Dynamic leader with more than 25 years of experience in upscale commercial real estate development and financing, leasing, brokerage, and asset management. Creative problem solver with strong skills in the management of accounting, finance, and human resource functions. Keen sensitivity to cost containment and operational efficiency, demonstrated by a track record of identifying improvement areas and developing/implementing successful project initiatives. Expert presenter, negotiator, and businessperson, able to forge strong professional relationships with colleagues, industry contacts, the media, vendors, and clients. Thorough knowledge of real estate development, financing, and leasing laws, legal procedures, and government regulations.
KOTIS PROPERTIES, INC. – Greensboro, NC 1987 to 1988 and 1991 to Present
A real estate development corporation, Kotis owns, develops, constructs, and manages upscale specialty shopping centers, restaurants, food-store anchored neighborhood centers, and regional shopping centers in North and South Carolina. Kotis also has a restaurant real estate brokerage division that represents restaurant clients seeking restaurant space and property owners seeking restaurant users.
President and Chief Executive Officer (December 1995 to Present)
Promoted to hold full responsibility for bottom-line factors, including company vision, short- and long-range strategic planning, fiscal management, profit and loss, and human resources. Oversee 25-member team in daily execution of all business areas, to include Acquisitions and Dispositions, Financing, Leasing, Brokerage, Property/Asset Management, and Project Management. Source and identify new sites/properties, projects, and business opportunities, creating new revenue streams to augment company growth. Locate, negotiate, and ascertain financing/funding sources and supplier contracts. Obtain government approval and handle city/county negotiations. Build and maintain solid relationships with banks, as well as potential tenants, brokerage clients, and other industry contacts. Hire, train, mentor, and motivate all staff.
Key Achievements:
• Dramatically increased revenues by 700% during tenure by acquiring 30 new properties, leading development of 23 projects, creating new Brokerage Division in 1997, integrating new technologies, and re-branding the company, among other initiatives.
• Obtained all financing to fund the company’s growth through construction and permanent lenders, utilizing only debt and retaining full equity in all the projects.
• Integrated cutting-edge technologies to more effectively leverage human capital and improve Web presence. These technologies included prospect databases, video/photo imaging, email marketing, Web-listing services, contact- and calendar-management programs, etc.
• Instrumental in revamping Web site (www.kotis.org) that currently generates 600 visitors per day, doubling call-in volume and accounting for 50% of leasing and brokerage leads.
• Played a pivotal role in design and creation of some of the most attractive buildings in North Carolina, some of which are recognized as the leading retail projects in the state.
• Cultivated and grew relationships with the media, resulting in extensive free press and an average of two articles per month.
• Successfully refinanced the company’s loans, resulting in fixed-rate, non-recourse loans for 70% of the loan portfolio.
• Implemented new accounting and property management programs to maintain tighter cost control.
• Effectively spearheaded all rezoning cases for new projects, never losing a rezoning case.
Chief Operating Officer and Vice President (October 1991 to December 1995)
Promoted to oversee development of new projects and improve existing assets. Oversaw architectural design and site layout in collaboration with contractors. Supervised construction activities and directed accounting, finance, property/asset management, leasing, and brokerage functions. Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, and supervised staff of eight. Designed and implemented new intern program. Cultivated and maintained local and national industry contacts.
Key Achievements:
• Spearheaded several of the company’s most profitable projects, including three major shopping centers valued at more than $25 million.
• Developed and executed successful marketing program that generated $2 million annually in new leases.
• Greatly improved the decision-making process and organizational productivity by selecting and integrating new accounting and property management systems.
• Enhanced internal talent by restructuring staff, hiring additional team members, and creating/implementing new training materials and procedures.
• Streamlined technology and financial reporting systems.
Vice President and Leasing Manager (October 1987 to August 1988 and May to October 1991)
Oversaw all leasing functions for shopping centers, to include developing and implementing lease strategy, marketing materials, policies, and procedures. Researched potential prospects, conducted cold calls, and cultivated relationships with potential tenants. Tracked prospects utilizing new leasing database.
Key Achievements:
• Significantly increased shopping center occupancy rates by developing prospect databases, creating new marketing materials, and revamping business infrastructure.
• Streamlined leasing operations by developing and integrating company’s first leasing materials, computer database, and prospect-tracking systems.
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Business Administration (Graduated in the top 10%) (1995)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (1991)
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA (UNC) – Chapel Hill and Greensboro, North Carolina
Recipient of the Joseph Bryan Fellowship
Member of Beta Gamma Sigma (Business Honor Society)
Studied abroad in Belgium and Germany in the summer of 1990
REAL ESTATE DESIGNATIONS
Master of Corporate Real Estate Services (MCRS, with honors) – CoreNet Global
Senior Leader of Corporate Real Estate (SLCR) – CoreNet Global
Real Estate Development Certificate (REDC) – Urban Land Institute
Real Estate Development Finance Certificate (REDFC) – Urban Land Institute
Senior Certified Shopping Center Manager (SCSM)
International Council of Shopping Centers
Senior Certified Marketing Director (SCMD) – International Council of Shopping Centers
Certified Leasing Specialist (CLS) – International Council of Shopping Centers
Real Property Administrator (RPA) – Building Owners and Managers Association International
Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute
Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) – Real Estate Brokerage Managers Council
Certified Facility Manager (CFM) – International Facility Management Association
Certified Property Manager (CPM) – Institute of Real Estate Management
Licensed Real Estate Broker – North Carolina and South Carolina
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
President – Council of International Restaurant Real Estate Brokers
President– CoreNet, Carolinas Chapter
Chair – Corporate Relations Committee, Board of Visitors, University of North Carolina, Greensboro
PUBLICATION
“ New Restaurant Trends Provide Entry Into Local Markets,” Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine, 2003.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
Proficient with Windows and Mac OS: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Entourage, and Outlook); Now Contact and Now Up-To-Date, Adobe Acrobat, PageMaker, and Photoshop; iMovie and iDVD; Final Cut Pro; Yardi; The Property Manager; and Virtual PC.
WILLIAM M. “MARTY” KOTIS III