MIAMI—How do you work with tenants that speak different languages? How do avoid offending other cultures in the midst of commercial real estate deals?

In part two of this exclusive interview, we caught up with Jimmy Cushman, a property manager for Halpern Enterprises, to get his take on these and other issues. You can still read part one: Building Relationships With Immigrant Business Owners.

GlobeSt.com: Is it challenging to explain things when the business owner is having trouble understanding what you are saying?

Cushman: It's important to develop a feel for whether they are truly understanding you or not, even if they are saying 'yes' or 'I know' again and again. And it's very important that they understand everything involved in being a part of our center. For example, we find it is really important to explain the rules for signage. We would never want one of our tenants to pay for a sign and then find out it can't stay up.

Again, the personal connection is everything. If business owners see that you are taking the time to understand their culture and to make sure they are comfortable, that helps things go more smoothly.

GlobeSt.com: Are there certain situations where you have to make sure someone isn't taking what you are saying the wrong way?

Cushman: Yes. As an example, I might be explaining fire codes and the need for a clearly defined emergency exit, but the owner may think I am implying that the store isn't safe. So you have to get your point across clearly without the owner becoming defensive due to a misunderstanding.

GlobeSt.com: How does this way of working with your tenants fit in with Halpern Enterprises' overall business?

Cushman: Bernard Halpern, who started the business, was an immigrant himself, moving to the US from Poland in the '30s at the age of 16. He instilled in his children, who now run what is still a family business, the need for hard work, integrity and fairness.

This approach runs throughout our company, and fits well with how we aim to build a respectful and productive relationship with all of our tenants, regardless of their background. We are only as successful as our tenants. And we want to help them to become very successful.