Stephanie Lee launches Global Street Partners, a new Twin Cities commercial real estate firm

Stephanie Lee, a commercial real estate expert from the Twin Cities, has launched a new firm of commercial real estate in the Twin Cities called Global Street Partners.

She said that Lee felt the time was right for Global Street to be launched because she wanted a new challenge. She also saw it as an opportunity to promote diversity in the commercial real estate industry by launching her own firm.

Global Street provides a complete array of real estate service to clients. Lee brought some of these services with her when leaving Carlson Partners. NorthRock Partners and Lifeworks, as well as Northwest Area Foundation and some national clients are among her clients.

Lee explained that the firm's services included tenant representation, asset management, real estate strategy and analysis, as well as leasing and purchasing negotiations.

Lee stated, "I want to elevate the discussion of real estate within corporations so that business can look at real property intentionally and strategically." She said that the current market trends make advisory services more important for companies.

Companies are becoming more deliberate about the office space they use. She said that companies are looking at more than just the square footage of their office and their available space, but also how their employees use their workspaces.

Lee has a background in business strategy and commercial real estate. Before joining Carlson Partners in 2007, she worked at Cushman & Wakefield. Lee has worked in HR for many years, including at Cargill Inc.

Her experience in human resources, business strategy, and marketing has proven to be a great asset. She said that she is able understand an entire business and its requirements: "That, in fact, is what helps me differentiate Global Street Partners from others," she added.

Lee, the sole employee of her firm, plans to hire more staff including interns from different backgrounds. Lee will mentor the students this summer and let them shadow her as she works on transactions.

Global Street is initially focusing on the Twin Cities. However, Lee hopes to expand it into a national company.

She said, "I definitely hope to diversify my business and [be] a voice for those who don't have the same access to opportunities as I do."