Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class in its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Here is a look at the busy career of one of the newest Hall of Fame members, Ross Lanford, senior executive vice president and principal of the Columbus office of Colliers.
As senior executive vice president and principal at Colliers|Greater Columbus Region, Ross Lanford specializes in office leasing, investment sales, development and buyer/tenant representation.
Through his experience in brokerage, property ownership and asset management, Lanford has offered his clients insight that has helped them evaluate both purchase and lease opportunities from all perspectives. His understanding of market activity is a valuable resource to his clients, as him he and his team currently handle the leasing for more than 8 million square feet of Class-A and -B office space throughout Central Ohio.
During the course of his 15-year career, Lanford has completed transactions totaling more than $1 billion in value.
Before joining Colliers, Lanford most recently spearheaded his own venture of Superior Real Estate Advisor/Superior Shot Sales specializing in redevelopment projects and loan workouts, while splitting time between Columbus and Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior to that, he was with Alterra Real Estate in Columbus, working directly with buyers, sellers and tenants in completing all stages of the commercial sales and leasing process.
Despite his success, Lanford has faced obstacles throughout the years. Challenges are inevitable, and he said it’s important to be prepared for setbacks and disappointment. No deal is finished until everything is signed and funds have transferred.
“Even then, sometimes things can go wrong that are out of your control, such as zoning not getting approved or tenants’ businesses suffering an unexpected loss,” Lanford said. “You must have thick skin in this business and never getfeel too up or down.”
Each lesson Lanford has learned through navigating these challenges has been beneficial, but his success has stemmed, also, from building his business upon strong relationships with his clients and colleagues. “These relationships allow me to find solutions to any need my clients have,” he said. “I’ve also built a team of likeminded individuals with the enthusiasm to grow relationships and keep our business growing.”
Relationship-building is also his favorite part of the job, and he’s developed many long-standing friendships over the years as a result.
When not at work, Lanford is likely spending time with his family, traveling or playing golf.
