Statewide Marketing Meeting Minutes July 2018

Statewide Marketing Session for July 2018

Submitted by Louise Norwood

 

The July Statewide Marketing Session was held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Matheson Education Suite at 116 South River Road in Bedford.  Our attendance continues to grow and in fact we were only able to get around the room of brokers and affiliates twice as we used our allotted time with some good meat and potatoes discussion and good networking.  Judging by the comments of successful business transactions between members, the venue is working for all of us with much comaraderie, solid exchange of information and a foundation builder for future business.  Our breakfast sponsor this month was long time member Jeff Boufford of Boyd & Boufford Insurance located in Bedford, New Hampshire.  Jeff provided us with a homemade breakfast from the Boufford household kitchen.  Please thank your wife!

His agency is a property and casualty independent agency representing many different companies with great products and competitive pricing.

 

Joe Robinson of NAI Norwood Group presented a listing he has at 51-53 Bedford Place here in Bedford. Hard to find “for sale” double condo unit situated on the second and third floor of the popular Bedford Place condominium complex at 40 S. River Road.  Many upgrades and being offered at a sales price of $270,000.  In addition, Joe and Matt Bacon have a most attractive Class A office for lease at 8 Akira Way in Londonderry which is being marketed at $14.00 psf modified gross.

 

Tad Dziemian of Neighborhood Energy located in East Hampstead brokers energy and gas products both in the industrial and residential sectors.  Tad commented that the Eversource rates will be escalating from 7.9 to 9.4.  Tad also spoke of “vampire draws” which reflects the undetected usage of appliances in your home really not utilized during a vacation period.  He advised to turn off and unplug those appliances while you are not in residence for a reduction in energy costs.  There are tools that will measure the usage and savings.

 

Jeff Dewar of NBT Bank explained that he is a commercial lender in the Manchester branch.  The bank is a billion dollar banking institution based in upper state New York.  He handles transactions from $100,000 upwards to $10,000,000.  NBT Bank has been around for 150 years with 150 branches – New Hampshire alone has five branches.  They operate in a community bank forum even though they have the horsepower to do all of the services offered by the bigger banks.  Their seasoned employees can provide aggressive financing, flexibility and will partner with other banks to get the job done.

 

Marilyn Charbonneau of NBT Bank also is in the commercial/retail side of the banking industry with health care savings accounts being her forte.  The product is especially well suited for a business owner as a tax deferred tool for people over 55 years of age being able to contribute an additional $1,000 without a tax consequence.  If over 65 years of age, the non-taxable amount can be utilized for non-medical uses.

 

Laura Nesmith of Colliers International presented a 7,000 s.f. completely renovated mill condo for lease property at 155 Dow Street in Manchester.  Laura is also marketing a property at 1176 Hooksett Road in Hooksett for lease at $6.00 to $10.000 psf NNN or available for sale at $839,000.  She is also seeking a 6,000 s.f. building on two to three acres for a landscaper who would ideally like a three bay facility and as an added benefit fenced in.

 

Lindsey Goodrich of Berkshire Hathaway has a cash buyer looking to purchase acting as a passive investor either in the industrial or retail venues with a desired location of So. New Hampshire.  Lindsey also pitched an 8,000 s.f. listing at 1838 Elm Street which is a gorgeous Victorian with ample parking with a price tag of $895,000.

 

Bill Jean of Fulcrum headquartered in Amherst covers a variety of states including but not limited to northern Massachusetts, southern Maine and New Hampshire.  Fulcrum is currently working on getting a 100 unit multi facility approved.  Bill touted their services that range from tenant improvements; ground up construction or even segregating services.  Their expertise gives a client access to skilled labor; accurate construction costs for a precise and workable pro-forma.

 

Andrew Robbins of Colliers International has two buyers in tow – (1) one is interested in purchasing multi unit industrial buildings with contractors units and the other (2) multifamily apartment dwellings up to twenty units.  As Andrew is also licensed in Massachusetts, he is working on a project in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts – a 3,250 s.f. industrial unit which is currently being used as a screen printing space being offered at a price point of $406,250.

 

Vince Chestnut of Alpha Locksmith declared to all that it is prudent to put all of your keys into a key box made just for that use.  Vince wants everyone to know him as the premier lock specialist who will accommodate all with professionalism and as he has a mobile van he can be at your site within hours.  He offers excellent service which was attested to by many a broker and affiliate alike.

 

Nicole Davis of Hoyle Tanner & Associates brought to bear the skill sets offered by their company that being in the civil and structural engineering practices.  They can not only handle the permitting process but also now utilize drones for survey and can produce conceptual plans for client review.  The spectrum of their services span multiple levels some of which are asset management; aviation; bridges; environmental permitting; grant assistance and traffic studies just to name a few.

 

Paul Harrington of Sullivan Construction of Bedford recognized his colleagues as North Branch Builders and Fulcrum Construction.  They are currently working on a 45,000 s.f. construction project at Pease in Portsmouth and another 25,000 s.f. construction project at 35 Constitution Drive in Bedford.  Paul basically works with many of the brokers in the CIBOR community from ground up construction to full service design build construction.

 

Aaron Gill of Northway Bank-Commercial explained that they used to be the Berlin Savings Bank with concentrated banking services in the north country. They are now a full service lending institution with offices in Bedford and Manchester.  Jokingly, Aaron stated that he is in no way related to the infamous Gill that we all hear so much about in the news!

 

Brian Hansen of Team Engineering headquartered in Bedford explained that Team is a structural engineering firm that specializes in inspection, consulting and design services. Brian went on to say that their firm feels strongly that they should give back to the community and to that end are involved with The Make a Wish Foundation.  One of their clients has raised $100,000 and is converting the Falmouth Inn at the Cape into a charitable facility for those children and their families.

 

Jay Lee of Berkshire Hathaway is seeking strip centers and/or shopping centers for a cash buyer with price tags up to $20,000,000 from Manchester south.  Jay made note that he also attended the ICSC (shopping center convention in Boston) along with Robert Cruess.  He found it to be very worthwhile with many excellent take aways.  Jay gave Steve Mangekian a shout out for assisting him with an quick turn around inspection in Chichester – all went well and is now closed.

 

Matt Lefebvre of Elm Grove Realty is working with a cash buyer for property as low as a half million up to $5,000,000 as well as a 1031 buyer who has a sixty day window to select properties.  In particular the buyer desires a mixed use/retail type of commercial property in the Nashua environs up to $2,000,000.  Matt is also seeking multi family units in the low income tax credit arena.  Please call Matt if you have anything that remotely fills the bill.  In addition Matt is marketing a child care business along with the real estate in Merrimack County with a solid cash flow with a price tag of $960,000.  Matt, being no slouch, also has an investment parcel with a strong cash flow in the greater Concord area being marketed at $750,000.  Lastly, Matt has apartment buildings in the No. End of Nashua in the vicinity of Locke and Concord Streets with an 8-9 cap rate.

 

Mark Lacoy of Allobar Strategies represents a tax abatement company in Concord.  They are currently negotiating tax cases from the July 1st deadline with an appeal cycle to follow.  Mark states that the tax assessors have expanded the time line to September 1st, 2018.  Not only do they cover New Hampshire but also practice in the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts offering unparalleled personalized real estate tax consulting services to a broad range of commercial and residential clients.  With 30 years of experience, the team of property tax representatives and valuation professionals work to create and implement tax strategies to enhance the value of clients’ real estate.

 

Joe Campbell of North Branch announced that their firm just celebrated their 60tieth year in business offering construction services to a wide range of institutional and municipal type venues.  Whether the projects be in the $3,000,000 up to $60,000,000 category, their services span construction management, design build, pre-bond services, pre-construction, value engineering and a small projects service department.  Their laundry list of projects include educational facilities, healthcare, industrial/manufacturing, municipal and state, historic renovations and religious as well as recreational complexes and campuses.

 

Hayley Klein of Hirsch & Co. pitched a new office listing with residence at 33 Bedford Road in Merrimack.  The property is located in a high traffic location only 0.2 miles west of Exit 12 Everett Turnpike and 0.5 miles from Daniel Webster Highway.  This meticulously maintained 5,000 s.f., two story, four-bedroom gambrel includes a 1,100 s.f. office space, ample private parking and many other amenities.  The office is currently utilized as a dental practice (permitted by variance) for well over 40 years.

 

Marie Degulis of Secondwind Water Systems emphasized that they have the capability of assisting homeowners or commercial property owners and building managers work through compliance issues.  They work closely with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services resolving any problems with sanitation.  They are highly involved with the St. Gobain’s contamination issues helping neighboring communities to restore clean water.  Marie also offered her “lunch and learns” program to familiarize membership, owners and property managers of how they can resolve these very real and serious environmental, health issues.

 

Robert Cruess of TF Moran Engineers spoke about their niche market in assisting brokers and owners alike by providing conceptuals of “what can be built as well as land & building coverage plans”.  He recently attended the ICSC in Boston also with a mind of assisting brokers in generating sales for their retail projects.  Robert wished to remind everyone of their upcoming Manchester Chamber of Commerce cook-out to be held at 48 Constitution in Bedford on August 16.  They typically entertain and feed upwards to 200 members – one of the better networking events not to be missed.  Robert also announced that that Friendly Toast is underway at the new Market and Main project better known as the former Macy’s.  Trader Joe’s is coming soon with the hopes that they can open their doors this year.

 

Gary Robinett of Berkshire Hathaway Verani is seeking a commercial building for a client who has a $2,000,000 pocketbook in the 10,000 to 15,000 s.f. range with 18’ high ceilings, two docks and one drive in.  He has also recently listed a property in New Ipswich for $1,700,000 having 6,000 s.f. of frontage – for additional details please contact Gary.  Sounds like a winner.

 

Romeo Danais is strictly an investor interested in completing a 1031 Exchange – in particular he is seeking industrial in the southeastern quadrant of the state from $3,000,000 up to $10,000,000.  As a brief aside, Romeo offered some information for anyone who would care to follow up.  In speaking with Robin Comstock who is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Somersworth, she informed Romeo that four siblings just inherited eleven subdivided parcels with all of the streets and curb cuts for a residential development.  Contact Robin if anyone has any interest.  Romeo is also marketing his cross dock facility located at 40 Londonderry Turnpike in Hooksett.  As Sam’s Club distribution center has since taken leave due to seventy-two store closings, he is hoping to lease at a rate of $10.00 psf NNN.  The property is on nine acres of land and can support 100 semis.  The building has been engineered for expansion.

 

Drew Carter of RPF Environmental offers a host of services including asbestos, lead and hazardous material testing; indoor air quality; industrial hygiene and safety; mold inspection; OSHA compliance; environmental health and safety training, silica exposure monitoring as well as Phase 1 and Phase 2 surveys.  With twenty-nine years in the business, their geography scope ranges from Portland, Maine to Amesbury, Massachusetts.  They also have much expertise in the lead laws keeping up with the latest updates.

 

Scott Kinsley of Primary Bank deals in all types of banking services whether it be SB loans, business equipment or business sales.  Scott has been heading up the committee that will be hosting the largest networking event we have seen in years past.  If you have not done so, please make your reservations to attend with Allison Ropes and mark your calendars for this coming Thursday, August 2nd to be held at the Brookstone Event Center which will offer plenty of food and wine and some great networking!  See you there.

 

Ray Dugdale of The Financial Services Group of Colliers explained that they assist buyers and borrowers in securing the best debt capital structure, best interest rates and lowest fees that are available from capital sources in today’s market.  Colliers International of New Hampshire Financial Services Group is actively seeking referrals from commercial real estate brokers and agents for debt capital placement.  Colliers will pay commercial real estate brokers, agents, and other referral sources a fee for debt capital placement referrals.  Ex:  A Debt Capital placement referral of $2 million with a 1% fee, yields a $4,000 referral fee.  (20% percent of their 1%).  Great to keep in mind when thinking of your client’s borrowing needs.  On another side note, Ray is seeking a 10-30 multi unit project with a 15 to 20 mile radius of Manchester.

 

Mark Whelan of NorthMarq Capital hails from 155 Federal Street in Boston, Massachusetts.  Their firm offers commercial financing across the nation in the upper spectrum of transactions some of which were recently consummated – a medical office building in northern Mass at an interest rate of 4.65%/10 year term/25 year amortization and a multifamily development in southern New Hampshire taking place in three phases with a total of 288 units.  This construction loan was for $36,230,000.  Still another project was yet another medical office building construction loan also in northern Massachusetts with pretty much the same terms as the other with a loan amount of $6,500,000.  Mark also announced that he knows of an off market 30,000 s.f. listing at the seacoast – please contact Mark for additional details.

 

Duane Hines of Weston and Sampson explained that their company deals in a variety of engineering services from infrastructure, energy & sustainability to climate resiliency.  Another focus is remediating environmental issues with old mill structures as well as Brownfields.  In addition they are very active in the renewable energy field assisting with solar, wind and hot water transfer getting all of the necessary permitting for their clients.  This but scratches the surface of their multi pronged list of skills.  They are well connected in all of the New England states down the eastern seaboard to Florida.

 

Justin Mikolyski of Creative Office Pavilion provides professional office furnishings not only in the health care industry but in the educational arena as well.  Their interior designers reside at the 155 Dow Street business address where they have an extensive showroom of gorgeous products.  Justin also added that they have a program allowing business owners to lease furniture over a period of years with a dollar buy out at the end of the lease term which is a perfect strategy for start ups and for businesses moving to new locations.  Justin invites anyone interested in seeking office furnishings of all styles and price points to visit their location in Manchester to view their onsite products.

 

Matt Bacon of NAI Norwood Group has an investor with whom he is working who is looking for a stable, long term multi tenanted property in southern New Hampshire out to the seacoast and/or northern Massachusetts up to $10-$12,000,000 with the sweet spot at $5-$7,000,000.  Matt has another party who is looking for value added properties whether structurally challenged or environmentally challenged in the $3,000,000 range.  In addition Matt is marketing a property at 4 John Tyler in Merrimack with a combination of condo units that can be purchased or leased separately or as one package at $740,000.  The owner is quite flexible.

 

Tyler Rumrill of S & K Services explained that they are in the business of property inspections headquartered in Charlestown, New Hampshire licensed in both Vermont and New Hampshire.  Tyler is currently training to become an inspector and is looking forward to being part of the inspection team that offers exception service at reasonable prices.

 

Scott Wade of S & K Services expanded on their scope of services providing comprehensive reports following the ASTM Standard.  Their inspections include the following major components from structural, electric, plumbing & heating, environmental site assessment, swimming pools and everything in between.  Their team also have the ability to inspect septic systems including sewer scope inspections as well as the utilization of a drone, presale walkthroughs, radon air and water testing covering the entire gamut of getting the work done by professionals in an expeditious manner.

 

Jim Downes of Insurcomm gave us some background as to their company.  They are the leading restoration contractor in New England working with all insurance companies but most noteworthy are Safeco; Geico; John Hancock; Allstate; Chubb; Acadia Insurance; AAA and State Farm just to name a few.  They specialize in fire and water damage cleanup and restoration, mold remediation, remodeling and reconstruction.  They can provide expert emergency services to commercial clients, municipalities and residential customers when disaster strikes.  They have three retired firemen on staff which is of real value and work hand in hand with Red Cross.  They recently moved into their new state-of-the-art facility at 290 Heritage Avenue in Portsmouth with a second office stationed in Waltham, Massachusetts.

 

Ken Boyer of Turncycle Solutions is a company that is in the business of general contracting with retrofits and remodels headlining their foundation.  Along with construction work they value add by introducing energy reduction with multiple solutions offering a host of suggestions to reduce operating costs.  They will guide customers through the rebate and incentive programs offered by insulation companies and the use of LED energy efficient light bulbs with savings up to 30-40%.

 

Dave Fenstermacher of VHB is one of the largest if not the largest engineering firms in all facets of development and infrastructure catering their skills to the state and local government markets including transportation agencies i.e. aviation, port authorities, railroads, transit authorities and State DOTS.  Their civil engineering firm offers integrated services in the zoning, Phase 1 and permitting arenas.  Other technical services that VHB can offer are 3D renderings, GIS skill sets and also work closely with Eversource to establish a cost basis.

 

Heather Leach of Bangor Savings Bank explained that even though they are the new bank in town they are 166 years old and just recently bought out the Granite Bank.  They are looking forward to launching their new redesigned web site by the end of the summer that will not only have more professional polish but will give the customer a more user friendly site from which to do business.

 

Murray Beaulieu of Boosted Profits expounded on their tax remediation company.  Whereas larger firms are serviced by large cpa firms, Murray deals with smaller to medium sized companies to help them realize the tax incentives that are out there but not known in the marketplace.  Murray’s tag line posted to his web site says it all “Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery” – Calvin Coolidge.  Contact Murray to gain insight on the benefits that are deserving – get your share, on a risk free guaranteed basis.  Murray says that the United States has tax incentives for businesses intended to stimulate the economy by rewarding growth and innovation, yet sadly many of the companies eligible are not getting the benefits they justly deserve.

 

Bev Donovan, Economic Development Coordinator for the Town of Derry, gave us an overview of the commercial real estate activity in Derry.  She wanted membership to know that there are three small properties available in town some of which are currently tenanted.  Much is happening in the community and with Bev’s recent appointment as the new Economic Development Coordinator she is bringing a wide array of experiences to the position including serving as the Director of Economic Development for the Haverhill Chamber as well as being a commercial real estate advisor serving the Derry area and having the knowledgeability of being a former small business owner.

 

Steve Mangekian of Alpha Inspections now has five inspectors on staff and is currently seeking another full time inspector.  They are extremely busy handling a thirty-two unit apartment building and a nine building hotel compound in Old Orchard, Maine.  With a five man inspection team, two admin and two marketing people, they can jump on anything in short order.  They can check out any property from stem to stern/attic to basement and provide a client with information that will allow them to make an informed decision about a property in a clear, concise and professional manner.

 

Jeff Boufford of Boufford Insurance specializes in commercial insurance of all types and for all property types including but not limited to vacant buildings, strip malls, condo complexes, self-storage and a litany of every imaginable facility.  He also offers environmental site liability insurance which is surprisingly reasonable.  Jeff also made mention of the fact that many business owners do not take the time to review their coverage whether it be liability, property or group policies.  He can offer a shortened survey to give a business owner the information they need to know to price shop what they really need.

 

Louise Norwood of NAI Norwood Group pitched a double condo property listing at 105-106 Riverway Place in Bedford.  The two contiguous units are comprised of 2,250 s.f. and are being marketed for $270,000. In addition she also described a broker owned 1,386 s.f. office suite at Coldstream Park in Bedford located on the upper floor on the market for lease only at $15 psf gross plus prorata share of electric.  Several build out concepts are available for review.

 

We wish to thank Jeff Boufford for the delicious breakfast that his wife was kind of enough to prepare for this July marketing session.  All were most appreciative her time and efforts to provide us with a homemade spread.  The group continues to grow and once individuals return from their summer vacations we will once again be crammed to the gills at our present location which speaks to the success of CIBOR and the networking friendships that have been created over the years.  Wishing you all a great rest of your summer and invite you to join us once again the fourth Wednesday of August.  Please bring as much business materials as you can to assist in educating others and shedding light on your specialties.  That would be most appreciated.

 

Enjoy the fleeting days of summer!

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