About
Professional Summary
As Director in the Boca Raton office of Colliers in South Florida, Derek is leader of a team delivering strategic solutions for local, regional occupiers and national corporate clients. Combining deep market knowledge with occupier trends, he creates real estate opportunities that match clients’ business objectives.
His diverse background of real estate experience - ranging from leasing, business development, real estate development and property management – allows him to better understand the angles and drivers of each transaction. Most recently as the Director of Property Management with Cohen Commercial Realty in West Palm Beach, he provided leadership and direction to a team supporting a portfolio comprised of approximately 4.5 million square feet of retail and office space. While there, Baker strategized with the CEO on optimization and profitability measures by best positioning all assets in their respective markets. He also served as the Lead Developer responsible for securing site plan approvals and construction permits with the City, County, and SBDD for a Publix redevelopment project.
Bringing nearly ten years of South Florida commercial real estate experience to his role at Colliers, Derek has also been successful in business development and leasing roles with Alliance Property Systems, Commerce Group and Synergy Real Estate.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Housing with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University
Memberships & Involvements
- Habitat for Humanity
- NAIOP
Services
Service Lines
Property Type
My Team
My Team
James' primary focus is office tenant representation; specializing in commercial leasing and sales, offering result-driven solutions for users in the office sector. He focuses on making informed real estate decisions for his clients by integrating financial data and qualitative information into executable long-term strategies. Additionally, he works alongside his clients to execute their primary business objectives while enhancing their financial statements throughout the real estate process.
Prior to joining Colliers, James served as Chief Operating Officer of Green Energy Masters, overseeing Sales and Business Operations, as well as Food and Beverage Manager at Addison Reserve Country Club.
With a business background and vast experience in business management, James understands the practicality of making a business profitable and has a great appreciation for the minute details. He utilizes a consultative style to help clients better understand the broader range of the decisions that create a beneficial real estate transaction. Reach out to James for the latest on office market trends.