INDIANAPOLIS—Mergers have become all the rage in the world of commercial real estate. Small local firms are increasingly likely to join one of the big networks, and even some of the largest firms like DTZ and Cushman & Wakefield have recently joined forces. But Indianapolis-based Resource Commercial Real Estate just decided to go in a different direction. It has ended its five-year affiliation with Colliers International and will now operate as a 100% locally-owned entity led by its existing executive team.

"We saw an opportunity to differentiate ourselves from the crowd," Sam Smith, principal and chairman of Resource, tells GlobeSt.com. "Right now, you have four or five global firms that look and sometimes sound the same. But by becoming independent we can provide customized solutions for our clients. We will never have to say, 'we have to call Chicago or Paris to get approval for that.'"

Resource was founded in 2005 and joined Colliers in 2010. In the past five years, Smith says that Resource has more than tripled its revenue and doubled its workforce. And last year, more than 90% of its business was generated locally and organically. Specializing in tenant/buyer and landlord/seller representation, it is now the largest independent commercial brokerage firm in Central Indiana. Current clients include the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Hill-Rom, Walker Information and many others.

In addition to serving central Indiana, Smith adds, Resource also partners with other firms to help clients achieve regional, national and international goals. And with independence, "we can choose the companies that best fit our clients' goals. When you are with a big firm you have to stay within the brand for the most part."

Smith says he has nothing against Colliers and that the split is an amicable one. He also recognizes that some clients will continue to find value in the services provided by the big firms, and that even more mergers are probably on the way. Still, all that consolidation will in turn cause others to seek out the type of individualized services they remember getting from smaller, boutique firms.

"We see clients needing custom-tailored real estate solutions, not a one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter approach that many large global firms offer. We believe that combining our substantial investments in technology, training and marketing with our superior local market knowledge, proven processes and innovative strategies will set us apart from others."