written by
Natalie Baylon

Mercado Rancho Bernardo Named First Retail Center to Earn the Prestigious TOBY® Award

Intersection is excited to announce that The Mercado in Rancho Bernardo has earned a historic achievement in commercial real estate as the first retail center to be named The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) Award in San Diego, by the Building Owners Management Association (BOMA). This accolade, traditionally bestowed upon office buildings, is a testament to our commitment to excellence in property management and operations.

The TOBY Award represents the pinnacle of recognition within the commercial real estate industry, honoring exemplary practices in building management across specific categories of building types or sizes. To even qualify for consideration, a property must first earn a BOMA 360 designation, triumph in local and regional competitions, and eventually emerge victorious at the regional level.

At The Mercado, our journey to this groundbreaking achievement has been marked by vison, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the years, Intersection has meticulously curated an international tenant mix that harmonizes to create an unparalleled experiential retail center. Our partnership with Intersection Facility Services has ensured seamless tenant improvements and project maintenance, elevating the property to new heights.

Situated in the heart of San Diego’s tech and innovation corridor, Rancho Bernardo serves as the backdrop for The Mercado’s success. The area boasts an impressive roster of major companies, including Amazon, Hewlett-Packard, Northrop Grumman, Sony, and the recent addition of Apple’s sprawling 67.5-acre campus. Conveniently accessible via I-15 with multiple entry points via Rancho Bernardo Road and Bernardo Center Drive, The Mercado stands as a community focal point, drawing in residents, office employees, and visitors alike.  Coupled with a strong residential demographic component and proven retail traffic patterns, project ownership and management saw the potential to raise the shopping experience to a new level.  Capital investment and creative vision have resulted in a unique project that is 100% leased.

What sets The Mercado apart is its commitment to excellence in every facet of its operation. From its very walkable accessibility, well-maintained landscapes, and prominent signage to the recent exterior enhancements accentuating its unique architectural features, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create an inviting and exceptional retail environment.

The judging criteria for the TOBY Award encompass an array of factors, including community impact, tenant and employee relations programs, energy management, accessibility, emergency procedures, personnel training, sustainability and overall excellence. The rigorous inspections conducted by industry experts validate the significance of this achievement.

Winning the TOBY Award underscores our dedication to delivering best-in-class operations and management. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of everyone involved in making The Mercado an unparalleled success.

We owe this momentous achievement to the vision, expertise, and collaborative efforts of an exceptional team. It’s with immense gratitude that we extend our thanks to:

  • Nicole Schuck and Sean Rafford (Intersection Real Estate Services): Their unwavering commitment to excellence have been the driving force behind The Mercado’s success. Your vision and dedication have steered us toward this historic milestone.

  • Nick Cardoso and Fernando Cruz (Intersection Facility Services): Their relentless efforts in handling tenant improvements and maintenance have been instrumental in elevating The Mercado to its current stature. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence are truly commendable.

  • Dan McCarthy and Alec Spencer (Intersection Commercial Brokerage): Their expertise in curating a tenant mix that creates an exceptionally experiential retail center has been invaluable. Your insight and dedication have been pivotal in shaping The Mercado into what it is today.

  • Mark Hoekstra (President and Co-founder of Intersection): His guidance, vision, and unwavering support have been the cornerstone of the success at Mercado for nearly three decades.

Each member of this exceptional team has played an integral role in securing this prestigious recognition. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been the driving force behind The Mercado’s triumph.

This recognition only fuels our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead, eager to continue setting new benchmarks in the commercial real estate landscape.

The Mercado in Rancho Bernardo isn’t just a retail center; it’s a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Together, we’ve made history.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and experience the excellence that defines The Mercado.

To learn more about Mercado Shopping Center or the TOBY awards, please reach out to Nicole Schuck @[email protected]

Natalie Baylon is the Marketing Coordinator at Intersection, providing strategic marketing expertise to support business objectives across company divisions. For general and marketing inquiries, please contact Natalie at [email protected] 

written by
Nicole Schuck

What to Do in a Power Outage: A Property Manager’s Comprehensive Guide

Power outages can occur in various forms – from planned outages due to switchgear maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and electrical replacements to unplanned outages, which have been on the rise in recent times. In 2023, California experienced a staggering 3,683 blackouts, marking an 80% increase from the previous year, and impacting 7 million customers, which is a 204% increase from the previous year. This emphasizes the importance of being prepared for power disruptions. Here’s your comprehensive guide to managing power outages effectively:

1. Safety First

Safety is the top priority during a power outage. Ensure the safety of all occupants in your building:

  • Elevator Use: Remind everyone not to use elevators during a power outage, as they may get stuck. Provide guidance on the use of stairwells and evacuation procedures if necessary.

2. Contact the Utility Company

The first step is to determine the extent of the outage. Is it localized to your building, or is it a broader outage in the area? Contact the utility company or local power provider to report the outage and obtain an estimated time for power restoration.

3. Inform Tenants and Occupants

Quick and clear communication is crucial. Notify tenants and building occupants about the power outage as soon as possible. Use phone calls, email, text messages, or any other communication channels available to you.

4. Provide Information

Keep tenants updated on the situation:

  • Outage Duration: Share the estimated duration of the outage.
  • Safety Precautions: Provide information on safety precautions tenants should take.
  • Emergency Contacts: Supply contact information for any emergency or maintenance personnel who can assist them.

5. Emergency Lighting

Ensure that emergency lighting is functional in common areas, stairwells, and exit routes. Emergency lighting is crucial for the safety of occupants during a power outage.

6. Backup Power Systems

If your building has backup power systems like generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), ensure they are operational. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to avoid issues during power outages.

7. Address Tenant Concerns

Be responsive to tenant concerns and inquiries. Provide assistance and information as needed. If tenants have critical equipment that requires power (e.g., medical devices), consider offering alternative accommodation if possible.

8. Document the Outage

Keep records of the outage, including:

  • When it started.
  • Communication with utility providers.
  • Any actions taken.

9. Monitor Security

Ensure that building security systems, such as access control and surveillance cameras, continue to operate if possible. If not, consider increasing security patrols or taking other measures to maintain safety.

10. Plan for Extended Outages

If the power outage is expected to be prolonged, consider making arrangements for tenants:

  • Temporary Services: Provide temporary lighting, heating, or cooling, especially if the outage occurs during extreme weather conditions.

11. Collaborate with Emergency Services

If necessary, collaborate with local emergency services and authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants.

12. Communication During Restoration

Keep tenants informed about the progress of power restoration and any developments. Once power is restored, confirm that all building systems are functioning properly.

13. Post-Outage Review

After the power is restored, conduct a post-outage review to identify any weaknesses in your preparedness and response plan. Use this information to improve your procedures for future power outages.

In conclusion, managing power outages as a property manager requires a well-thought-out plan for both planned and unplanned outages. Safety, communication, and proactive inspections are key elements to minimize disruptions and keep tenants safe during these challenging times.

 

To learn more please reach out to Nicole Schuck at [email protected]

Nicole Schuck is a Senior Real Estate Manager at Intersection, providing management services across the company portfolio. For real estate services inquiries, please contact Nicole at [email protected] 

written by
Natalie Baylon

Something’s Buzzing at The Mercado Rancho Bernardo

As we continue to see new growth and development in San Diego a new trend is taking flight—urban beekeeping. Awareness around the importance of pollinators is growing and more and more commercial real estate owners and managers are embracing hive hosting. Beyond just honey production, urban beekeeping offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to a healthier environment and a sweeter urban landscape.

  1. Supporting Local Food Production: With the decline in honeybee populations globally, urban beekeeping helps fill the pollination gap and ensures the success of local food production. By maintaining beehives in urban areas, beekeepers provide nearby gardens and farms with a reliable source of pollinators, ultimately contributing to increased crop yields and a more sustainable food system. As a result, urban beekeepers actively participate in the movement towards locally sourced, fresh produce that benefits both consumers and the environment.

  2. Environmental Guardians: Bees are environmental superheroes, and urban beekeepers act as guardians of their hives. By practicing responsible beekeeping methods, such as providing ample food sources and creating safe habitats, urban beekeepers promote biodiversity and help restore natural ecosystems within urban environments. Bees also contribute to the health and vitality of nearby green spaces by pollinating trees, which improves air quality and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the city.

  3. Education and Awareness: Intersection partnered with Alvéole to install and maintain our rooftop hive because of the education and activities they offer to tenants and the community. They provide an opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the hive, the social structure of bees, and the process of honey production. By engaging with urban beekeeping with Alvéole, we’ve become more connected to our tenants and have gained a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between humans and pollinators.

  4. Supporting Local Food Production: With the decline in honeybee populations globally, urban beekeeping helps fill the pollination gap and ensures the success of local food production. By maintaining beehives in urban areas, beekeepers provide nearby gardens and farms with a reliable source of pollinators, ultimately contributing to increased crop yields and a more sustainable food system. As a result, urban beekeepers actively participate in the movement towards locally sourced, fresh produce that benefits both consumers and the environment.

Urban beekeeping is a win-win endeavor. By supporting the bee population at and around The Mercado Rancho Bernardo, we promote the growth of thriving urban ecosystems, foster local food production, raise environmental awareness, and enjoy the delectable rewards of honey. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future—one hive at a time.

To learn more about our partnership with Alvéole, please contact Nicole Schuck at [email protected].

Natalie Baylon is the Marketing Coordinator at Intersection, providing strategic marketing expertise to support business objectives across company divisions. For general and marketing inquiries, please contact Natalie at [email protected] 

written by
Natalie Baylon

The leadership spotlight is shining strong on Nicole Schuck.

Senior Real Estate Manager Nicole Schuck sat down, last month, with fellow BOMA member Michele Ignacio of A.O. Reed & Co., to discuss Nicole’s leadership within the industry. In addition to being a longtime BOMA San Diego Principal Member, she is also an amazing BOMA leader; having previously served as the Vice Chairperson to the Programs and Seminars Committee, and for the past 5 years has served on the Board as Liaison to Emerging Leaders, Programs and Seminars, and currently the Community Service Committee.

Learn more about her leadership style below:

BOMA San Diego: What sparked your interest in becoming a leader in BOMA?
Nicole: The ability to connect with people from different backgrounds (especially property managers) and have a common connection of working in our industry.

BOMA San Diego: What is your leadership philosophy?
Nicole: Try to walk a mile in a person’s shoes before you give direction or advice to someone. Poor leaders often deliver tone deaf messages to their team if they don’t understand the background of a situation or the challenges the individual is facing. Great leaders understand their team member’s journeys and the obstacles they must face.

BOMA San Diego: What are your top three strengths as a leader?
Nicole: The ability to empathize with people in any given situation. Always having a sense of humor and not to take yourself so seriously. Recognizing opportunity everywhere.

BOMA San Diego: What skills do you use most often in your leadership role in BOMA that are transferable to your career at Intersection?
Nicole: The ability to make connections and find resources through BOMA that help me for budgeting, capital projects, and professional development.

BOMA San Diego: What is the most important challenge that you’ve faced since joining our organization, and how has your experience helped you grow in your career?
Nicole: Have confidence in yourself and put yourself in situations that get you out of your shell. I used to be a very introverted and self-conscious person; every social event used to be a huge point of anxiety for me. Now I look forward to every social event and seek out people I’ve never met. That’s one of my favorite things to do at luncheons now!

BOMA San Diego:What is the one piece of advice you have for emerging professionals who are preparing to be a leader?
Nicole: #1: Life is too short to wear a boring pantsuit. #2: You may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s ok. If you feel like someone is trying to pull you away from your authentic self and shape you into something that only serves their needs, it’s time to look for other opportunities that will embrace you for being yourself.

BOMA San Diego: Who inspires you and why?
Nicole: All the BOMA ladies! There is such a great group of women in our organization that come from all walks of life that encourage and help each other. I don’t think I could have grown in my career without the amazing support of women in our organization that took me under their wing.

Thank you for being an amazing BOMA Leader Nicole!

To learn more about Real Estate Services please reach out to Nicole Schuck at [email protected] or Mark Hoekstra at [email protected].

Natalie Baylon is the Marketing Coordinator at Intersection, providing strategic marketing expertise to support business objectives across company divisions. For general and marketing inquiries, please contact Natalie at [email protected] 

written by
Natalie Baylon

Intersection is proud to announce its new offering, R&M Services

 

An Essential part of Intersection’s real estate platform in providing a vertically integrated operation is the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) Services division. The R&M Services division offers facilities solutions beyond the ordinary. Delivering an array of services to Intersection’s portfolio of properties, in addition to servicing the greater San Diego area. 

The division ensures that tenant satisfaction, asset preservation, safety, and curb appeal are top priorities. Intersection’s R&M technicians collaborate with property managers, brokers, and owners alike to gain a better understanding of the client’s assets. Consequently, this relationship management leads to increased efficiency and reduced risk.

Intersection R&M technicians are exemplary of the company’s core values and always Driven by Integrity. The team maintains the highest level of professionalism and takes pride in the properties they service. 

Offerings range from more specialty services like flooring, lighting, and concrete treatment to turnover repair for vacant units including patching, painting, window treatment install. R&M Services also has the ability to operate for recurring services like gardening, inspection, vandalism repair, and day porter services. 

At Intersection, we look forward to being able to offer more solutions and expand these services to the relationships we are so proud to have built. 

 

For more information regarding repair and maintenance services with Intersection, please contact Elaine Wolgast at 619.314.7200

written by
Emily Bane

Intersection earned the AMO® (Accredited Management Organization) accreditation from IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management). Intersection joins an exclusive group of nearly 600 real estate management companies world-wide, and an exclusive list of 17 companies in San Diego that have met the requirements to earn this distinction. 

AMOs demonstrate strong financial performance, outstanding leadership, and adhere to a Code of Professional Ethics strictly enforced by IREM to maintain integrity beyond reproach. Accreditation as an AMO requires firms to follow best practices in real estate management, demonstrating that they meet standards and functions related to operations and service. Property owners can be assured that an AMO will put their interests first.

“We have always been very focused on the value that real estate management can create for our clients and investors,” said Mark Hoekstra, Managing Director and Partner with Intersection, “The AMO accreditation affirms our commitment to providing the highest level of service in concert with our key company driver, integrity.” 

“The AMO accreditation sets the standard in property management excellence for firms of all sizes. Our AMOs lead the industry in conduct and unmatched client service,” says Chip Watts, CPM®, CCIM, IREM President-Elect, and President of Watts Realty Co., Inc., AMO®. “We congratulate Intersection on this accomplishment, and welcome them into this exclusive group of property management firms.”

For more information about the recent accreditation, arrange an interview with Mark Hoekstra, Executive CPM®, at [email protected] or 619-819-6114.

From left to right: Mark Hoekstra, Rounak Mofty, Orquid Schon, and Bryan Calhoun attend the AMO Luncheon in January 2020.

Emily Bane is the Marketing Coordinator at Intersection, providing strategic marketing expertise to support business objectives across company divisions. Contact Emily at 619-819-8725 or [email protected]

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