Our Team

Michael A Collard, President
mcollard@collardproperties.com

Michael commenced his real estate career upon his arrival in the U.S. in 1981. He has been actively involved in real estate development and consultation since. In 1992, Michael left his position as Regional Director of the real estate subsidiary of a Fortune 100 company, where he was responsible for development projects valued in excess of $250,000,000.

Michael founded Michael Collard Properties, where he serves as President. Michael is a Florida licensed RE Broker, and an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. Michael has recently celebrated a major milestone, namely 25 years since his first development on behalf of Publix Supermarkets.

Paul “J.J.” Johnson, Jr., Vice President- General Counsel
pjohnson@collardproperties.com

As General Counsel, JJ is responsible for all legal matters related to the acquisition, construction, leasing, and sale of the company’s retail developments.   JJ has represented Michael Collard Properties, either in private practice or as General Counsel, since 2006.  Prior to joining Michael Collard Properties, JJ worked as a real estate attorney with the Graham Builder law firm in Winter Park, and the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A.  JJ began his career in the real estate industry in 1997 specializing in retail site acquisitions for a commercial real estate brokerage and development company in Atlanta, Georgia.  JJ holds a Bachelor of Science and a Juris Doctor degree, Cum Laude, from the Florida State University and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

George M. McBee, Senior Vice President Development Services
gmcbee@collardproperties.com

George brings with him over 24 years of Retail Land Development experience. George worked for a Civil Engineer/Land Surveyor in New Jersey for 11 years and advanced himself through the ranks and became the Project Manager before leaving and moving to Florida in 1994. Upon his arrival in Florida, George worked as a Senior Designer on many commercial projects with Avid Engineering. George became the first Branch Manager of Avid's Orlando office until his decision to take a position with Boyd Development Corporation as Development Manager. While with Boyd Development, George oversaw many different projects including drug stores, convenience stores, grocery-anchored shopping centers and commercial subdivisions. He received even more development experience as Director of Development with Center America Property where he oversaw large grocery anchored/power centers throughout the southeast United States. Just prior to joining Michael Collard Properties, George served as the COO, Vice President of Business Development and partner back at Avid Engineering. George is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Drew Forness, Vice President of Leasing/Sales
dforness@collardproperties.com

Drew has been a resident of Central Florida for more than 30 years and graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is a CCIM designee and expects to complete the program in 2010. Drew brings with him more than 15 years of proven sales experience and has negotiated over 200 real estate transactions totaling greater than $150 million in value. His level of production has earned him numerous awards and recognition throughout the Central Florida commercial real estate community, including being named the Top Retail Producer in 2005, 2006 and 2007, and Top Investment Producer in 2007 by the Central Florida Commercial Real Estate Society. He has also been honored by the Central Florida Chapter of CCIM with the Retail Deal of the Year in 2006. Prior to joining Michael Collard Properties, Inc., he worked with a local brokerage business concentrating on the sale and leasing of retail properties. Drew is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

David Beyer , Development Manager
dbeyer@collardproperties.com

David began his career in 1990 in south Florida working for both a prestigious home builder and local architect in the design and build arena primarily for custom homes on Jupiter Island . During his efforts for higher education he worked full time for a national engineering firm in the survey department. His involvement in both the survey data collection and engineering design of major roadways in south Florida only promoted his educational efforts and lead him to Central Florida in 1999, where he completed his education with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Upon graduation David has focused primarily on Land Development, and has been involved in the design and permitting of many types of projects including Multi-Family Complexes, Hotels, Office Parks, Home Improvement Stores, Grocery retail centers and national tenant retail. He holds certificate awards in Project Management and Design Liability for Architects and Engineers. David is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.