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Lunch With Paul & Guest Michelle Matson, Senior Associate at LQCRE, Tampa

In this episode of Lunch with Paul, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michelle Matson, Senior Associate at LQ Commercial Real Estate (LQCRE) in Tampa. Michelle brings a fresh perspective to the commercial real estate world, combining market knowledge with a people-first approach that makes her stand out in today’s fast-moving environment.

Building Relationships in Commercial Real Estate

Michelle emphasized that success in CRE isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. She described how building long-term relationships with both tenants and landlords drives meaningful deals that are built to last. For her, trust and responsiveness are the foundation of any strong partnership.

Navigating a Changing Market

We also talked about the evolving Florida market. From interest rates to shifting tenant needs, Michelle provided sharp insights into how brokers can help clients stay ahead of the curve. She underscored the importance of flexibility and future-proofing, especially in a region experiencing rapid growth and change.

Her perspective is especially valuable in the Tampa Bay market, where demographics, migration patterns, and retail demand are creating both challenges and opportunities.

Career Insights & Local Perspective

Michelle shared her own journey into commercial real estate, discussing the lessons she’s learned along the way and what continues to motivate her. It was clear she brings passion and grit to her work, and it’s exciting to see professionals like her shaping the future of CRE in Florida.

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Paul Rutledge

​Paul Rutledge is a seasoned commercial real estate professional based in Tampa, Florida, with a focus on retail leasing, tenant representation, and investment sales. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Paul has established himself as a trusted advisor to landlords, developers, and investors throughout Florida's Gulf Coast.​ At LQ Commercial Real Estate (LQCRE), Paul plays a pivotal role in identifying and executing strategic opportunities in high-growth markets such as Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Pierce, and Lakeland. His expertise encompasses market analysis, site selection, and transaction negotiation, contributing to the firm's success in leasing, acquisitions, and redevelopment projects.​ Paul is actively engaged in the regional commercial real estate community and regularly participates in industry events, including the ICSC & IDEAS West Florida conference, where he connects with peers and clients to discuss emerging opportunities.​ For inquiries or to discuss potential collaborations, Paul can be reached at prutledge@lqcre.com or (813) 493-3437.

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