James M. Kovacs joined The Arnold Companies, Inc. in August of 1988 and has since specialized in Retail/Commercial Leasing and Tenant Representation in the Tampa Bay Region, Orlando Metro and Florida’s West Coast.  As a Landlord’s Agent, Jim maintains an inventory of 1 to 2 million square feet of institutional grade retail shopping centers and free standing commercial buildings.  Much of Jim’s business activity can be attributed to Retail Tenant and Retail Buyer Representation services. Some of the clients Jim has represented (many with multiple assignments) include: Rooms to Go (multiple), TJX Companies (TJMaxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods – over 750,000sf) Office Depot (over 10 units), Haverty’s, Leslie’s Poolmart (over 12 units), Panera Bread (over 30 units), Mattress Discounters (over 10 units), Crafts & Stuff, Lifestyle Family Fitness, Golds Gym, Pier One Imports, Talbots, Boston Market, Einstein Bagels, Sport Clips, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Chipotle and Furniture Brands International.

Professional Accomplishments

By thoroughly studying demographics, tracking real estate inventory and retail absorption, Jim has become one of the most knowledgeable and successful retail specialists on the Florida West Coast.  Jim’s experience with tenant mix analysis has been beneficial in creating long term occupancy within the centers in his portfolio.  Recent Shopping Center redevelopment/leasing assignments include: Drew 19-Clearwater (redevelopment including four new anchor leases), Northwood Plaza-Countryside (renovation, repositioning, and new Anchor lease), Palms of Carrollwood-Tampa (renovation, repositioning, including three new anchor leases), Cypress Point-Countryside (repositioning and re-Tenanting) and Woodlands Square-Oldsmar (anchor Tenant leasing).   In the past four years he has completed approximately 140 transactions totaling approximately 2,000,000 square feet.  The value of these transactions total in excess of $220 million.

Education/Training

Jim joined Colliers Arnold immediately upon graduating from the University of South Florida, Tampa College of Business.   Jim holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.  A native of Stamford, Connecticut, Jim’s relocation to Tampa in 1984 followed a two year internship at Union Carbide’s World Headquarters and study at University of Connecticut.

Accreditations/Affiliations

Jim’s professional affiliations include memberships in the International Council of Shopping Centers, Colliers Retail Specialty Council, Colliers Retail Steering Committee, Chairman of Tenant Rep Council-East Coast Colliers Retail Services Group, USF Alumni Association, and the USF College of Business Leadership Program.