Former Mandich Real Estate Advisors Managing Director Launches New CRE Firm

Cold storage real estate specialist George Smith has launched a new brokerage firm, SMITH Commercial Real Estate Group, focusing on tenant representation, landlord representation, investment representation and research & analysis of office and industrial dry and cold storage investments nationwide.

Smith began his career in 2014, brokering and transacting commercial real estate in South Florida on behalf of end-users and private equity groups. In 2018, Smith, along with Michael, Nick and Mark Mandich, sons of the late Miami Dolphins player and color commentator Jim “The Mad Dog” Mandich, launched Mandich Real Estate Advisors, a brokerage focusing on South Florida’s booming industrial market – specifically, the cold storage sector. The brothers are still operating within the cold storage development market. Prior to joining forces with the Mandich brothers, Smith served as a broker with Cornerstone International Realty. With over $250MM in sales and leases, Smith and his team have become known experts in the industrial cold storage asset class nationwide.

“Due to the market shift, I’ve decided to take the brokerage in a different direction, bringing new talent to the team and focusing heavy on industrial cold storage investments nationwide, as well as industrial/office tenant and landlord representation in South Florida,” explained Smith. “The team and I love what we do, and we are passionate about real estate. Helping and advising is in our blood.”

The change was a natural transition. The Mandich brothers are heavily focused on building their business on cold link logistics, and, with the recent market shift, Smith felt strongly that an opportunity presented itself to consolidate a team to be more aggressive within the local industrial market along with a continued focus on the national cold storage market.

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity they gave me. They are a talented team and are only getting started,” added Smith.

Joining Smith at SMITH Commercial Real Estate Group are Seth Woods, Julio Navarro and Amarilis “Mayi” Steinberg. Both Woods and Navarro served as commercial real estate advisors with Mandich Real Estate Advisors and will serve as Vice Presidents with the new firm. Steinberg is a real estate broker with over 35 years of experience in commercial and industrial real estate. Mayi started her career in real estate with the Allen Morris Company where she learned all facets of commercial real estate, specializing in the leasing of office and industrial spaces. She  has represented many multinational companies as well as local tenants. She also was a broker associate for Helmsley Spear of Florida and Clark-Biondi Commercial Realty, later opening her own company.

“Our team brings the experience, trust and reputation to the table,” said Smith. “Our goal from the very beginning was to build long lasting relationships and help our clients navigate the South Florida commercial and industrial real estate market. The team we have was built around strong fundamentals of solid character, reputation, and knowledge in the market to make sure we achieve those initiatives.”

SMITH Commercial Real Estate Group intends to expand in market share and relationships and become the premiere boutique industrial and commercial real estate brokerage in South Florida.