Adrianne Gaytos
Senior property manager, TRIO Commercial Property Group
Years in current job: two
Years in the real estate industry: 16
What drew you to a career in real estate?
Shortly after completing my MBA in Chicago, I joined a global industrial REIT, supporting acquisitions and dispositions. That experience showed me the impact commercial real estate has on local businesses and communities, and I wanted to learn more.
After I transitioned into industrial property management, I saw firsthand how our work supports small-business owners. By providing first-class property management and responsive service, we help our tenants focus on what matters most — growing their business.
What’s a question that people ask you about your job?
The question I hear most often is, “What does a property manager actually do?” My answer is always the same: just about everything a property needs. As part of the TRIO property management team, I manage more than 2 million square feet of industrial space.
On any given day, I might be coordinating repairs with vendors, managing budgets, handling tenant requests or working with ownership to maximize the long-term value of an asset.
What’s the hottest commercial sector in our region?
Without question, industrial real estate. E-commerce growth was already reshaping how goods move through our economy, and COVID only accelerated that trend. Demand for warehouse, distribution and logistics space has remained strong, with industrial continuing to outperform many other commercial sectors.
As communities rely more than ever on efficient supply chains, industrial property management plays an increasingly important role.
What’s the hardest type of commercial space to sell or lease?
It often comes down to location more than the property itself. A well-located space with strong access to highways, labor and transportation infrastructure will always lease faster than one without those advantages.
But location can only take a deal so far. That’s why I work so closely with TRIO’s leasing and brokerage team to support successful leasing and management efforts. Well-maintained properties, along with a responsive management team, help attract tenants, support leasing efforts and keep properties fully occupied.
What’s something unique about this market you don’t see elsewhere?
I started my career in Chicago and have managed properties in Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio. While each market has its own strengths, Louisville stands out. Geographically, it’s a natural hub for distribution and industrial growth, with access to roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population within a day’s drive.
The presence of UPS Worldport only strengthens that advantage, making Louisville one of the country’s premier logistics markets. Beyond that, Louisville offers a welcoming business community and continues to see significant investment and redevelopment across many of its submarkets.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the commercial real estate sector right now?
Right now, it’s the rising cost of labor and materials. Inflation has impacted the cost of everything, from routine maintenance to larger capital projects, and those increases have significant impacts on operating budgets.
Through strategic planning and strong vendor relationships, the TRIO team works together to find cost-effective solutions that support the needs of both the property and its tenants.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
One thing my career has given me is the ability to build relationships with people at every level of an organization, from warehouse managers to C-level executives and owners. That confidence in putting myself out there actually started long before my career.
Many people don’t know that I once auditioned for “American Idol” shortly after moving to Chicago. I grew up singing in church and pageants, and some friends encouraged me to audition. That was quite an experience and one I’ll never forget. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the first cut, but it was a lot of fun.
What’s your favorite part about this work?
My favorite part about this work is that no two days are ever the same. There’s always something new to learn, and every day brings a new challenge and experience.
I get the opportunity to work with the talented team at TRIO and people across a wide range of industries. Most rewarding of all is knowing our owners and tenants can focus on their businesses while we keep their properties operating smoothly.
