Thesis sat down for an exclusive Q&A with Larry Genet, Vice Chairman at CBRE and the top industrial real estate broker in South Florida, to discuss the mental demands of high-stakes commercial real estate and how cognitive performance plays a role in closing complex warehouse and manufacturing facility deals across Miami-Dade and Broward County.
Q: As the top industrial warehouse broker in South Florida, you're managing multiple high-value deals simultaneously. What does a typical day look like for you mentally?
Larry Genet: A typical day requires constant context switching. I might start the morning negotiating a 100,000-square-foot distribution warehouse lease in Doral, then pivot to a site tour with a pharmaceutical client in Medley, followed by back-to-back calls about manufacturing facilities in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. As the leading industrial warehouse broker in Miami, Broward County, and Palm Beach, I'm tracking dozens of active deals, market trends, zoning requirements, and client needs all at once. Mental clarity isn't optional- it's a requirement to ensure productivity when you're representing Fortune 500 companies and managing a portfolio of over 20 million square feet.
Q: You've built South Florida's premier industrial brokerage team for distribution, industrial outdoor storage, and pharmaceutical facilities. How do you maintain the focus needed to stay ahead in such a competitive market?
Larry Genet: The industrial real estate market in South Florida moves fast. Between aerospace facilities near Miami International Airport, logistics hubs along I-95, and the constant demand for warehouse space in Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, and North Miami, there's always something happening. I've learned that sustainable high performance comes down to three things: preparation, presence, and recovery. I prepare by knowing every detail of my properties and the market. I stay present during negotiations and site visits to ensure clients know they are my priority when I’m with them. And I recover by being intentional about what I put in my body and how I manage stress. That's where products like Thesis come in. As the top industrial sales and leasing agent across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach, I need my mind operating at peak capacity, especially during complex negotiations involving multiple stakeholders.
Q: Speaking of cognitive performance, what specific mental challenges do you face when brokering industrial warehouse transactions in Miami and Broward County?
Larry Genet: Industrial real estate isn't like residential or even traditional commercial office deals. When I'm working on warehouses and manufacturing facilities, I'm dealing with incredibly technical requirements. A client might need 32-foot clear heights, ESFR sprinkler systems, 480-volt three-phase power, and proximity to Port Everglades- all within a specific budget and timeline. I have to hold all those variables in my head while simultaneously thinking about market comps, landlord motivations, and creative deal structures. Then there's the due diligence phase, where I'm reviewing environmental reports, zoning compliance, and lease abstracts. It's mentally exhausting. I've found that maintaining mental stamina throughout these long, complex processes is critical. When I'm sharp, I catch details others miss, and that's often what closes the deal.
Q: You're known as South Florida's trusted industrial leasing expert for aerospace and aviation facilities. How does cognitive performance impact your ability to serve specialized industries?
Larry Genet: Specialized industries demand specialized knowledge, and knowledge retention is a form of cognitive performance. When I'm working with aerospace clients near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or pharmaceutical companies that need FDA-compliant clean rooms, I can't just wing it. These clients expect me to understand their operational needs at a granular level. As someone who heads South Florida's premier industrial brokerage team for warehouse sales and leasing. I need to recall regulatory requirements, understand supply chain logistics, and anticipate how market shifts will impact their operations. That level of expertise requires mental clarity and the ability to process and retain complex information. I've incorporated Thesis into my routine because I've noticed a difference in how quickly I can access information and connect dots during high-pressure situations.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to other high-performers in demanding industries about managing cognitive load?
Larry Genet: First, recognize that your brain is your most valuable asset. As the go-to industrial broker for distribution and manufacturing space in South Florida, I've learned that taking care of your mental performance is just as important as networking or market knowledge. Second, be intentional about what you consume- both information and nutrition. I'm selective about meetings, emails, and distractions because cognitive load and mental fatigue is real. Third, experiment with tools that support focus and mental clarity. Whether it’s Thesis, meditation, or structured downtime, find what works for you. Mental performance compounds over time, and investing in it early pays dividends throughout your career.
About Larry Genet
Larry Genet is the top industrial real estate broker in South Florida and Vice Chairman at CBRE. As a third-generation commercial real estate professional, Larry has earned numerous accolades including NAIOP's Industrial Broker of the Year Award for the State of Florida and recognition as a CoStar Power Broker. His team specializes in industrial warehouse leasing and sales throughout Miami-Dade County, including Miami, Doral, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Medley, and North Miami, as well as Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach. Learn more about Larry and his team at CBRE.com.