NAI Burns Scalo announced the acquisition of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL) in Fort Myers, significantly expanding its presence across the Florida market and strengthening its position along the state’s Gulf Coast.
The transaction was led by Brian Walker, President of NAI Burns Scalo, and marks another milestone in the firm’s strategy to build a fully integrated commercial real estate platform in Florida. Following the acquisition, the organization will transition from the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance to the NAI Burns Scalo brand.
Founded by Gary Tasman, Commercial Property Southwest Florida has established a strong position in the Fort Myers market. Tasman will remain actively involved with the business, focusing on client relationships and supporting continued growth across the region.
The acquisition follows several recent moves by NAI Burns Scalo to expand its Florida operations. The company opened a Tampa office in March 2025 and later recruited veteran real estate executive Tim Rivers to oversee and grow its Florida business. Rivers now serves as Executive Managing Director for Florida and is responsible for day-to-day operations in the state.
The expansion enhances NAI Burns Scalo’s ability to provide brokerage, property management, development, construction, advisory, receivership, and capital markets services. The firm also emphasized that, as an owner, developer, and operator of commercial real estate, it brings a long-term investment perspective and an ownership mindset to the markets it serves.
According to the company, the transaction reflects its commitment to investing directly in Southwest Florida and pursuing opportunities through both ground-up development and acquisitions. The firm currently owns and operates several million square feet of commercial property across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Florida.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, NAI Burns Scalo is part of the NAI Global network, which spans more than 325 offices in 55 countries. Founded in 1956, the company provides brokerage, property management, development, and construction services and employs more than 100 professionals across its operations.
KEY QUOTES:
“Florida represents a key market in our strategic national growth, and this expansion reflects the strength of our fully integrated platform. By combining a strong local presence with our experience as investors and developers, we are well positioned to pursue new opportunities through both ground-up development and the acquisition of existing assets, while bringing capital and a long-term ownership perspective to the market.”
Brian Walker, President, NAI Burns Scalo
“NAI Burns Scalo provides an enhanced platform characterized by greater integration, diversification, and connectivity, along with a broader suite of services not previously available in the Southwest Florida market.”
Tim Rivers, Executive Managing Director, Florida, NAI Burns Scalo
“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for our company, our clients, and the Southwest Florida market. By aligning with NAI Burns Scalo and the broader NAI platform, we are combining deep local market expertise with expanded capital, development, and investment capabilities that enhance how we serve our clients. Just as important, there is a strong alignment in culture and values, with a shared commitment to relationships, long-term thinking, and the communities in which we operate. With access to a vertically integrated platform and national reach, we are well positioned to continue growing thoughtfully and delivering exceptional outcomes across Southwest Florida.”
Gary Tasman, Founder, Commercial Property Southwest Florida
“This expansion reflects the strength of our team and the experience we bring as principals who have invested in our own capital. That perspective shapes how we advise clients and differentiate our platform. We focus on educating our professionals on the ‘why’ behind investment real estate, not just the transaction, with a commitment to creating and preserving equity value every day.”
Jim Scalo, Chief Executive Officer, NAI Burns Scalo
