Colliers expands Central Florida industrial services platform with strategic hire

Colliers has hired Rafael Mendez, CCIM, as senior associate, industrial services in Central Florida. Mendez brings more than a decade of commercial real estate experience to the firm and will focus on advising mid-market industrial owners, particularly owner-users transitioning their properties into investment assets. He evaluates each assignment through a highest and best use lens, helping clients strategically position and maximize value across the region.

“Rafael brings a strategic and advisory-driven approach to industrial brokerage,” said Alex Evans, managing director and market leader for Colliers West & Central Florida. “His experience working with owner-users and understanding of market and development trends across Central Florida further strengthen our industrial platform.”

Prior to joining Colliers, Mendez served as regional managing director at Saunders Real Estate, formerly SVN Saunders, where he led a team of brokers in the Orlando market across multiple asset classes. In addition to executing industrial transactions, he supported team members in structuring deals and implementing thoughtful marketing strategies designed to represent owners’ best interests. His leadership role broadened his perspective on market dynamics throughout Central Florida.

“Colliers’ reputation, expertise and culture were key factors in my decision to join the firm,” said Mendez. “With access to best-in-class research, marketing and capital markets resources, I look forward to partnering with industrial owners as they evaluate what is next for their properties, whether transitioning from owner-occupancy to investment or repositioning, to maximize value in one of the Southeast’s most dynamic industrial markets.”

Mendez is a former president of the Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) and has served on the Florida CCIM State and Central District boards, as well as the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Central Florida’s Membership Committee. He holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation and remains active within the region’s commercial real estate community.

He earned his associate of health science degree, graduating on the Dean’s List and Honor Roll while serving as Treasurer of his institution’s inaugural Student Government Association. His early career in the health industry instilled a disciplined, client-first approach grounded in ethics and accountability, principles that continue to guide his advisory work today.

At Colliers, Mendez collaborates closely with the firm’s established industrial services professionals across Central Florida to deliver coordinated, market-focused solutions for owners and users throughout the region.