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Hold the Line: What Wins in Industrial’s New Cycle

September 8, 2026 32 Minute Listen

Engineer in a blue hard hat holding a tablet while inspecting rows of steel

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Shallow-bay industrial real estate is having a moment. Investor Jordan Schnitzer explains how his family firm was early to recognize the opportunity in this specialized corner of the market. He discusses how building deep knowledge of an asset class and local markets and operating with a long-term mindset have helped Schnitzer Properties grow a differentiated industrial platform.
Engineer in a blue hard hat holding a tablet while inspecting rows of steel

Hold the Line: What Wins in Industrial’s New Cycle

September 8, 2026 32 Minute Listen

Hold the Line: What Wins in Industrial’s New Cycle

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Unique insights on what matters most today in commercial real estate.



Key Takeaways:

  1. Demand for shallow-bay industrial space has increased as more small and mid-sized businesses need flexible facilities to store, distribute and deliver goods.
  2. Schnitzer Properties leaned into shallow-bay industrial early because it rewards hands-on operators with local market knowledge, tenant relationships and disciplined execution.
  3. The company’s long-term ownership model supports upfront investment in property quality, landscaping and “sense of arrival,” with the aim of retaining tenants and protecting asset performance.
  4. With cap-rate compression unlikely to drive returns, Schnitzer argues that operational expertise and niche specialization are becoming more essential.


Guests

Photo of Jordan Schnitzer

Jordan Schnitzer

President and CEO, Schnitzer Properties

Jordan Schnitzer is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, a family-owned commercial real estate investment development company based in Portland, Ore. Under his leadership, SchnitzerProperties has grown into one of the top 10 private real estate owners in the West.


Founded in 1950, the company will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025. Schnitzer Properties owns and operates more than 33 million square feet of property, focused primarily on industrial spaces for small and mid-sized manufacturers, distributors, and service providers. The company manages regional offices in Tucson, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego and Las Vegas.

Host

Photo of Spencer Levy

Spencer Levy

Global Client Strategist

Spencer is the Global Client Strategist and Senior Economic Advisor for CBRE, where he plays a central role on the firm’s “Client Care” team, working daily with its largest investor and occupier clients. He brings more than 30 years of experience as a lawyer, investment banker, and leader in research and capital markets leader, with the last 18 years at CBRE.

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