From Setbacks to Success: Debbie Metzger’s Journey in Retail Lease Advising
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In this episode of Struggles, presented by NCBI, Brian Butkowski sits down with Debbie Metzger, founder of Metzger Retail Lease Advisors. Debbie shares her remarkable journey through decades in the retail real estate industry, from working with major Cleveland developers to launching her own firm after a sudden career setback.
She reveals:
● How unexpected job losses led her to entrepreneurship
● The unique way she helps small businesses and franchisees navigate intimidating retail leases
● Real client success stories, including first-time business owners and complex negotiations
● Why she believes in educating clients rather than billing for every minute
Whether you’re a retail tenant, franchisee, broker, or landlord, you’ll learn how to approach lease negotiations with confidence—and why having the right advisor can make all the difference.
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Struggles and guest Debbie Metzger (00:00:00)
2. Debbie’s career beginnings and rise in the retail real estate world (00:01:05)
3. Working with Cleveland’s top developers and career transitions (00:03:42)
4. The unexpected loss that led to launching her own business (00:06:15)
5. Why retail leases intimidate small business owners—and how Debbie simplifies the process (00:08:40)
6. How her approach differs from traditional law firms (00:11:28)
7. Defining her ideal clients: franchisees, small business owners, and first-time tenants (00:13:15)
8. Bridging the gap between brokers, landlords, and tenants (00:15:02)
9. Success story: helping a golf simulator business open on time (00:16:44)
10. Supporting clients beyond the initial lease—amendments, renewals, and landlord communications (00:19:12)
11. How landlords can benefit from her expertise (00:22:00)
12. Where to find and connect with Debbie Metzger (00:23:18)
13. Closing thoughts and invitation to future guests (00:24:05)
29 episodes