The firm had developed a strategic plan a few years ago, and creating the COO position was part of the plan, Petersen says. "Five years ago, we realized with the success we were having…we were going to need to have some appropriate planning for managing that growth," he says. NAI Hiffman had been ready to interview candidates for the position when they hired him, he says.
The firm has grown substantially, having more than 220 employees from only about 35 people in 2000 when NAI Hiffman was formed, he says. Petersen says that his goals in the new position are to increase the brokerage group by 20% and continue the growth of the asset management department. The management portfolio has also increased from six million sf, in 2006, to 24 million sf. "We could be in an acquisition mode as we look other companies," Petersen says.
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