Commercial Real Estate Success Stories in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR
Real clients, real properties and the strategy behind each result.
$106 million+
in transactions
Top Broker
Vancouver Business Journal, 2023 and 2024
1.6 million+
square feet leased and sold
Since 2011
in commercial real estate
100+
commercial clients served
Two States
licensed in Washington and Oregon
Success story
A Salem gym owner expands into a multi-property portfolio
4606 Southeast Boardman Avenue, Milwaukie, OR
Buyer representation · Milwaukie and Clackamas, OR · 30,000 and 20,000 square feet · Athletic facilities
The client
A gym owner based in Salem, Oregon wanted to expand beyond their established location and grow into the Portland metro market. The buyer located two properties, in Milwaukie and Clackamas, that fit the expansion vision, and brought in an investor to finance the acquisition.
The challenge
The buyer faced a multi-layered transaction: purchasing the primary Milwaukie building while securing the Clackamas location through a five-year lease with a purchase option. Complicating the deal were cell phone tower leases on the Milwaukie property (which the seller retained), multiple property owners on the seller side who all needed to agree to the terms, and the need for creative financing to make the structure work.
The strategy
Andi helped structure a phased ownership strategy: the buyer purchased the Milwaukie building with seller financing, acquired the business assets through a promissory note, secured the adjacent parking lot, and leased the Clackamas location for five years with a purchase option. The investor financed the down payments and cash at closing. Andi coordinated with the listing agent to align all of the property owners on both the purchase and lease terms.
The result
The buyer successfully acquired the 30,000-square-foot Milwaukie building for $3,759,000 through a combination of cash and seller financing, purchased business assets for $1,591,000 (via promissory note), and bought the adjacent parking lot in Milwaukie for $400,000 cash. The buyer secured the 20,000-square-foot Clackamas club under a five-year lease with a purchase option at $4,850,000 (exercisable with 12 months' notice). The buyer rebranded both facilities and began the five-year path to full ownership of the Clackamas property.
The win
Andi solved the coordination challenge: aligning multiple sellers, structuring creative seller-financed and promissory note arrangements with an investor, and building a phased ownership strategy that let the buyer expand into a new market while managing risk.
Success story
A foundry owner frees up capital and keeps operating
808 Southeast Commerce Avenue, Battle Ground, WA
Seller representation · $1,635,000 · 5,347 square feet · Sale-leaseback
The client
The owner of Foundry Michelangelo, a world-class bronze sculpture foundry operating in Battle Ground, Washington, had an established and thriving business. The owner needed to free up capital to reinvest in growing the operation.
The challenge
The owner wanted to access the equity in the building without relocating the foundry. A sale-leaseback structure offered a way to unlock capital while keeping the business in the same location and continuing operations without disruption.
The strategy
Andi listed the 5,347-square-foot retail property and structured a sale-leaseback deal. The property attracted a motivated 1031 exchange investor looking for solid cash flow and a stable, established tenant. The straightforward structure and the foundry's established reputation made the deal attractive to the buyer on a compressed timeline.
The result
The property sold for $1,635,000. The owner secured a five-year lease at the same Battle Ground location, freeing up the full sale proceeds to reinvest in the foundry. Foundry Michelangelo continued operations without interruption, and the 1031 investor gained a property with strong cash flow and a reliable tenant.
The win
Andi connected a business owner with capital needs to an investor seeking cash flow, creating a win for both sides. The sale-leaseback let the foundry grow its business while staying in the space it had built.
Success story
A cleaning and restoration company expands into three warehouses
Vancouver, WA
Tenant representation · Three warehouse leases · Light industrial
The client
Cooper Cleaning and Restoration, a growing restoration company based in Vancouver, experienced strong business growth and needed to expand its operational footprint to keep pace.
The challenge
As the business grew year over year, the company needed more space. The solution was to add the right warehouse at the right time, each year as the business expanded.
The strategy
Year one, Andi leased a warehouse to the company. Year two, business continued to grow and Andi secured a second warehouse right next door, giving the company adjacent operational space. Year three, strong growth continued and a third warehouse became available a couple of miles away. Andi leased that as well, building out a three-warehouse operation across separate locations.
The result
Cooper Cleaning and Restoration operated successfully across all three warehouses, each lease supporting a different phase of the company's growth. When the business contracted unexpectedly, the company's space needs shifted. Andi worked with both Cooper and a tenant client needing space, arranging an off-market sublease of the third warehouse. Cooper now operates efficiently from its two primary locations while maintaining operational flexibility.
The win
Andi's repeat relationship with the client meant understanding their evolving needs year after year and finding the right space at the right time. When circumstances changed, that same relationship created a solution that worked for everyone.
Success story
A national contractor secures an office with a landlord-funded build-out
201 Northeast Park Plaza Drive, Vancouver, WA
Tenant representation · 5,761 square feet · Office · Five-year lease
The client
Henkels & McCoy, a national utility and power contractor, was hired for work with the Bonneville Power Administration and needed a local office in Vancouver to support the project team. The company's corporate real estate team in Pennsylvania worked with a local operations director in the Portland area to find the right space.
The challenge
Henkels needed an office that matched its specific layout requirements, came with a clear build-out budget, and could be ready on a tight construction schedule. The search also needed to coordinate between a national corporate team, local operations, and landlord negotiations across multiple parties.
The strategy
Andi negotiated a lease structure where the landlord funded and completed the entire build-out, eliminating the burden on Henkels. The build-out estimate was locked for 60 days while the lease was finalized, protecting Henkels from cost increases. Andi coordinated between the tenant's corporate team, both attorneys, the landlord's brokers, and the property manager. She also assisted with a secondary search for a laydown yard in the Portland area.
The result
The lease closed on a 5,761-square-foot office for five years with an early termination option. The landlord paid the full $81,631.70 build-out cost, with an additional $4,783 remaining in the allowance for permitting. The landlord also covered directory and entry signage. From build-out estimate to lease signature took approximately 10 weeks, and construction began in late June 2021.
The win
Andi coordinated a complex multi-party transaction between a national contractor, corporate real estate team, local operations, and the landlord, delivering a move-in-ready office on schedule with full landlord funding for build-out.
Success story
Vancouver’s first cat café finds a home
5000 East Fourth Plain Boulevard, Vancouver, WA
Tenant representation · Five-year lease · Food service
The client
Milky & Coco's Kit-Tea Cafe brought a first-of-its-kind concept to Vancouver: a food service café where customers could enjoy beverages and food while interacting with resident cats available for adoption.
The challenge
The concept was innovative but untested locally. The biggest hurdle was finding a landlord willing to take a chance on a business that combined food service with resident animals, a combination most property owners had never seen before. Andi toured three potential locations before finding the right fit.
The strategy
Andi searched for landlords open to the concept and found one willing to listen. The landlord's initial hesitation was addressed when his daughter, who was familiar with the cat café business model, confirmed it was legitimate and viable. That conversation shifted the landlord's perspective, and he moved forward with the lease.
The result
Milky & Coco's Kit-Tea Cafe opened at 5000 East Fourth Plain Boulevard on a five-year lease. The café immediately became a community asset, partnering with a local cat shelter to offer adoptions. In the first three months, the café facilitated the adoption of over 100 cats. The business continues to operate successfully, proving the concept works in Vancouver.
The win
Andi found the right landlord and helped bridge the gap between a novel business idea and a property owner's comfort level. The result was a unique community space that combines commerce with animal welfare.
Success story
A wellness business owner wins a stand-alone building in competitive bidding
16400 Southeast 18th Street, Vancouver, WA
Buyer representation · $1,789,000 · 3,076 square feet · Stand-alone retail
The client
The owners of an aesthetics wellness business had been leasing their space but wanted to own a stand-alone building with strong drive-by visibility. They had watched a former bank building in Vancouver's Cascade Park area sell to an investor earlier in the year. When that buyer's plans changed and the property came back on the market, they were determined to acquire it.
The challenge
The property drew immediate interest and multiple offers. The building represented exactly what they wanted: a 3,076-square-foot stand-alone retail property with high visibility. They were competing against investors with larger offers and different motivations.
The strategy
Andi sent the buyers market data and an Actual Property Operating Data sheet showing that owner-users typically pay premiums over investors for rare stand-alone retail properties in the area. This education shaped their offer strategy. Andi submitted an escalation offer at $25,000 above the highest competing offer, capped at $1,789,000. When the seller countered at the cap and another offer came in at $2,100,000, Andi's conventional financing and fastest-closing terms made the difference. Andi requested redacted proof of the competing offer before the buyers committed, ensuring confidence in the decision.
The result
The buyers won the property at $1,789,000 with conventional financing and a 30-day close. General conditions released in October, with the seller completing repairs to the roof, heating and air conditioning, windows, and electrical panel. The property closed and recorded on November 12, 2025, approximately 98 days after Andi first contacted the buyers about the listing.
The win
Andi's market knowledge and offer strategy beat a $2,100,000 competing offer by focusing on what mattered most to the seller: terms and certainty of closing. The business owners now own their wellness building with the visibility and control they wanted.
Success story
A landscape company upgrades to acreage and expands operations
1304 Northeast 199th Street, Ridgefield, WA
Buyer representation · $1,450,000 · 16.85 acres with a 3,981-square-foot building · Business park zoning
The client
Greenhaven Outdoor Living, a Vancouver-based landscape and outdoor hardscape company, owned and operated from a property in Vancouver. When a developer purchased their property to combine lots for a larger light industrial warehouse project, the company needed to relocate and find a larger location to support its growth.
The challenge
The company needed more space than their original Vancouver property offered, and timing was tight. The buyer of their property had numerous time extensions, so Greenhaven had to be nimble and flexible and find a seller of their new property that was also flexible on their sale.
The strategy
Andi structured the acquisition using a reverse 1031 exchange, allowing the company to purchase the Ridgefield property before the sale of the original Vancouver site closed. This timing allowed Greenhaven to keep their operations flowing smoothly.
The result
Greenhaven Outdoor Living purchased 16.85 acres with a 3,981-square-foot building at 1304 Northeast 199th Street, Ridgefield, for $1,450,000. The property provided an office, a greenhouse, and overall expanded operations. The company also leases space to other contractors, creating rental income.
The win
Andi's reverse 1031 structure gave the company time to find the right property without selling under pressure. The larger location supports growth, generates secondary income through contractor leases, and preserves long-term value.
Success story
A nonprofit secures and transforms a building for a disability services day center
424 Northeast Ford Street, McMinnville, OR
Buyer representation · $1,500,000 · 7,977 square feet · Office
The client
TrueNorth, a nonprofit organization supporting adults with disabilities, identified a building in McMinnville that could serve as their day center. The organization provides Day Services Activities, vocational support, and Professional Behavior Services focused on daily living skills, special interests, and community employment.
The challenge
TrueNorth needed a building it could own and customize as a dedicated day center. The identified property drew multiple offers and came with significant complexity: the seller was a government agency that required an elected official vote to approve the sale. TrueNorth's own nonprofit board also needed to approve the acquisition. The time delays from multiple governing bodies made the process lengthy and uncertain.
The strategy
Andi represented TrueNorth in an all-cash offer. The organization had the funds available and chose to pay cash to strengthen its position among multiple competing offers and demonstrate certainty of closing to the government seller.
The result
TrueNorth purchased the 7,977-square-foot office building and adjoining vacant lot at 424 Northeast Ford Street, McMinnville, for $1,500,000. The property required a full interior remodel, as it had previously operated as a car dealership and then a county health department building. The organization is currently completing architectural drawings, securing permits, and overseeing construction to build out the space as a fully functional day center.
The win
Andi navigated a complex transaction requiring approval from both government officials and nonprofit board members. The cash offer and certainty it provided helped TrueNorth win the property despite competition, putting the organization on the path to opening a dedicated facility for the adults and families it serves.
Success story
A new church plant secures a permanent home with multi-church support
14313 Northeast 20th Avenue, Vancouver, WA
Tenant representation · 4,800 square feet · Church · Three-year lease
The client
Generations Church had been renting space by the week and needed room to grow. The church, supported financially and strategically by other churches across the country, was looking for a permanent location to establish itself in Vancouver. The organization needed a dedicated 4,800-square-foot space where the congregation could expand.
The challenge
Finding the right location involved coordinating with multiple stakeholders: the landlord, the local church leadership, and supporting churches from across the country who were actively involved in the lease negotiations and approving lease language. The shopping center landlord had concerns about parking and potential conflicts with other tenants in the center.
The strategy
Andi worked with Generations Church to address the landlord's parking concerns. The church demonstrated a willingness to work collaboratively with neighboring property owners to share parking resources and manage the center's common areas. This cooperative approach gave the landlord confidence in the tenant's commitment to being a good community member.
The result
Generations Church secured a 4,800-square-foot space at 14313 Northeast 20th Avenue, Vancouver, on a three-year lease. The church worked through the coordination needed with supporting churches across the country to finalize lease terms that protected everyone's interests. The bigger space allowed the congregation to grow to over 100 members. The landlord has since renewed their lease, demonstrating strong landlord-tenant satisfaction.
The win
Andi navigated a complex lease involving multiple parties across different states and helped the local church and landlord find common ground on parking and operational concerns. The result is a stable, growing home for the congregation and a landlord confident in his tenant.
Success story
A congregation sells its Portland property to relocate to Vancouver
8747 Southeast Foster Road, Portland, OR
Seller representation · $1,232,200 · 3,635 square feet · Church
The client
A congregation based in Portland decided to relocate to Vancouver. The move required selling their current property and freeing up the capital to establish themselves in their new location.
The challenge
The congregation needed to sell their Portland building efficiently to fund the relocation and establish operations in Vancouver without a gap in their transition.
The strategy
Andi represented the congregation in selling the 3,635-square-foot building at 8747 Southeast Foster Road, Portland. The straightforward transaction allowed the congregation to move forward with their relocation plans.
The result
The property sold for $1,232,200. The sale provided the capital the congregation needed to relocate and establish themselves in Vancouver, completing their move successfully.
The win
Andi facilitated a smooth property sale that enabled the congregation's relocation. The transaction freed up the resources needed for the congregation to transition from Portland to Vancouver and establish their new home.
Success story
An off-market sublease puts two businesses behind one warehouse
11013 Northeast 39th Street, Vancouver, WA
Sublandlord representation · 9,744 square feet · Light industrial
The story
When this 9,744-square-foot light industrial space first came available, two businesses submitted letters of intent: a restoration company and repeat client, and an athletics business. The athletics business had a new owner who did not yet have financials of its own, so the property owner chose the restoration company. When the restoration company's space needs later changed, it needed to sublease the warehouse, and the athletics business still wanted to move from Portland to Vancouver. The off-market sublease gave the athletics business the space it had wanted from the start, kept the original tenant on the lease and left the property owner with two businesses standing behind the space.
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