How does small bay industrial quietly outperform other commercial real estate niches?
Alec Wilcox joins the show to break down why small bay industrial and flex space have become some of the most resilient assets in the Des Moines market. Alec walks through his early exposure to commercial real estate at Drake University, the lessons he learned at R&R Realty Group, and why he ultimately transitioned to the third-party brokerage side at Cushman & Wakefield. Along the way, he explains how strong communication, deal fundamentals, and understanding the full lifecycle of a property have driven long-term success.
The conversation goes deep on small bay industrial. Alec explains what makes these properties so versatile, how investors can de-risk portfolios through tenant diversity, and why affordability and functionality matter more than flash. He also outlines where developers succeed and fail, especially when base sizes get too large or construction gets overbuilt for the market.
Looking ahead, Alec shares why industrial outside storage stands out as one of the strongest opportunities in Iowa today. He challenges investors to rethink excess land, zoning, and overlooked parcels as potential income drivers.
Alec Wilcox's Top 5 Takeaways: • The secret that makes small bay industrial thrive. • Why smaller bay sizes expand demand and reduce leasing risk. • How overbuilding and over-finishing leads to slower absorption. • Why industrial outside storage is one of the tightest and most in-demand niches today. • How triple net leases offer stability by shifting expenses to tenants.
About Alec Wilcox: Alec Wilcox is a commercial real estate broker with Cushman & Wakefield Iowa Commercial Advisors in Des Moines. He specializes in industrial real estate, with a focus on small bay flex properties, industrial outside storage, and triple net leased investments.
Originally from Norfolk, Nebraska, Alec is a Drake University graduate with a background in marketing and political science. He is known for his relationship-driven approach, market insight, and deep understanding of industrial users and investors across Central Iowa.
Contact Info: Email | awilcox@ioca.com LinkedIn | Alec WilcoxWebsite | Cushman & Wakefield
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