Rune Harkestad specializes in the leasing of retail properties, as well as the acquisition of sites for retail development. He began working as a commercial retail specialist with JSH Properties in 1998. Later he worked with First Western Properties, where his focus was locating, analyzing and acquiring development sites in Washington State for Walgreens drugstores, KeyBank, and SONIC restaurants, among others. He was heavily involved in the contract and lease negotiation process, preparation of site evaluations and financial studies, and working with local municipalities in the approvals process.
Prior to his work as a commercial real estate agent, Rune ran his own consulting firm in his native Norway, assisting real estate companies with a business plan for entering the Finnish real estate market as a lender and/or investor. He also worked as an analyst responsible for budgets and reconciliation for a 1.5 million square foot retail portfolio, as well as participating in the underwriting of shopping centers.
Master Business Administration, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington (Sigma Cum Laude 1989)
Bachelor Business Administration, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington (Sigma Cum Laude 1988)
Associate Degree, Okonomisk College, Oslo, Norway