Indvik: I can’t speak for other firms, but in Lee’s case, our working business model has proven to be very successful so there isn’t any reason to “reinvent ourselves.” What we are doing is adding considerably to our infrastructure as well as continuing our growth and expansion plans with strategic office additions. We are keenly focused on networking and sharing information with our agents. In addition, technology is playing an important role in how we develop as a firm and help our agents function at the highest level possible. For example, we have improved our data analysis, data mining, electronic marketing, website and social media initiatives this past year. All of this will ultimately provide our clients and agents with essential tools that are important and vital in providing the utmost in knowledge, service and productivity.

GlobeSt.com: I know it is a time for expansion for some. Is that on the horizon for Lee & Associates? Are there other areas (other than your previously announced New York City expansion) where you are looking at? Why now?

Indvik: Absolutely. We believe we have the ability to grow to as many as 250 offices with about 6,000 to 7,000 agents in North America. We want to be in the top 120 MSAs and we believe we can accomplish this with multiple offices in many of these areas. For example, we have eight offices in the Los Angeles market but feel that we can grow that by two more. Likewise in the New York metropolitan area, we believe six offices are not out of the question in the next year or so. But, with this growth comes caution. An office is only as good as its people, which is why it is imperative that we hire the most productive and ethical agents available. This will be one of the biggest factors that controls our growth—the recruitment of experience core agents who can service the local market. The one thing that Lee is very sensitive to and will not compromise is on the quality or our agents. The hard-working experts, who know their local market, are the agents who make up this firm. These men and women are the backbone of this organization.

GlobeSt.com: How important are new and veteran brokers to Lee’s platform? Do you consider your firm a place that mentors young brokers?

Indvik: Both veterans and young agents are critical to our success. Our clients require a broad spectrum of services and expertise, which require a wide variety of skill sets and talents that range from the experienced, veteran broker to our associates. We are always looking for good, productive agents and feel they could come from a variety of sources.

GlobeSt.com: Following up on that, what impact will the Grubb “fallout,” if you will, have on Lee’s broker recruitment? Are you seeking some of their high-level people?

Indvik: Although the turmoil at Grubb & Ellis has created opportunities, it is not the only source and would only apply if the agents that come to us represent the ethical production and entrepreneurial standards we have come to embrace.

GlobeSt.com: As Lee continues to expand, do you think it can retain some of the same principles that formed the organization in 1979? Can it grow without becoming a corporate dinosaur?

Indvik: As they have been up to this point in time, our foundational principles are critical to our future. The foundational principles of ownership, profit sharing, decision making and investment in our growth are fundamental to our success, I am convinced that, although these principles will continue to evolve and improve, they will always represent our core values.