Industrial Owner/Manager Carson Opens Office in Radnor, PA

RADNOR, PA—The Carson Companies, a leading industrial real estate investment and development firm based in Newport Beach, CA, has established an East Coast office and retained Chris Hermance as managing director to lead its regional expansion. Located in Radnor, PA, Carson's new office will pursue industrial investment opportunities – including land for development and existing buildings – in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets. 

With a portfolio exceeding 14 million square feet of class A industrial space in Southern California and Houston, Texas, The Carson Companies provides buildings suited for modern logistics, distribution and supply chain management needs, offering in-house property management, asset management, leasing, construction management and development capabilities. The privately held REIT has been in business for more than 100 years and takes a long-term approach to its investment and development activities. The company invests on its own behalf and provides investment, portfolio and asset management services for its institutional partners.

The expansion is a natural move for the firm, says Jim Flynn, Carson's president.

“Our portfolio has been developed in two of the country's largest and most densely populated seaport markets,” he says. “The New Jersey/Pennsylvania region is an established industrial hub serving the New York metropolitan area, as well as the entire East Coast. This expansion will foster our own growth while enabling us to better serve our existing tenants on the west and gulf coasts – many of which have a local presence as well. We see great opportunity in planting our flag here, especially with Chris leading the charge.”

Hermance, who was previously vice president of investments for KTR Capital Partners before its acquisition by Prologis, has nearly a decade of experience sourcing investment and development opportunities in Dallas, Houston and Pennsylvania. The Wayne, PA, resident, has led $385 million in industrial real estate sale transactions.

“The Carson Companies is a great fit for me,” Hermance says. “This is a well-established organization with a very long-term view, a strong balance sheet and a flexible investment platform. This will enable me to pursue opportunities that are right for this market. We are looking at development, redevelopment and class A offerings to purchase outright or as a joint venture partner. Ultimately, Carson is looking to build on its success to become a leader in three coastal markets. I look forward to being part of that.”

Hermance is a member of NAIOP's Developing Leaders National Forum. He holds a bachelor's degree in finance and an MBA from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business.