I was proud to be named one of the top 30 LinkedIn Influencers in Commercial Real Estate. As social media is a growing part of our business lives, it provides a wonderful opportunity to share best practices and ideas with colleagues around the globe. Moreover, it has provided a voice to promote my brokerage practice, my company and our Lake County developments to a wide range of industry leaders. Furthermore, as a millennial professional, it has been an incredible platform to build relationships and educate local leaders in the Lake County community about the rapid changes occurring in the industry. Follow Gordon on LinkedIn here.
Right after receiving your J.D. from Tulane University, you began building your career in Lake County. What advice can you offer to young leaders looking to professionally grow?
For younger Millennial and Gen Z professionals, it is our time to roll up our sleeves and lead. Right now, Lake County is experiencing a boom in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. As older generations age and begin to phase out of the workforce, leadership opportunities are opening up in major growth industries and the local community. I have found that Lake County businesses and government are consistently seeking to evolve to meet the needs of younger generations and new and younger voices are wanted at the table. The important thing is to be willing to step up and volunteer to help!
Lake County is enjoying a huge boom in manufacturing. What trends are you seeing in industrial space?
Industrial and manufacturing space demand continues to be red hot. While there has been a significant expansion in the inventory of big box distribution space in Lake County in the past two years, this inventory is being briskly absorbed. For smaller distribution and manufacturing spaces, there has been very limited increase in supply resulting in an exceedingly tight market for freestanding buildings under 50,000 sq. ft. and multi-tenant spaces under 25,000 sq. ft. Combined with rising costs for new construction, the hot market has pushed prices for quality industrial buildings well over $100 per sq. ft.
Nationally, there is a massive shortage of labor in the skilled trades, STEM and manufacturing, which is curtailing growth. Fortunately, Lake County continues to be competitive because of its access to broad network of skilled employees.
How do you enjoy Lake County in your free time?
You’ll catch me kayaking on the Des Plains River, sailing off of Lake Forest Beach, or hiking the trails of Lake Country’s many forest preserves with my wife. I enjoy experiencing the area’s natural beauty. Lake County is extremely unique in the sense that there are so many open spaces in such a dense metro area. After a long day outside we also enjoy quenching our thirst on the Lake County Libations Trail.
Thanks to you and Van Vlissingen for being long-time supporters of LCP and economic development in the county.
My clients expect to be located in a robust, diverse and growing community. Lake County Partners does amazing work facilitating economic growth and community development. As a commercial real estate broker and developer, my career is fueled by local economic success. Lake County Partners continues to drive major site locations and strategic growth that makes my job placing happy clients in Lake County significantly easier. Learn more about Van Vlissingen and Co. here.
