Scott Mertz, NAI Mertz

What was the best thing that happened to you or your firm in 2014? We've had a steady rebound from the Great Recession over the past few years, but in 2014, our completed transactions saw a significant jump - both in sales and leases. We're back in growth mode, adding new brokers and staff. What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or personal achievement in 2014? Among my significant industrial sale transactions in Southern New Jersey were 7 Esterbrook Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ and 499 Veterans Drive, Burlington, NJ. 7 Esterbrook Lane is a 181,000 SF industrial facility that I sold to an investor. After the sale, I completed a lease of 125,000 SF to a long-term credit tenant. 499 Veterans Drive is a 95,000 SF food manufacturing facility that had a specialized fit-out. I was able to find a buyer, Junior's Cheesecake, Inc., that was ideally suited to utilize the building in its current configuration. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2015? We expect to make inroads in the energy sector in 2015, as the players in the energy sector have begun to recognize Philadelphia's potential. With its proximity to the Marcellus Shale play and strong connectivity via port, rail, and major highways, energy firms are looking to Philadelphia as a site for refineries and other operations. With offices in Philadelphia, Bucks County, and Northeastern PA, we're in an ideal position to capitalize on Philadelphia's emergence as a global energy hub. What are some of your real estate predictions for 2015? The big thing to watch in 2015 will be the progress of the GROW NJ incentive program, and how long the State of New Jersey can continue to award massive tax credit deals to attract and retain businesses. Given the flurry of activity in Camden, NJ, I do think we'll see positive change from the firms relocating here, including Subaru, Holtec International, Lockheed Martin and the Philadelphia 76ers. I think we will see a flurry of new construction jobs as companies are on track to build new facilities. I also think we will see more retailers and restaurants pop-up as the daytime population in Camden begins to swell.