Name: Scott Mertz, SIOR Title: Principal Company Name: NAI Mertz Corp. Year Founded: 1980 Years with Company: 15 Years in real estate industry: 15 Q: The approximate number of years you have been a subscriber and/or how the NYREJ has been a benefit to you and/or your business: A: I've subscribed to the NYREJ since I first joined NAI Mertz Corp. as an industrial real estate specialist in 1999. As a broker at one of the leading commercial real estate firms in Southern N.J., I always read the NYREJ to stay on top of news in the commercial real estate industry throughout the N.Y. Metropolitan region. The news and articles in the NYREJ help me keep clients and colleagues better informed of trends and opportunities in the marketplace. Q: The approximate year you discovered the NYREJ and what business you were in at the time: A: Growing up in the commercial real estate industry - my father, Barry Mertz is the president of NAI Mertz and has enjoyed a 40-year long career in the industry - I have always been surrounded by commercial real estate news. The NYREJ has always been a publication I've enjoyed reading. Q: Your most memorable or favorite "15 minutes of fame" in the NYREJ : A: In 2009, I wrote an article for the NYREJ about the 2008 recession and its effect on the commercial real estate market in Southern N.J. While business was stagnant during the recession, I believe this article leveraged my position as an industrial specialist in the Southern N.J. marketplace and provided me with many great networking opportunities. Looking back on my contribution to the NYREJ, I realize I was fortunate to meet some amazing people and make a lot of great friends in the industry.