“As a locally-owned company, we take a hands-on approach with our commercial real estate clients and property management. The team at Lindner Properties focuses on fostering quality and supportive relationships with all of our tenants.”

Business Interviews: How did you get your start in commercial real estate in Columbia, Missouri?

Jay Lindner: I always wanted to be a veterinarian growing up. In junior high, I had the chance to spend the day with our family vet. Well, I passed out while watching my first surgery. So, I decided to explore my family’s business and took a job working in the maintenance department. I worked in several different positions and roles within the company.

After years of learning and growing, I became the head of our leasing efforts and I was hooked. I’ve loved working in the commercial real estate industry ever since! 

Business Interviews: What makes Lindner Properties different from other commercial real estate companies in mid-Missouri?

Jay Lindner: As a locally-owned company, we take a hands-on approach with our commercial real estate clients and property management. The team at Lindner Properties focuses on fostering quality and supportive relationships with all of our tenants. 

We understand things in the commercial real estate industry are not always black and white (especially in mid-Missouri), which requires our team to be flexible. At Lindner Properties, we want to make sure all the businesses leasing a commercial property from us are set up for success.  

Business Interviews: After many years of working as an entrepreneur in mid-Missouri, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

Jay Lindner: As an entrepreneur, you cannot be afraid to fail. 

Unfortunately, failures get pointed out far more often than successes. This results in creating hesitation to get creative or to start new ventures. Sometimes you have to put aside the noise and track forward to find the most appropriate and successful avenue for your business!

Business Interviews: What’s the biggest challenge you face as a commercial real estate agent in Columbia, Mo?

Jay Lindner: Our short-term challenge is not having enough inventory to meet companies’ demand to locate to Columbia, Mo. Occupancy rates are low and with the rising demand for drive thru restaurant spaces, there just aren’t enough sites to accommodate everyone. 

Long-term, I think the challenge is continuing to adapt to evolutions in the commercial real estate sector. The pandemic has accelerated some of the shifts in our industry, and we need to be prepared to meet the demands of the future. 

Business Interviews: Throughout the commercial real estate process, what’s the most rewarding part of what you do?

Jay Lindner: I get a lot of joy from watching small business owner’s dreams come true. It’s not easy getting a new business off the ground. It takes a lot of hard work! At Lindner Properties, it’s an honor to help business owners go from conception to opening their business’s doors. It’s very rewarding.

Business Interviews: What is the biggest piece of advice you can give someone interested in becoming a commercial real estate agent or owning their own commercial real estate company?

Jay Lindner: Opportunities don’t fall into your lap. There is a lot of effort required to be successful in commercial real estate. But, the commercial real estate companies and agents who are willing to put in the most time and effort will reap the biggest rewards.

Business Interviews: Columbia, Mo is growing fast! What is one thing business owners should know about the commercial real estate market?

Jay Lindner: Act quick! Commercial spaces (like offices, restaurants, etc.) are moving fast. If you drag your feet, you will likely lose out on better opportunities and commercial properties. 

Also, make sure you know who you are getting into long-term relationships with when it comes to business and commercial real estate. Commercial leases have contracts for three, five and even 10-years at a time. So, make sure you are confident and comfortable with your business relationships and arrangements.

Business Interviews: Where do you see Lindner Properties in five years?

Jay Lindner: I see Lindner Properties continue to grow our portfolio. I’m eager to see a 15-20% increase in the size of leasable square footage in five years while maintaining strong occupancy throughout our properties.