CASE STUDY

Metro Sales, Inc. Consolidates Locations to Improve Employee Retention, Expand Services

Davis & Associates Interior Photo

Davis & Associates

Quick Highlights

Strategic real estate advisory
Site selection and lease negotiation
Four (4) location consolidation
Renovation and relocation project management
Outstate location, relocation, and renovation

Challenge

Metro Sales hired Forte in 2021 to advise the employee-owned digital and office products firm in its commercial real estate strategy following a change in ownership. The new executive team identified the need to invest and modernize their facilities for more efficient workflows, enabling them to add services and retain employees. Forte reviewed the firm’s four south metro locations along with its five outstate locations, considering the quality of the spaces, efficiencies, and growth.

Strategy

Upon review of the functionality and cost of the four locations, Forte recommended a consolidation of the locations into one more centrally located space in Burnsville. Following a site selection process, MSI signed a lease for 55,000 sq. ft. in a newly constructed building in Burnsville.

Results

Once the location was selected, Forte provided project management and construction oversight. The team assisted MSI through the entire process of leasing, architect selection, tenant improvements, bidding, and procurement of miscellaneous vendors (AV, IT, Security, Furniture, and Movers). Forte also found new locations for offices in St. Cloud and Owatonna, and is making improvements to existing spaces in Duluth, Rochester, and Mankato.

Because Forte offers seamless coordination among its services, clients receive clear communications, accurate financial assessments, and a personal approach to real estate decisions.

“What sets Forte apart from other real estate and project management firms is creating an experience for our clients that is based on trust and integrity, establishing the foundation for long-term partnerships,” said Jim Jetland, Principal and Lead Adviser on MSI strategy.

Dan Lofgren, Vice President–Real Estate Advisory, conducted tours and provided options for the consolidation. Wally Tufvander, Vice President–Project Management, led the construction project on behalf of MSI.

“From beginning to end, it was a seamless process. From sight selection, to lease negotiations, to project management, we couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Our partnership with Forte resulted in a state-of-the-art building that reflected our companies updated offering and gives us space to grow. We are fortunate to of had a true partner like Forte to assist in one of our biggest decisions in our 50 year history.”

Dan Tuohy | President & CEO

Metro Sales, Inc.

Project Management

Our Project Management team has managed projects of all sizes from nationwide corporate renovations and relocations to small local business projects. Our experience rivals any of our competitors. What sets us apart is our client first philosophy that fosters collaboration, communication, and provides exceptional results.

Learn More

Dan Lofgren

Vice President | Real Estate Advisory

o: 952-525-3334
c: 651-428-3867
dan.lofgren@forterep.com

LinkedIn

Jim Jetland, SIOR

Principal

o: 952-525-3333
c: 612-203-3441
jim.jetland@forterep.com

LinkedIn

Wally Tufvander

Vice President | Project Management

o: 952-525-3341
c: 612-964-9767
wally.tufvander@forterep.com

LinkedIn

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