ORLANDO-Continental Real Estate Companies, or CREC, is redoubling its efforts in Central Florida. The firm is expanding its retail practice in the region, adding Josh Busby and Lisa Schummer to its roster to take its leasing, property management and construction management practices to the next level.

Busby joins CREC as a vice president. He previously served as a leasing manager for specialty and regional shopping centers at Developers Diversified Realty. Schummer, who previously served as leasing agent at Pelloni Development, comes on board as a leasing associate. The duo will focus on developing and executing customized leasing plans, identifying target asset use, and evaluating prospective tenants, with the goal of maximizing value for the firm’s agency leasing clientele.

“We have a very strong pipeline of activity right now that’s primarily being fueled by distressed assets and lender-based business,” CREC president and cofounder Carol Brooks, tells GlobeSt.com. The firm currently leases and manages a portfolio of 11.4 million square feet statewide, with 2.5 million square feet located in Central Florida.