SAN FRANCISCO—As GlobeSt.com recently reported, Colliers International named Jim Osburn to the post of managing director of real estate management services for the brokerage firm's San Francisco office. In an update to that story, GlobeSt.com chatted with Osburn on his agenda for 2015 and on regional drivers and challenges. Osburn has more than 15 years' experience in commercial real estate asset management, property management and valuation. In his new role with Colliers he will oversee all aspects of property management in the San Francisco market.

GlobeSt.com: Congratulations to your new role. What is on your agenda for 2015?

Jim Osburn:To introduce our unique culture and platform to as many prospective clients as possible. Our collaboration of the landlord leasing brokerage and real estate management services teams creates an unmatched asset management platform in San Francisco.

GlobeSt.com: Tell me a bit more about that platform. What makes it unique?

Osburn:The Colliers culture is very entrepreneurial so we are able to provide creative solutions for our clients. We have the agility of a small private equity firm, but the stability of a life company. I also want to introduce our culture and platform to the best and brightest real estate management professionals in San Francisco so we can deliver to our clients the best possible service.

GlobeSt.com: The San Francisco commercial real estate market is known to be one of the best in the nation. What are you seeing as the main regional drivers?

Osburn: I think most of us agree that the dominant driver is the innovation-based economy.

GlobeSt.com: How about the regional challenges?

Osburn:The biggest challenges are the cost of living and cost of doing business in the Bay Area. City centers across the US are experiencing a renaissance as Millennials desire urban living. Office rents and housing prices in San Francisco are making it difficult for businesses to grow and for young families to purchase homes. There are a number of other lower cost cities that possess fantastic urban neighborhoods and a large stock of historic buildings waiting to be restored to their past glory. San Francisco will always be at the top of the economic ladder in the US, but its growth may be muted by its prohibitive costs.

Instant Insights /

San Francisco Economic Growth, Muted by Costs

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