Pittsburgh-based commercial real estate firm NAI Burns Scalo has significantly expanded its Florida presence by acquiring Fort Myers-based Commercial Property Southwest Florida. This acquisition positions the company to deploy its full-service platform—ranging from brokerage and property management to construction and investment—across one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.### Key takeaways
- NAI Burns Scalo has acquired Commercial Property Southwest Florida, established by industry veteran Gary Tasman.
- The company is diversifying its portfolio, aiming to reduce dependence on office assets to 40% while growing industrial and multifamily investments.
- Firm executive leadership has established a goal to invest roughly $250 million annually across its operating markets.
- The hiring of Tim Rivers in 2025 and this new acquisition solidifies a 13-county footprint stretching across the Gulf Coast.### Strategic expansion into florida
The move follows a deliberate strategy initiated in 2025 to move beyond the firm’s historic base in western Pennsylvania. By acquiring the Fort Myers business, NAI Burns Scalo gains critical local expertise while integrating its comprehensive development model. According to company President Brian Walker, the objective is to operate as a local, fully integrated player rather than a distant entity. The company now holds territory rights for an expansive region stretching from Hernando County down to Fort Myers, extending east toward Lake Okeechobee.### Diversification and growth goals
Moving away from a portfolio once heavily concentrated in office space, NAI Burns Scalo is shifting its focus toward a broader mix of industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments. During this expansion, the firm nearly doubled its workforce to approximately 150 employees. Executives believe that by controlling multiple facets of the project lifecycle—including construction—they can better capitalize on the robust economic momentum in the Sunshine State.### The regional outlook
With consistent job creation and continuous population growth, Southwest Florida remains a high-priority market for the firm. Leadership views the I-75 corridor as a prime development artery with significant room for future investment. Moving forward, the company intends to maintain a disciplined approach, working closely with local stakeholders, commissioners, and civic leaders to ensure that their development pipeline aligns with the unique needs and priorities of the communities they serve.
Sources
- Pittsburgh developer makes big bet on Tampa-Fort Myers corridor, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.