Real Estate, Strategy & Smart Business Decisions with Bender Commercial
Finding the right commercial space isn't just about signing a lease or buying a building. It's about making a decision that supports your business today while setting you up for success years down the road.
On a recent episode of Tips for Change, Tiffany Mutchler sat down with Isaac Jorgensen and Bobbie Tibbetts of Bender Commercial Real Estate to discuss what business owners should know before expanding, relocating or purchasing commercial property.
Whether you're opening your first location or preparing for your next phase of growth, their advice reinforces an important lesson: the best business decisions happen when you have the right team around you.
Commercial Real Estate is About More Than Closing a Deal
Oneof the biggest themes throughout the conversation was that successful commercial real estate isn't about transactions—it's about relationships.
As Isaac explained:
"We are there to be advisors. We're not there for a transaction."
Rather than pushing clients toward buying or leasing, Bender's team focuses on helping business owners understand every option available—even if that means staying exactly where they are.
Bobbie echoed that mindset.
"Not every deal ends in a transaction. Sometimes because of the process, they might decide to stay put... But if we were able to bring value to that process and give them the insight that's needed to make that decision, that's success."
That's a philosophy we believe in at Voyage, too. Whether you're looking for financing or planning your next investment, the goal is to help you make confident financial decisions—not simply complete a transaction.
If purchasing or expanding your business is on the horizon, Voyage's Business Services team can help you explore financing options that align with your long-term goals.
Start Planning Sooner Than You Think
Many business owners wait until the end of their lease before exploring new space. According to Isaac and Bobbie, that's often too late.
Finding the right property can take months, especially when you factor in renovations, permits, construction timelines and moving logistics.
Bobbie shared one of the biggest misconceptions she sees:
"They want to be in in four months... but they don't take time to think through, 'We've got to get permits. We've got to do the construction. We've got to get the space ready.'"
Planning ahead doesn't just create more options—it helps reduce costly surprises.
Buying Versus Leasing Depends On Your Goals
One of the most valuable parts of the discussion centered on a question many business owners ask: Should I lease or buy?
The answer isn't universal. Instead, Isaac and Bobbie encourage clients to first define what success looks like for their business.
As Bobbie put it:
"Understanding what their goals—not just now, but in the next five years—are is important."
For some businesses, building equity through ownership makes sense. For others, preserving cash flow and maintaining flexibility through leasing is the better strategy. Having a lender involved early in the conversation can also help you understand what financing options are available before you've found the perfect property.
Hidden Costs Can Change the Equation
The asking price is only part of the financial picture. Triple-net expenses, tenant improvements, renovations, furniture, equipment and moving costs can significantly impact the true cost of a space.
Isaac noted that many first-time tenants underestimate these expenses:
"People don't really understand until they've gone through the process one time."
Working with experienced advisors—from your commercial broker to your financial institution—helps ensure you're evaluating the complete investment, not just the monthly payment.
Think Beyond Today's Needs
One mistake businesses can make is choosing a space that works today without considering where they'll be several years from now. Growth plans, staffing changes and operational needs all affect whether a location will continue serving the business over the life of a lease.
Isaac summed it up by saying:
"If you're thinking about your next year of usage, but you sign a five-year lease... you may get in a space that's going to be detrimental to your business and your growth if you're not thinking long term."
That's why conversations about financing, real estate and business strategy should happen together—not separately.
Bring Your Advisors in Early
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the episode was this: don't wait until you've found a building to assemble your team. Whether you're building a new facility, purchasing property or leasing your first commercial space, bringing in trusted advisors early creates better outcomes.
As Isaac shared:
"We want to be on your team... We can save you money and make you money by being in the conversation early."
At Voyage, we believe financial decisions are stronger when they're backed by trusted relationships and thoughtful planning. Whether you're purchasing commercial real estate, expanding operations or preparing for your next opportunity, our Business Services team is here to help you navigate the financial side of growth with confidence.
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About the Guest
Isaac Jorgensen and Bobbie Tibbetts are commercial real estate professionals with Bender Commercial Real Estate. Together, they help business owners navigate the complexities of buying, selling and leasing commercial properties by providing strategic guidance rooted in long-term relationships. From site selection and market insights to growth planning and negotiations, Isaac and Bobbie work alongside their clients to help them make confident real estate decisions that support their business goals.
