January 27, 2026 (GAINESVILLE, FL) – Lee & Associates, the largest broker-owned commercial real estate firm in North America, announces the opening of a new office in Gainesville, FL, led by Dan Drotos as founding President and Managing Principal. The office will specialize in office, industrial, land, and retail advisory and brokerage services, serving institutional, owner-user, and private capital clients throughout North Central Florida.

The Lee & Associates Gainesville office will work in close collaboration with the firm’s Tampa and Orlando offices, leveraging shared resources, market expertise, and a highly collaborative platform to provide seamless service to clients across Florida and the Southeast. Additionally, Rory Causseaux, Lauren Vazquez, and Margaret Drotos—experienced commercial real estate professionals—will serve in leadership roles within the new office, further strengthening its capabilities and regional reach.

Lee & Associates CEO Jeffrey Rinkov said, “The opening of our Gainesville office represents another important step in Lee & Associates’ strategic growth across Florida and the Southeast. Gainesville is a dynamic market driven by education, healthcare, and innovation, and we are excited to bring our collaborative, client-first, entrepreneurial approach to the region. The office led by Dan Drotos and his team offers tremendous market intelligence and meaningful market share in this important region. We look forward to supporting the local business community with the full depth of our international platform and local market expertise.”

“The greater Gainesville area’s commercial real estate market is experiencing significant growth, making it the ideal time to expand Lee & Associates’ presence in the region,” said Drotos. “Integrating the Lee & Associates platform with the region’s leading CRE team will drive accelerated growth while continuing to deliver best-in-class service and strategic solutions to our expanding client base.”

A Gainesville native for nearly 20 years, Drotos brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage and advisory, with a proven track record of leadership, market-leading production, and expertise across multiple asset classes. He has been recognized for his contributions to both the industry and the community, including being named to the University of Florida’s 40 Gators Under 40 (Class of 2024). A proud three-time University of Florida alum, he holds a Master of Science in Real Estate (2012).

Drotos is also a graduate of Leadership Gainesville’s 40th Class and a recipient of the CREXI Platinum Award (2023–2025). He holds prestigious industry designations through the CCIM Institute (2014) and the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (2016). Licensed in Florida since 2012 and in Georgia since 2024, his deep local connections and commitment to the greater Gainesville community position him to lead Lee & Associates’ expansion in the region, with a focus on business development, brokerage, and talent recruitment.

“The Lee & Associates platform offers a unique combination of a nationally recognized brand, expansive resources, and a truly local, client-first approach,” said Drotos. “We are thrilled to become part of the Lee & Associates family and look forward to what this partnership will mean for our clients and our community.”

Lee & Associates has established an emphasis on expansion. New office locations in the last five years include New Orleans, LA; Las Vegas, NV; Wilmington, NC; Austin, TX; Charlotte, NC; Tampa Bay, FL; Lafayette, LA; Lincoln, NE; Western Pennsylvania; Central California; Kansas City, KS; Baton Rouge, LA; Calgary, AB; Nashville, TN; Los Angeles – Downtown, CA; San Francisco, CA; Omaha, NE; Naples, FL; and Boston, MA.

ABOUT LEE & ASSOCIATES
Lee & Associates offers an array of real estate services tailored to meet the needs of the company’s clients, including commercial real estate brokerage, integrated services, and construction services. Established in 1979, Lee & Associates is now an international firm with offices throughout North America. Our professionals regularly collaborate to make sure they are providing their clients with the most advanced, up-to-date market technology and information. For the latest news from Lee & Associates, visit lee-associates.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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