As Executive Vice President of Thomas Park Commercial, Mason Popham leads the firm’s brokerage and investment strategy across the Greater Annapolis region. His work centers on helping property owners make smart, long-term decisions—whether that’s securing the right tenants, rethinking underperforming assets, or adapting to a changing market.
Mason takes a clear, data-first approach to leasing and asset strategy, using technology and local market insight to cut through complexity and deliver results. In this Q&A, he shares how his team is thinking ahead—meeting today’s challenges with a practical, forward-looking strategy built around efficiency, flexibility, and client alignment.
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In a commercial real estate market defined by volatility, how has Thomas Park Commercial continued to deliver exceptional service to its landlord clients?
Despite persistent headwinds—ranging from shifting capital markets to fluctuating tenant demand—we’ve doubled down on proactive asset-level strategy. Our approach is hands-on and analytically driven. Whether advising on re-tenanting strategies or lease structuring to preserve long-term value, we stay ahead of the curve by combining on-the-ground intelligence with real-time data. This ensures our clients are not just reacting to volatility—they’re positioned to stay ahead of it.
How does Thomas Park Commercial leverage technology to drive leasing efficiency and transparency for clients?
We’ve fully integrated cloud-based deal management, CRM, and marketing platforms that allow us to share real-time pipeline updates with our clients and asset managers. This means our clients are part of the process in real-time. Our team also uses an assortment of digital floorplans resources to help landlords visualize future tenancy and make informed decisions faster. It’s all about creating clarity, speed, and confidence for ownership.
What’s your approach to tenant retention during economic uncertainty, and how does that translate into improved NOI for landlords?
In challenging markets, tenant retention becomes your biggest ROI lever. We take a white-glove approach—not just addressing issues as they arise, but anticipating them through regular touchpoints and property-level intelligence. If we can prevent turnover or get ahead of a downsizing conversation with a smart renewal strategy, it protects revenue and dramatically reduces downtime and re-leasing costs. Over time, that compounds into stronger, more resilient NOI—something every owner is prioritizing right now.
Can you speak to how Thomas Park Commercial uses data and analytics to inform decision-making in leasing strategy and portfolio performance?
We treat each leasing decision as a strategic move, not just a transaction. We analyze lease rollover schedules, market absorption trends, comps, and operating cost data in real time to advise on strategy. This allows our clients to see both micro-level performance and macro-level risk exposure. It’s particularly valuable in medical and professional office sectors, where lease terms tend to be longer and strategic alignment matters. We deliver actionable intelligence.
In what ways has your team leaned into automation or AI to gain a competitive edge in property marketing or tenant engagement?
We’re deploying AI-driven prospecting tools and marketing automation that allow us to identify, reach, and nurture prospective tenants more effectively than traditional brokerage methods. Our digital campaigns are targeted by geography, industry type, and deal size, ensuring we’re engaging the right prospects with the right message. For existing tenants, we’ve also implemented automated touchpoint systems for renewals and expansions, making it easier to stay engaged and identify opportunities to add value.
What role does landlord-tenant alignment play in your strategy, and how do you help both sides see value beyond just lease terms?
We approach each deal as a partnership, not a transaction. That means helping both sides articulate long-term goals and identifying creative ways to align them — whether it’s through tenant improvement packages that support operational needs, or lease flexibility that allows for future growth. When landlords and tenants both feel understood and supported, you create a sticky relationship that enhances property value and lease longevity. It’s not just about rent—it’s about shared success.