Leasing Warehouse Space in South Florida’s Competitive Industrial Real Estate Market: Meet Emily Brais

Emily Brais is a vice president on Link Logistics’ Asset Management team in South Florida, where she oversees leasing across the company’s warehouse and distribution portfolio spanning Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. She partners cross-functionally with the firm’s Investments, Development, Construction and Property Management teams to execute leasing strategies, enhance asset performance and maximize portfolio value. Read on to learn more. 

How long have you been with Link Logistics and what are your primary responsibilities in industrial real estate leasing? 

Emily: I joined Link Logistics a little over a year and a half ago. In my role, I focus on positioning our industrial assets to compete effectively in a fast-moving market while supporting leasing efforts that drive occupancy and long-term value. The work is highly collaborative and gives me the opportunity to partner with talented colleagues across the organization to execute thoughtful business plans for the portfolio. 

What do you find most rewarding about your role on Link Logistics’ Asset Management team?

Emily: What I find most rewarding is the visibility this role provides into the businesses that keep the economy moving. Walking through our customers’ facilities and seeing their operations firsthand never gets old—whether it’s a third-party logistics operator, a manufacturer, or even a casket and cremation urns provider. Coming from an office leasing and capital markets background, I’ve found industrial real estate to be especially dynamic and engaging. Just as meaningful is Link Logistics’ culture; our local team truly operates as one unit, and our collaboration helps us drive results across the portfolio.

What makes South Florida a great choice for businesses seeking streamlined warehouse and distribution operations?

Emily: South Florida remains an attractive market for businesses due to its strategic location and strong economic fundamentals. Continued population growth is driving consumption and increasing the need for efficient distribution networks, while the region’s peninsula geography makes a local footprint essential for serving both residents and visitors. Coupled with its proximity to major ports, South Florida is a critical hub with durable demand for industrial space.

How has the South Florida industrial real estate market evolved over time? 

Emily:  South Florida’s industrial market has evolved considerably in recent years, shaped by strong customer demand alongside an active development pipeline. The region’s geographic constraints between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades continue to limit long-term land availability and encourage more strategic site selection. A great example is Link Logistics’ Derby Pointe Logistics Center, currently in site development on the former Calder Race Course in Miami Gardens—a location that has a special meaning to me, as my grandfather served as head of security there. At the building level, customers are prioritizing higher clear heights, greater power capacity, efficient column spacing and enhanced functionality to support today’s operational needs.

What makes Link Logistics' approach to industrial real estate different than other firms?

Emily: Link Logistics distinguishes itself through a deeply customer-focused approach. We strive to be true partners to our customers, making thoughtful business decisions that support their operational needs while creating long-term value across the portfolio. Whether that means offering flexibility in lease structures or identifying creative solutions, our team is empowered to act with both agility and intention. Just as important is our culture. Collaboration is embedded in how we operate, and our leadership places a high level of trust in local teams to make informed decisions and pursue opportunities that strengthen our presence in the market.

When you're not thinking about warehouses, how do you spend your time?

Emily: Outside of work, I enjoy staying connected to the community I’ve always called home. Having been born and raised in Miami, I feel fortunate that most of my family lives nearby, and we often gather for weekend barbecues. When I’m not spending time with friends and family, you can usually find me on a yoga mat, browsing a local farmers market or trying a new sushi spot.