Larry Richey, senior managing director and branch manager forCushman & Wakefield in Northern and Central Florida, tellsGlobeSt.com that among reasons for opening the new office are thatthe company has existing clients in other locations that haveinterest in the Southwest. "The most significant driving force foropening the office is to meet our clients' needs," Richey says.

Another factor is the growth experienced in Lee and Colliercounties. "On a percentage basis, Southwest Florida has been one ofthe fastest growing areas of Florida," he says.

The office, which has seven employees, is led by executivedirector Gary Tasman. Members of Tasman's brokerage team includedirectors Scott Robertson and Shawn Stoneburner and associatedirector Brandon Stoneburner. Professional support staff membersinclude business manager Carol Arnold and client coordinators JennResnick and Colleen O'Connor. "It's always a challenge to open anew office," Richey says. "The best way is to acquire a firm oracquire a team."