Solon Gershman Renamed Gershman Commercial
Date Posted: August 31, 2013
Posted In: Discussion, Organizations,
Building on its six decade history, and with an eye to the future, Solon Gershman Inc. is changing its name to Gershman Commercial Real Estate and rolling out a new logo.
“Refining our brand through the name and logo reflects more accurately who we are and what we do,” said Gershman Executive Chairman, Tom Stern. “We consider both the name and logo change a public recognition of our commitment to the future of the company. Rebranding at this juncture affirms that Gershman is attuned to today’s market place.”
Gershman’s investment in the future however goes far beyond just branding. Recent organization changes include Tom Stern assuming the position of executive chairman, allowing him the opportunity to focus on the redevelopment of the Gershman family’s owned portfolio of commercial real estate, as well as concentrating on acquisition and development opportunities for the company and Gershman’s clients. Bruce Pompe, the firm’s long-time executive vice president and COO, was elevated to the role of president and CEO effective August 1, 2013. Additionally, Chris Fox, who joined the company June 1, as Executive Vice President of Brokerage and Advisory Services, stated “These changes reflect a commitment to the future”.
The Gershman story began when Solon Gershman founded the firm in 1949 under the name Solon Gershman Realtors, Inc. He had a vision that the company should be a full-service real estate company and handle every facet of the real estate business. Capitalizing on opportunities to grow the firm, Solon Gershman Inc. merged with Follman Properties in April of 2005, and acquired Coldwell Banker Commercial in November of 2011. Chris Fox also stated, “Gershman’s 65-year history speaks to its sustainability with a foundation built around many of the leaders of the industry in St. Louis, starting with Solon and still including Tom Stern, Ed Balk, Burt Follman, Bruce Pompe, Greg Nooney and Bruce Brophy. The firm is extremely well capitalized and backed by a family synonymous with real estate excellence.”
After starting as a general retail brokerage operation handling everything from single-family homes to large office buildings, Gershman today employs more than 65 people and manages more than 7.5 million sq. ft. of office, industrial and retail property throughout the St. Louis area. Properties of note include Park 270, Barrett Woods Office Park, Orchard Bend Shopping Center and Flower Valley Shopping Center. The leasing signs on these properties, and Gershman’s other 200 plus signs in the market, will begin to reflect the new logo over the next two weeks.
Gershman also has a history of representing some of St. Louis’ leading corporate citizens with their commercial real estate requirements both in St. Louis and nationally including Emerson, Energizer, Safety National, Monsanto Enviro-Chem, BJC Healthcare, St. Louis University and Walgreens. Gershman’s corporate headquarters is still based in Clayton, Missouri.
Gershman Commercial Real Estate (formerly Solon Gershman Inc.) is the largest locally owned, full-service real estate firm in St. Louis offering commercial brokerage services, asset and facilities management, investment acquisition / disposition, corporate services, consulting and development services. For information see www.gershmancommercial.com.