Grubb Hires National Director

DALLAS-Effective July 1, Michael J. Dee, will take the position of senior vice president, national director of retail of Grubb & Ellis’ transaction services division. Dee, 48, has nearly 20 years of retail real estate experience.

“Michael brings the right combination of retail, management and brokerage experience to this position,” says Bob Osbrink, president of Grubb & Ellis’ transaction services division. Osbrink says retail has become a significant component to Grubb & Ellis’ overall growth strategy, and for that reason, the company wanted to bring in someone with a national perspective. “Michael is that person,” he says.

Most recently, Dee served as director of real estate for Cottonwood Financial. Previously he spent three years as development manager of Blockbuster Inc. and another year as director of store development at Fleming Co. From 1998 to 2000, he was a director of Grubb & Ellis’ Corporate Services Group, where he focused on serving the needs of retail real estate clients. Dee began his commercial real estate career as a broker in 1987 at CB Richard Ellis. Prior to joining Grubb & Ellis in 1998, he also held real estate positions at Payless ShoeSource and Starbucks Coffee Co.

In his new position, Dee will be responsible for executing Grubb & Ellis’ retail strategy on a national level as well as client service, business development and recruiting. In this role, he will work closely with the managers of the company’s offices as well as the members of the retail specialty council and executive committee. He is tasked to generate additional retail business nationally, serve as a leasing tenant representative, facilitate lease administration, and help existing brokers generate new business. Dee will also serve as the main figure at the ICSC conventions.

Dee says his experience with Blockbuster, Payless ShoeSource and Starbucks has given him a perspective that many retail brokers lack. With his inside knowledge of corporate processes, he is able to better relate to clients.

“There are a lot of things the brokerage community can do to help a retailer attain his or her real estate goals, but they don’t know how to do it,” Dee tells GSR. “I see too many brokers pitch sites because in their mind it’s a great location, but they don’t fully understand the needs and direction of that retailer. I can help brokers become more of a consultant to retailers.”

Dee will be based in the company’s Dallas office. Dee holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Santa Clara University and an MBA from San Diego State University. He is also a member of International Council of Shopping Centers.