Johnston says the company will focus on Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties. Since his and Messonnier's experience is dealing with industrial properties, the company will first focus on the sector but later look to expand into the office, retail, land and investment sectors."As time goes by, we'll look to expand into those sectors by hiring brokers proficient in those areas," says Johnston.

Johnston says Southwest Florida is viewed as a satellite distribution area, with companies typically seeking to locate 20,000- to 50,000-sf centers to meet area distribution needs. Although activity stemming from the housing market has been slow, activity stemming from the food service and medical service sectors has been strong.

"We anticipate that to be the case over the next 18 months," he says.

Grubb & Ellis' affiliate program allows the Santa Ana, CA-based company to extend its presence into key markets where it doesn't have an office. It now has agreements with 48 affiliates in at least 70 markets within a worldwide network of more than 130 owned and affiliate offices.

In Florida, Grubb & Ellis has corporate offices in Miami and Boca Raton, as well as two other statewide affiliates: Commercial Florida, with office in Orlando, Tampa and Melbourne; and Phoenix Realty, based in Jacksonville.