The company currently has 50 commercial real estate advisors throughout the state. "My mission is to grow the revenue of the existing franchises, and open up and expand other franchises in other areas of the region," Anderson says.

He adds that the move is part of a companywide initiative to grow through area development agreements. The company also plans to sign similar agreements in Chicago and Seattle. About six years ago, the company made a decision to grow operations through the establishment of franchises, rather than opening its own "brick and mortar" facilities. "We see tremendous opportunity for growth in Florida, which is already the third largest state in the union," says Sperry Van Ness CEO and co-founder Mark Van Ness, in a prepared statement. "We believe Jerry is the best man to achieve this growth in his home state."

Specifically, Sperry Van Ness is seeking a local or regional retail specialty firm, multifamily specialty firm and office/industrial firm that want to grow throughout the state without spending their own capital. Anderson adds that the company is partial to firms working in the Interstate 4 corridor from Daytona Beach to Tampa.