Kropfl: My goal is to provide support and leadership for the Orange County team in addition to expanding Avison Young's presence here by growing our market share. I will be actively and selectively recruiting exceptional young talent, as well as seasoned brokers who are seeking an entrepreneurial culture that also incorporates a solid international platform and bandwidth to best serve our clients.

I joined Avison Young three years ago, and during that time, I have personally experienced and promoted a very team-oriented culture. Additionally, AY brokers are empowered and encouraged to make decisions based on their expertise and experience. Working in that kind of environment is not always the norm, and as I reach out to recruits, that is a key benefit that those who have been in the brokerage world for any length of time will certainly appreciate.

GlobeSt.com: What are the challenges to recruiting in the current CRE climate?

Kropfl: Our most valuable asset is our culture. While there are many brokers in the Orange County market, we go to great pains to ensure that each candidate has the culture, client-first focus and entrepreneurial drive to fit within our firm. We are a very flat organization. With that comes the responsibility to roll up your sleeves and make decisions as a principal or a member of the firm, for that matter.

GlobeSt.com: What new initiatives will your company be focusing on in the coming year?

Kropfl: Avison Young is a solutions-oriented company. Providing the necessary technology tools to our brokers and staff is critical to securing and maintaining solid client relationships. This is an ongoing AY initiative that is not necessarily new, but one that is constantly evolving, and we are continually improving upon as new efficiencies and ideas are developed and refined. Technology has changed the real estate industry dramatically on all levels. Users, owners, buyers and tenants have access to resources that they did not have before. At AY, we will strive to focus on delivering results beyond finding a property for a client. Rather, it is all about leveraging our collaborative culture to align solutions that meet our clients' objectives.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about today's leasing climate?

Kropfl: Vacancies are low, demand is high and commercial rents have been pushed to the highest level in years. These are all indicators of a robust market as they are largely driven by demand, positive economic indicators and business and consumer confidence. With that said, the markets are watching Washington closely to see if the administration's agenda will be implemented.