John Randolph Ayers, Broker – Crye Leike Commercial-Brentwood

Why did you choose Chattanooga as a location for properties particularly Quick Service Restaurants?

Chattanooga has landed projects from global companies like Volkswagen, Amazon and Google. They have maintained a strong base of home grown companies including Unum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, McKee Foods, Shaw Industries and Lodge manufacturing. The region has benefited from more than $8 billion in new business investment since 2008. This has led to the city having 2nd highest population growth in the state of Tennessee.

What has been your commercial real estate experience?

Licensed in SC in 1985, have always been involved in commercial real estate and development. I feel commercial and residential sales are two entirely different disciplines and it is difficult to be effective at both. During my career I have been licensed in 6 southeastern states.

What was your experience like working with Anne?

As broker for a high-volume developer operating in 28 states across the US I am always looking for talent to advise and represent us in local markets. Anne has exhibited the knowledge and ability to successfully operate in the Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee markets. We rely on her to supply us with quality opportunities to meet our schedule and she always responds with creditable information; representing us with the utmost professionalism and integrity. Anne has become a valued member of our real estate team.

How was Anne instrumental in negotiating your PSAs (Purchase and Sale Agreements)?

Working for a developer with dozens of properties being negotiated across the country and multiple individuals being involved, Anne kept the lines of communication open and clear. She kept concise notes from all communications to ensure there would be clarity if any misunderstandings arose. She was able to have discussions with all parties involved from myself, the developer, the attorneys, and the seller’s agents. She was tenacious in negotiating mutually acceptable terms in difficult situations

Who is your inspiration?

My family.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

A man can’t eat but so much banana pudding.


Michelle Huffman, Events with Taste

What is Events with Taste?

Events with Taste is a full-Service Catering and Event Production Company in Chattanooga Tennessee

What was your experience like working with Anne?

Anne made, what could have been a disastrous and stressful situation; a simple, uncomplicated, peaceful process. I felt like she understood our needs and cared about finding us not just a place but the perfect place. Even after we found “the place” she spent an enormous amount of time ensuring we were protected through the process and for years to come.

How was Anne instrumental in purchasing the needed properties?

Within 24 hours of calling Anne, she had put a complete prospectus together for us and we were out looking at properties within 48 hours. She explained terms in language we could understand and stayed by our side looking out for us until the deal was signed.

Who is your inspiration?

Frank Stitt, Chef – Birmingham AL

Any hard-working female entrepreneur

What is the best advice you have ever received?

My father told me at a young age, that I was going to have to work for the rest of my life, and the sooner I accepted that fact and found something that was going to challenge me AND make me happy the better off I would be. He was correct. I love my job.


Aaron White, Evergreen Real Estate

Who is Evergreen Real Estate?

Evergreen Real Estate is a private real estate company focused on managing high-quality apartment communities for third-party owners. Based in Nashville, Evergreen Real Estate manages more than 6,000 apartment units in the Southeast. Evergreen has served as senior advisors to real estate projects totaling over $1 billion in value.

What was your experience like working with Anne?

Anne has all the attributes of a great commercial real estate adviser and agent – professionalism, integrity, knowledge, experience, accessibility and likeability. However, what truly differentiates Anne is her reputation and strong network with other community leaders which gives a competitive advantage to all her clients. Moreover, Anne is one of those rare agents who has struck the right balance between professional and personal for her clients – her professional strengths are obvious but her positive attitude, patience, listening skills and focus on cultivation of long term relationships is what maker her truly trustworthy and enjoyable to work with.

How was Anne instrumental in purchasing the needed properties?

We first met Anne as we were working on the Cameron Harbor development. This was a 22 single family homes, 19 townhouses, 239 Apartments project. All in this was a $159 million dollar development overlooking the Tennessee River with a variety of housing options with additional phases of apartments, single family homes, townhouses and a hotel in the coming years. The first item in which Anne was instrumental in was getting the property to contract. After months of negotiations, Anne’s knowledge of market value and perseverance in keeping all parties in a “win win” scenario, allowed the property to go under contract. Secondly, the main obstacle with land in this area is the environmental issues. Anne worked diligently with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and our environmental engineer team. She ensured there was clear communication among all parties, what was required and time frames.

Who is your inspiration?

Jesus Christ, Ronald Reagan and Peyton Manning

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Treat People with Respect, Be Honest, Work Hard


SSA

What has been your commercial real estate experience?

I would answer that question with little to none. I am a physician…NOT a commercial real estate adviser. I brought in Anne Najjar to be that advisor as that is her specialty and she is an expert in that field.

What was your experience like working with Anne?

Anne displayed a high level of professionalism and aptitude. Prior to meeting Anne, we had experienced nothing but frustration with attempted lease renegotiations. However, once we had met with Anne and enlisted her as our Commercial Broker, she was able to navigate us through a complex situation that seemed effortless with her expertise. With Anne it wasn’t just about “getting the deal done”, as she took every measure to ensure the numbers worked, the lease language was appropriate, and that we were being represented fairly. She was accessible, responsive, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.

How was Anne instrumental in negotiating your lease?

We were in a difficult situation in which there were fiduciary concerns. Anne listened to clearly understand our end goal of a revised lease agreement while maintaining existing relationships. She was able to effectively communicate, answer questions, and address concerns for all parties involved. Anne was pivotal for us in both resolving previous business, but also setting us up for success in the future. Anne’s experience showed us how true value can be achieved with the right talent. For in the end, we saved significant amounts of money and protected our business through her negotiations.