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NAI/Merin Hunter Codman Announces 2015 Broker of the Year Bruce Corn, of the firm’s Retail Services Group, excelled in facilitating sales and lease transactions in Palm Beach County’s retail sector West Palm Beach, Fla. – NAI/Merin Hunter Codman, Inc., one of South Florida’s leading commercial real estate services firms, has named Bruce Corn, a Managing Director in the firm’s Retail Services Group, as its Broker of the Year for 2015. He’s being recognized for his service to sellers, buyers, landlords, and tenants in the brisk market in Palm Beach County and the surrounding area. Mr. Corn’s honor reflects his work in the retail sector, which has been especially active for NAI/Merin Hunter Codman in the past year. Overall retail sales and leasing for the firm were both up notably, with sales up by $8 million over 2014. With more than 20 years at the firm, Mr. Corn put his expertise to good use, closing several retail investment sales and lease transactions this year. His background and market knowledge enabled him to assist a diverse array of clients, and manage complex transactions smoothly. “That is what our clients look for from us,” CEO Jordan Paul commented. “Bruce Corn has a well-earned outstanding reputation in the retail industry. He is always a gentleman and his extensive contacts and experience in the retail industry have allowed him to source and negotiate great transactions for our clients. He is a great ambassador for our firm and the NAI Global brand and we are proud to name him our 2015 Broker Of The Year.” In his work with NAI/Merin Hunter Codman, Mr. Corn oversees a retail portfolio of over 1.2 million square feet and has procured more than $100 million in sales and leasing transactions. He has specialized in retail throughout his career, and is a long-time member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, as well as a CoStar Power Broker. This year saw an increase of 150,000 square feet in Mr. Corn’s leasing transactions. Some of his most significant closings for the year included: • A relocation of the 20,000 SF Planet Fitness Gym at Village Shoppes in Royal Palm Beach, working in tandem with Spencer Grossman. • An 8,000 SF lease for his longtime client Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse. • A long-term 6,700 SF Pet Supermarket lease in Tequesta. • Two sales of retail buildings totaling 25,000 SF on Military Trail in West Palm Beach. Mr. Corn, who holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Ohio University, with a specialization in Marketing and Communications, has worked in the South Florida market since 1987. Now he specializes in representing retail tenants and landlords. His experience in the local market means he has the network required to work through challenges and make sure his client is heard. He has a robust professional network that lets him provide efficient service to clients. “Bruce understands the importance of the human element to CRE, and he works diligently to create a trusting partnership with clients,” said Neil. E. Merin, the company’s SIOR, CCIM, and Chairman. Going forward, retail in South Florida continues to look strong, and Bruce Corn and his associates should stay busy. The firm reports that there’s a trend in the market toward more urban locations and less demand in suburban markets. This suggests a continued interest in repurposing existing structures for retail, and creating live-work-play neighborhoods. These trends have been strong in urban markets for several years, and have begun to make their presence felt in South Florida’s retail and multifamily sectors as well.