Finding available space is rarely the challenge.
Finding the right space is.
When companies begin evaluating real estate options, it's easy to focus on location, square footage, rental rates, and appearance. While those factors are important, they only tell part of the story.
The most successful projects begin with a clear understanding of how a business operates and what it needs from its space.
A recent project Keyser executed on behalf of California Closets illustrates this well.
When Business Requirements Change the Search
As the company planned its Minnesota expansion, the goal was not simply to find a larger facility. California Closets needed a space that could support its office, production, and showroom functions while positioning the business for continued growth.
At first glance, several properties appeared to meet the requirement. However, once the company's operational needs were considered, the list of viable options became significantly smaller.
California Closets required a high parking ratio for employees and customers, along with the ability to park service vehicles onsite overnight. The company also needed adequate ceiling height to support its operations. While some properties offered sufficient parking, many lacked the clear height needed for the business. Others met the physical requirements but could not accommodate overnight vehicle parking.
Each requirement narrowed the field of potential locations.
The Value of Experienced Representation
Identifying available space is only one part of the process.
An advisor's role is to understand the client's business, anticipate potential obstacles, and evaluate opportunities through the lens of operational success.
The goal is not simply to find a building. The goal is to find the right building.
Keyser became involved through its relationship with California Closets' corporate real estate team. After assisting with the company's headquarters transaction in Phoenix, Keyser was asked to help support several regional facilities across the country as lease expirations approached and new space requirements emerged.
For the Minnesota assignment, Keyser's Kari Walker partnered with a local market expert to evaluate potential properties, identify operational constraints, and guide negotiations throughout the process. By filtering opportunities through the client's operational requirements rather than simply reviewing available inventory, the team was able to focus on properties that could truly support the business.
Ultimately, California Closets secured a new facility in Minnetonka that aligned with its operational needs while remaining within budget.
Business Strategy Comes First. Real Estate Should Make It Possible.
The project reinforces an important reality for occupiers: the right space is not always the most obvious space. A building can check every box on a brochure and still be the wrong fit if it doesn't support the way a business operates.
"Real estate timelines are almost always longer than people expect. By the time you've identified the right location, negotiated terms, completed improvements, and prepared for occupancy, months can pass. Starting early gives companies more choices, more leverage, and ultimately better outcomes."
— Kari Walker, Keyser Commercial Real Estate
For California Closets, success was not simply securing more space. It was finding a facility that supported the company's operations today while providing room for future growth.
Real estate works best when it serves the business, not the other way around.
Too often, companies evaluate properties based on what looks good on paper and then try to adapt their operations to fit the space. The strongest outcomes occur when the process is reversed.
By first understanding how a business functions, where it is headed, and what it requires to succeed, companies can identify opportunities that support both current needs and future growth.
The result is more than a real estate transaction. It is a strategic business decision that creates long-term value.
Editor’s Notes: This article was inspired by the Minnesota Business Journal's coverage of California Closets' new Minnetonka location and includes additional insights from Keyser Commercial Real Estate's involvement in the project.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide legal, financial, or investment advice.
Written by the Keyser Editorial Team
