MIAMI—Colliers International South Florida just added a heavy hitter to its team. Rick Klepal, an expert in investment sales, capital markets, and corporate real estate finance, just came on board as senior vice president. He will be based in Colliers' Palm Beach Gardens offices.

“We are extremely pleased to have Rick join our team,” says Edward R. Lyons, COO of Colliers. “He brings a broad array of skills and significant experience in investment sales, which will be of tremendous value to our clients both in South Florida and nationally.”

Klepal has handled over $1 billion worth of commercial real estate transactions during his 30-year career. He comes to Colliers from Newmark Grubb Knight Frank. Beyond building a strong track record in investment sales and capital markets, Klepal has worked in restructuring services, including serving as a court-appointed receiver and selling distressed assets and promissory notes.

“All the major markets in Florida have seen a full level of recovery, and leasing and investment sales remain brisk,” Klepal tells GlobeSt.com. “The South Florida market continues to be the state's market leader, with promising economic drivers in both the short term and long-term.”

As Klepal sees it, South Florida's continued population growth is one of the key supporting factors. He also points to a favorably low interest-rate environment creating a strong outlook going forward.

“That said, it's more important than ever for investors to get professional guidance and research in their commercial real estate investment decisions,” Klepal says. “It's just as difficult to accurately predict future returns in a hot market as it is in one going through a recovery.”