compass, known for providing strategic guidance to buyers and sellers navigating San Diego’s dynamic housing market. With over 19 years of experience and more than 500 successful transactions, Kimberly has built a results-driven business rooted in precision, market knowledge, and a highly personalized approach. Her team is consistently ranked among the top 1.5% of small teams nationwide by Real Trends, reflecting both performance and consistency at a high level. Kimberly is frequently quoted in national publications including CBS News, Travel + Leisure, House Beautiful, Bankrate, and House Digest, where she provides insight on housing trends, buyer and seller behavior, and navigating changing market conditions. She also serves as a TV host for American Dream San Diego, highlighting the lifestyle and communities that define the region. As a San Diego real estate expert, Kimberly works across a range of property types and client needs, including luxury homes, coastal properties, relocations, trust and probate sales, and 1031 exchanges. Her approach is both strategic and detail-oriented, with a focus on pricing, negotiation, and positioning homes to stand out in competitive conditions. Clients value Kimberly for her clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and ability to navigate complex transactions with confidence. Whether buying, selling, or investing in San Diego real estate, she provides a level of service that is both highly personalized and results-focused. CA DRE#01781140

Timothy Trudeau started his career in music in 1997 as a recording artist touring the U.S. Since then, he’s written and produced for GRAMMY-nominated artists, designed Stellar-nominated album covers, released Dove-nominated projects on his own label, and founded a distribution and marketing agency that serves recipients of all three awards. He is the founder and CEO of Syntax Creative, a digital distribution and marketing agency that holds exclusive worldwide rights to more than 80,000 songs. His team works with over 150 record labels across genres ranging from Bluegrass to Hip Hop. Timothy has negotiated directly with global companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Facebook—often being first to the table in emerging spaces. His forward-looking approach has led to coverage in CNN, The Washington Post, ABC News, People, American Express, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, Billboard, Yahoo, Rapzilla, and NPR. A sought-after speaker, he has appeared at Music Biz, AmericanaFest, Long Beach Film Festival, IMMERSE, Legacy Conference, San Diego Music Thing, and All Eyes On Me. He has also led live event experiences for SXSW, Microsoft, Toyota, and Rockstar Energy, and has developed educational tracks for music business conferences like Urban Network, Flavor Fest, and the GMA Dove Awards. He loves to serve. He sits on the boards of the Music Business Association and the International Bluegrass Music Association and is a voting member of The Recording Academy. He has served on GRAMMY and Dove Award screening committees, is a GRAMMY U mentor, has helped plan events for the Gospel Music Association, and is a graduate of both Leadership Music (2025) and Leadership Bluegrass (2024), where he remains active in the alumni communities.

Nick Booth is a Utah real estate agent with Utah Real Estate, dedicated to helping clients make confident, informed decisions in one of the country’s fastest-growing markets. Based in Salt Lake City, Nick combines deep local insight with a modern approach to marketing, negotiation, and client care. He believes real estate is more than a transaction, it’s about building trust, creating opportunities, and helping people open the doors to their dreams. Nick takes pride in understanding Utah’s unique neighborhoods, from the energy of downtown Salt Lake to the quiet charm of the Wasatch foothills. His clients value his honesty, creative strategy, and hands-on support throughout every stage of the buying or selling process. Whether it’s advising a first-time buyer, analyzing market data, or positioning a listing to stand out online, Nick brings a thoughtful and detail-driven approach to everything he does. Beyond the day-to-day of real estate, Nick is passionate about personal growth, community, and helping others succeed. He’s a lifelong learner who studies market trends, digital marketing strategy, and sales psychology to provide the best possible service to his clients. His mission is to redefine what it means to work with a real estate agent, someone who’s professional, proactive, and genuinely invested in your success. For Nick, it’s not just about selling homes. It’s about helping people find the right fit, whether that means a downtown condo, a family home in the suburbs, or a mountain retreat. Every client has a story, and Nick’s goal is to make that story feel supported, informed, and celebrated every step of the way.

Jacob Peistrup is a real estate marketer and consultant. He helps real estate teams and developers grow through SEO, content marketing, and YouTube content. Based in St. Louis, he also runs Living St. Louis, a real estate media brand that generates hundreds of leads annually through neighborhood guides, seller tips, market insights, and new development tours. His work spans SEO strategy, web design, content production, and analytics for real estate professionals. Jacob holds a B.S. in finance from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. He has been recognized among the Top 10 Real Estate SEO Experts of 2025 and holds an SEO Expert Certification from Gotch SEO Academy as well as an FAA Part-107 drone license.

Erik Leland is a Realtor at Realty First serving the Lake Oswego and Greater Portland area. He specializes in local market data, digital property marketing, and residential property trends. Connect with him at LelandNW.com.

Steve Jolly — Real Estate Expert Steve Jolly is a full-time real estate broker with Benchmark Realty, LLC, serving buyers, sellers, investors, banks, lenders, and asset management companies throughout Greater Nashville. With 20 years of real estate experience, more than $133 million in closed sales, 444+ personal sales, and 626+ team sales, Steve brings a practical, data-driven perspective to Nashville housing stories. His experience spans traditional residential sales, luxury homes, first-time buyers, investment properties, REO, foreclosure, bank-owned properties, and institutional asset disposition. Steve is also a past President of Greater Nashville REALTORS®, where he gained extensive media experience serving as a local real estate spokesperson during one of the most closely watched housing markets in recent history. In that role, he regularly helped explain market conditions, buyer and seller behavior, affordability challenges, inventory shifts, pricing trends, and the issues affecting homeowners, buyers, agents, and the broader Nashville housing market. Reporters looking for a clear, local, and experienced voice on Nashville real estate can turn to Steve for insight on: Nashville housing market trends Home prices and inventory Buyer and seller behavior Affordability and mortgage-rate impact Luxury real estate trends First-time buyer challenges Investment property activity Foreclosure, REO, and bank-owned properties Pricing strategy and seller mistakes Neighborhood-level market differences How national housing trends are showing up locally in Middle Tennessee Steve’s value as a source comes from both his market experience and his ability to explain complex real estate issues in plain language. He understands how buyers, sellers, investors, banks, lenders, and asset managers make decisions, and he can help connect housing data to what people are actually experiencing in the market. Whether the story is about rising inventory, slowing sales, affordability pressure, luxury housing, foreclosure activity, first-time buyers, or the changing expectations of Nashville homeowners, Steve can provide grounded, local perspective backed by two decades of hands-on experience. Steve’s approach is direct, practical, and consumer-focused: explain what is happening, why it matters, and what it means for buyers, sellers, homeowners, and the Nashville real estate market.

The Perna Team was established in 2000, spearheaded by Michael Perna. Each member of The Perna Team is brought on with 5 main criteria's in mind; Distinguished Customer Service, an unparalleled Drive, Excellence in Market Knowledge, Passion in helping and Tenacity all around. We stand by our motto, "Wouldn't you rather have a tenacious agent, than a vacation agent?". The Perna Team amassed over 82 million in sales last year and has already surpassed that goal this year. Michael Perna at the age of 21 joined Keller Williams and studied under 4 of the top area agents. Our Mission at The Perna Team, is to minimize stress during the selling and buying process, while maximizing the clients return on investment. Our Vision is to exceed the customer expectations by creating the "WOW" factor, while continually developing Top Performers. Our Values are simple at The Perna Team; we provide distinguished customer service, an unparalleled drive to exceed expectations, excellence in market knowledge, passion in helping the client though the decision making process and tenacity all around.

Kristin Oganisyan is a luxury real estate agent serving Northern California's premium markets — Granite Bay, Roseville, Rocklin, El Dorado Hills, and beyond. She specializes in guiding clients through relocation, navigating competitive offers, and uncovering hidden value in today's shifting market. Whether it's a family moving to Beale or a Bay Area buyer looking for space, Kristin brings local intel, sharp negotiation, and a genuine commitment to making the process feel human. She's been featured in local business publications and is a trusted source for NorCal housing trends, home values, and neighborhood insights.

Michael Law is the Managing Partner at Lennard Commercial Realty, specializing in industrial sales, leasing, and investment sales across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Since 2011, he has worked closely with landlords, tenants, and investors to help them navigate the industrial real estate market with a practical, research-driven approach. He brings deep experience in tenant representation, landlord advisory, leasing strategy, and investment sales, with a strong focus on identifying opportunities that align with each client’s goals. His work is grounded in market analysis, clear communication, and a detailed understanding of how location, access, and property fundamentals influence value and performance. Michael holds certifications from TREB, OREA, CREA, and RECO, and he is a multiple recipient of the CoStar Power Broker award. His background and track record reflect a consistent commitment to professionalism, market expertise, and client service in Toronto’s industrial real estate sector. He is known for taking a disciplined, analytical approach to brokerage and for helping clients make informed decisions in a competitive and constantly changing market.

I’m the founder of DIY Homebuyer Academy and a real estate broker focused on rethinking how buyers are represented in residential real estate. After years inside the traditional commission-based model, I began publicly questioning whether the system truly aligns with consumer interests. That work has evolved into a national platform helping buyers understand contracts, negotiations, and leverage — and, when appropriate, confidently represent themselves. My expertise centers on buyer strategy, compensation reform, incentive alignment, and the evolving role of agents in an AI-driven world. I work with analytical, independent buyers across multiple states and consult on complex transactions where traditional representation doesn’t always serve the client well. Through writing, long-form video, and public commentary, I explore the industry’s trust paradox — why consumers rely heavily on agents while simultaneously distrusting the system — and what meaningful reform could look like. If you’re covering the future of real estate, consumer empowerment, or the post-commission lawsuit landscape, I bring both inside experience and a reform-oriented perspective.

Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Collective in Tampa Bay, Florida, bringing 23+ years of commercial and residential real estate experience to every transaction. He leads The NOW Team, serving buyers and sellers across eight counties including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, and Citrus. Barrett holds e-PRO, MRP, and SRS designations and is known for straight talk, smart strategy, and helping clients navigate complex transactions with confidence. His expertise spans residential sales, commercial properties, relocation, investor strategy, and leveraging technology to streamline the buying and selling process. Barrett is also the founder of Vyrabyte, a technology consulting firm specializing in web development, SEO, and automation for small businesses.

Recognised in the top 1.5% Nationwide, I am a luxury real estate specialist with Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno, serving Silicon Valley’s premier neighborhoods. I work with affluent buyers and sellers throughout the bay area, offering expert guidance on pricing strategy, market timing, and positioning high-end properties for maximum value. My negotiation expertise is the foundation of the results I deliver. I pride myself in being a trusted resource on luxury real estate trends, buyer behavior, and the evolving Silicon Valley housing market.