NAI Isaac - Central KY Commercial Real Estate Blog

  Marcos Gil  joins NAI Isaac, bringing expertise to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for both property owners and tenants. Known for his methodical approach to property management, Marcos plays a key role in the success of NAI Isaac. Marcos assists the Assistant Vice President of Property Management and Property Managers in the day-to-day operations for the management of over 4 million square feet of retail, office, and industrial space across the Commonwealth. His responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with tenants and vendors while coordinating the efforts within the Property Management Department. He is active in the local community and constantly stays informed about market trends in commercial property management and tenant relations. As well as being a  licensed real estate agent. 

  Lexington, KY  – NAI Global has released their Top 2024 Producers worldwide, showcasing industry leaders who have demonstrated exceptional performance and success in the commercial real estate sector. Those named including Paul Ray Smith, Jr., Executive Vice President at NAI Isaac. Smith is one of seven from a Tertiary Market. Please join us in congratulating Paul Ray Smith, Jr. on this remarkable achievement. NAI Global's full list of top 80+ producers is available  here .  Paul Ray Smith, Jr.  joined NAI Isaac as a leasing/sales associate in 1987 earning the confidence and trust of many top companies while assisting them in attaining their real estate goals. As Executive Vice President, he has overseen and facilitated numerous major projects, successfully negotiating the close of many sales and leases throughout his 38 years with the company. He also serves as a leader and mentor to the company’s sales, leasing and management staff.

  Natalie Hicks , Property Manager, brings nearly a decade of experience in property and asset management to NAI Isaac. Natalie has extensive experience in Commercial, Multi-Family, Residential, Storage Facilities, Campgrounds, Real Estate Development, and Manufactured Housing Property/Asset Management, with a strong track record across the United States, from the West Coast to the East Coast. Her accomplishments include boosting IRR for investors, formulating growth strategies, leading mergers and acquisitions, driving occupancy growth, and enhancing operational efficiency. In addition, Natalie actively contributes to the industry through her involvement with the Central Kentucky Apartment Association (CKAA), where she serves on both the Legislative and Events Planning Committees. She has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Leadership Development program with CKAA and volunteers with the Kentucky Fair Housing Council.

Midwest Real Estate News has announced their 2024 Hall of Fame inductees. This is a tremendous accomplishment for real estate professionals who have made a difference in their industry and communities. Congratulations to Jim Kemper, Vice President,  on his induction into 2024 Midwest CRE Hall of Fame. Jim Kemper has been a key member of NAI Isaac since 1991, specializing in the sales and leasing of retail, office, land, and bank properties, as well as tenant representation. Throughout his career, he has assisted numerous local, regional, and national tenants with site selection, lease negotiations, and property evaluations for multiple locations across Kentucky. Some of the brands he has worked with include Starbucks, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Great Clips, AT&T, Bella Café, Sun Tan City, and Bojangles. "It's fulfilling to visit the communities where I work, meet clients, and your properties. I also see my role as a problem-solver. There's a sense of accomplishment in succes...

Lexington, KY  – CoStar Group, Inc., a leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces, announced today the recipients of the 2024 CoStar Power Broker Awards, recognizing professionals and firms who closed the highest transaction volume in commercial real estate deals in their respective markets. Paul Ray Smith, Jr., Executive Vice President, and Jim Kemper, Vice President, of NAI Isaac, have been recognized as the most active Lexington/Fayette dealmakers with this prestigious industry award. The CoStar Power Broker Award program has honored the industry’s elite for 25 years. Please join us in congratulating Paul Ray Smith, Jr. and Jim Kemper on their 2024 CoStar Power Broker Awards for Top Retail Leasing in Commercial Real Estate! Paul Ray Smith, Jr.  joined NAI Isaac as a leasing/sales associate in 1987 earning the confidence and trust of many top companies while assisting them in attaining their real estate goals. As Executive Vice ...

Tabatha Davis  joins NAI Isaac with a broad range of property management and leasing experience. Prior to joining the NAI Isaac team, Davis worked as an Assistant Property Manager for a 375-unit apartment community in the Lexington, KY area. Her current role as Assistant Property Manager includes supporting the company’s oversight of its managed property portfolio totaling over 4 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space throughout the Commonwealth. She is responsible for facilitating tenant and vendor relationships and coordinating responsibilities within the Property Management Department.

Alia Moore , Operations Assistant, is an essential part of the NAI Isaac team, bringing years of experience in customer service, client relations, and administrative support. In her role as an Operations Assistant, she plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our office. Alia’s responsibilities include answering phones, sorting mail, and providing valuable assistance to agents with correspondence creation and revision. Additionally, she contributes to various ongoing projects across different departments, showcasing her versatility and dedication. With her extensive background in customer service, Alia brings a wealth of experience to our team. Her commitment to efficiency and attention to detail make her an asset in maintaining the operational flow of our office.

  For more than 56 years, the CCIM Designation remains the global standard for commercial real estate professionals. The CCIM Institute Pin denotes that the wearer has completed advanced coursework in financial and market analysis and demonstrated extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry. CCIM Designees are recognized as leading experts in commercial real estate.  Zach Smith, CCIM, Senior Associate, joined NAI Isaac in 2019 and specializes in the sales and leasing of retail and office properties, along with tenant representation throughout the state of Kentucky. Zach utilizes his knowledge of local markets to develop distinctive strategies with his clients to achieve their ultimate goals. Zach has assisted numerous local, regional, and national tenants with site selection, evaluation, and lease negotiations throughout the state, including: Biscuit Belly, Scooter's Coffee, Buff City Soap, Jersey Mike's Subs, Ace Hardware, Floyd's 99 Barbershop, Playa Bowls...

     We are honored to announce that we have been recognized as a Best of Lexington 2024 Silver Winner in the Commercial Real Estate category! This achievement would not have been possible without your support. We extend our sincere thanks to all who took the time to vote. Your continued confidence in our services is truly appreciate.

Jordan Smith, a distinguished real estate professional, joins NAI Isaac specializing in the sale and leasing of retail, office, and investment properties across Kentucky. With a robust background in real estate investment and development, Smith is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals with precision and expertise. Smith earned his Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) from Clemson University in 2024, where he received the prestigious Sue G. and W. Russell Campbell Sr. Award for his exceptional leadership skills and scholastic achievements in real estate development. During his graduate studies, Smith honed his skills through an internship with a leading real estate development firm that managed a diverse $2 billion portfolio encompassing retail, industrial, and entertainment assets across the United States. Prior to his graduate studies, Smith completed his bachelor's degree in Management with a minor in Business Analytics from the University of Kentucky. His leadersh...

     Marisa Folino brings several years of experience in both accounting and customer service to her new role at NAI Isaac. As an Accountant I, her responsibilities include managing Accounts Receivable processing, providing support with Accounts Payable, and handling various general accounting tasks and projects. Folino's expertise ensures efficient financial operations and contributes to the team's overall accounting functions.      Folino is a 2024 graduate of Midway University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. During her time at Midway University, Folino was a Cheerleading Instructor, assisting the department with daily administrative tasks and operations, coordinating logistics for athletic events, and ensuring smooth event execution through collaboration with staff and athletes. She is currently pursuing a Masters’ Degree in Accounting.

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR) is the foremost global professional association for industrial and office real estate specialists. Boasting 3,900 members across more than 50 countries, SIOR is synonymous with the highest standards of expertise and success in the commercial real estate sector. The SIOR designation is widely recognized as a benchmark for excellence, representing the most knowledgeable and accomplished brokers, agents, and consultants in the industry. For 80 years, SIOR has been dedicated to advancing the field of commercial real estate through exceptional educational programming, innovative events, and thoughtful leadership. The organization invests in the industry's future, ensuring continuous improvement and fostering a bright future for commercial real estate professionals. Jamie Adams, CCIM, is a sales/leasing Vice President with NAI Isaac, specializing in office, industrial, retail, and investment properties. Over the last 13+ years serving...

Barlow serves as a Senior Property Manager for NAI Isaac. She is a detail-oriented professional who maintains strong, working relationships with tenants, vendors, and owners to effectively meet and exceed their expectations. Her responsibilities include preparing and managing property budgets, overseeing and managing building expenses and income, coordination of the company’s lease abstraction process, vendor oversight, and financial reporting. Barlow has 10+ years of experience in the commercial property management industry. Barlow completed her Bachelor of Science at Valdosta State University and Master of Business Administration at South University. 

  Lexington, KY  – CoStar Group, Inc., a leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces, announced today the recipients of the 2023 CoStar Power Broker Awards, recognizing professionals and firms who closed the highest transaction volume in commercial real estate deals in their respective markets. Paul Ray Smith, Jr., Executive Vice President, and Jim Kemper, Vice President, of NAI Isaac, have been recognized as the most active local dealmakers with this prestigious industry award. The CoStar Power Broker Award program has honored the industry’s elite for 24 years. Please join us in congratulating Paul Ray Smith, Jr. and Jim Kemper on their 2023 CoStar Power Broker Awards for Top Retail Leasing in Commercial Real Estate! Paul Ray Smith, Jr.  joined NAI Isaac as a leasing/sales associate in 1987 earning the confidence and trust of many top companies while assisting them in attaining their real estate goals. As Executive Vice Presi...

  Lexington, KY  – CoStar Group, Inc. , a leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces, announced today the recipients of the 2023 CoStar Power Broker Award, recognizing professionals and firms who closed the highest transaction volume in commercial real estate deals in their respective markets. In commercial real estate, Bruce Isaac of NAI Isaac has been recognized as one of the most active local dealmakers with the prestigious industry award. The CoStar Power Broker Award program has honored the industry’s elite for 24 years. Please help us in congratulating Bruce Isaac on his 2023 CoStar Power Broker Award in commercial real estate. Bruce R. Isaac, SIOR, CCIM, Senior Vice President,  received his real estate license in 1984 and is a specialist in the leasing, and sales of retail, office, investment and industrial properties throughout Kentucky. He assists various local, regional and national companies in locating and de...

  Zach Smith, Senior Associate, joined NAI Isaac in 2019 and specializes in the sales and leasing of retail and office properties, along with tenant representation throughout the state of Kentucky. Zach utilizes his knowledge of local markets to develop distinctive strategies with his clients to achieve their ultimate goals.   Zach has assisted numerous local, regional, and national tenants with site selection, evaluation, and lease negotiations throughout the state, including: Biscuit Belly, Scooter's Coffee, Buff City Soap, Jersey Mike's Subs, Ace Hardware, Floyd's 99 Barbershop, Playa Bowls, European Wax Center, Noire the Nail Bar, and more. Zach graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. He is a Founding Member of the Chi Psi Fraternity chapter at the University of Kentucky, where he served as External Vice President. He is an active member of the International Council of Sho...

       J.L. Cannady, CCIM joined NAI Isaac in 2013.  He is a sales and leasing specialist with a focus on retail, office, and industrial properties throughout Kentucky. He works with multiple Property Owners, Investors, and Tenants ranging in size from international REITs to local businesses to assist their real estate needs.      Cannady graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After graduating, he returned to Lexington.      Cannady achieved the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. The CCIM designation is earned upon completion of 240 hours of graduate-level curriculum and represents the finest education available in real estate. CCIM’s are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management, valuation, and investment analysis, making it one of the most coveted and respected designations in the industry.

       Max Darby joins NAI Isaac as a sales/leasing Associate. Darby’s primary focus is on office, retail, and investment properties in Lexington and surrounding central Kentucky. He utilizes his knowledge of local markets and business acumen to provide custom-tailored service offerings to company clients.      Darby is a 2021 graduate of University of Kentucky, with a specialization in Finance. He is the recipient of the 2017 Rising Leader Award from First Southern Bank. He also served as a Corporate Committee Member for UK's DanceBlue. 

  Shannelle Hooten joins the NAI Isaac team as an Operations Assistant with over a decade of experience in customer service and client relations, and managerial roles. She provides a variety of responsibilities that are crucial to the smooth functioning of our office, including answering phones, sorting mail, assisting agents with correspondence creation and revision, and assisting other departments with ongoing projects.  

  Kailey Habib joins our team with experience in Research and Data Analysis, Financial Modeling, Financial Reporting, and Project Coordination. Her responsibilities include assuring all company accounts receivables are processed efficiently, maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the company systems, actively assisting Property Management with rent collections, and cross-training functionalities within the accounting department. Prior to joining NAI Isaac, Habib worked as an Associate Advisor for a well-known financial management company.