Vertical Integration

Ann W. Duncan \| Michael E. Griffin \| Jess J. Johnson \| Mark Wilkins Bryan B. Ezell \| Cara Castle \| Joe A. Wilson
Ann W. Duncan is the President and Founder of Vertical Integration. Ann brings 20 years of commercial real estate experience to the team, including tenant representation, commercial brokerage, portfolio optimization, development and program management. Ann has completed lease transactions, both large and small, totaling over 5,000,000 square feet of office space for both the public and private sector. Ann has also led countless multi-disciplinary teams on hundreds of projects assuring that the space planning, interior design, monitoring and reporting of suite construction, walk-through coordination, punch-list items, move-in coordination, and other lease issues are integrated with the lease acquisition strategy, something most typical brokers do not do well. All of this type of work has been on behalf of tenants - not landlords. Ann also supplements her professional work with governmental entities by serving as a member of the State of Florida's Board of Governors (BOG) which oversees the State's eleven (11) public universities, and also serving as Chair of the BOG's Research and Economic Development Committee. Ann holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of South Florida (USF). She also has a Black Belt in Six Sigma from Villanova University. The Six Sigma process is designed to support continual process improvement by assuring that project results are measured and tracked in an objective manner. Ann is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Florida and is the President of Corenet's Tampa Bay Chapter. Corenet is the leading global association for public and private sector users of real estate. Back To Top Michael E. Griffin is the Senior Account Transaction Manager at Vertical Integration and has worked in and around public institutions for over 9 years. He understands how the public sector works, and he places himself in his clients' shoes on daily basis to provide the right real estate solution. Mike has completed numerous real estate assignments working with state and federal agencies as well as private sector entities. Mike's experience includes tenant representation, market analysis, site analysis, lease negotiation, financial analysis, demographic analysis, architectural coordination, including coordination of space planning and interior design, monitoring of suite construction, and providing various other services. Mike serves as the founding Chairman of the University of South Florida (USF) Financing Corporation Board of Directors which oversees the bond financing of projects for USF. Currently, over $1.02 billion in financing transactions have closed resulting in over 1.8 million square feet of projects, with facilities ranging from residence halls to sophisticated medical research buildings and office space. Prior to joining Vertical Integration, Mike served as a charter University Trustee and two-term Student Body President at USF. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from USF. He also has a Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University, and is active in leadership roles in numerous local industry and civic associations. Mike is a graduate of Leadership Florida Class (XXVI) and serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Mike is also a licensed Real Estate Sales Associate in the State of Florida. Back To Top Jess J. Johnson manages the performance management and benchmarking consulting services for Vertical Integration and brings a unique blend of analytical skill and public policy expertise to the team. Having worked as a Senior Legislative Aide specializing in policy development and budget analysis for a County Commissioner in a large, metropolitan county, Jess understands the multitude of considerations that go into sound policy recommendations and budget analysis. Jess also has experience as Executive Assistant for Special Projects to a Vice President at a flagship public university where his efforts spanned long-range and strategic planning for facilities and programs, budget analysis and resource allocation, and research. Jess's public sector experience is complemented by his prior real estate work having worked in both commercial development and commercial real estate appraisal. Jess holds a Master of Science in Real Estate, a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Florida. He served as UF Student Senate President, is a member of Florida Blue Key, and was inducted into the UF Hall of Fame in 2004. He is a member of College Leadership Florida Class V and serves on the College Leadership Florida Cabinet. Back To Top Mark Wilkins, a LEED accredited professional, has worked in the commercial real estate industry for 33 years, with expertise in building management and construction. Mark currently provides project management services to multiple agencies for the State of Florida in addition to consulting with the General Services Administration (GSA) on streamlining its Design and Construction program. Prior to joining Vertical Integration in 2007, Mark managed construction projects throughout Florida for clients such as Northern Trust Bank of Florida, Prudential Insurance Company of America, Confederation Life Insurance, Northwestern Mutual, The Travelers and Met Life. Mark has provided services for more than 3 million square feet of office space, including his responsibilities for asset sales, acquisition, construction and property management, and leasing. Mark offers clients technical expertise for construction management assignments with a focus on keeping projects on time and on budget. Mark has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida. He is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the state of Florida and is a Certified Property Manager. Back To Top Bryan B. Ezell develops and manages all technology-related business services provided by Vertical Integration. Working directly with clients on technology-related real estate contracts, he specializes in developing technological resources that support enhanced real estate decision making. Additionally, Bryan prepares financial and real estate presentation documents and analysis and manages a sub-contracted development team. His proficiency in business intelligence gives our clients the information and knowledge they need to make strategic choices in favor of their real estate portfolios. Bryan’s extensive knowledge of information systems and technology has given Vertical Integration opportunities to grow and explore a variety of consulting projects. Beyond managing technology business services, Bryan also administers Vertical Integration’s internal technological resources. Bryan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a major in Management Information Systems from the University of South Florida. He was appointed by the USF Student Body President to be the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Comptroller, which included responsibilities to work with USF administration on the allocation of over $10 million. In addition, Bryan participated in the USF Undergraduate Case Competition and Dean’s Executive Advisory Council within the College of Business. Back To Top Cara Castle is the Architectural Coordinator for Vertical Integration, focusing on Programming, Space Planning, Standards Development, and Interior Design. Cara brings 15 years of experience in the field of interior design and programming. As a licensed Interior Designer, Cara has extensive experience with programming, space planning, complete construction document preparation, full service design, project management and construction administration for a wide range and variety of corporate, retail and public sector projects. Cara has successfully completed a variety of projects for CENTCOM at MacDill Air Force Base, including the design of the JIOC room and adjacent conference room. Cara was responsible for the project management, overseeing the architectural design and development of the layout of the spaces, incorporating ceiling and lighting elements and extensive coordination with the client, engineers and contractor. One primary element of these areas was coordinating and providing precise electrical and data requirements for the many individual console work areas and full wall of viewing screens. Cara also has experience with the World Bank in Washington, D.C. as well as Progress Energy in St. Petersburg, and she will supplement her extensive programming and design expertise with ample data on public sector office space use provided through Vertical Integration's unique benchmarking studies. Back To Top Joe A. Wilson a retired United States Air Force Colonel, brings over 30 years experience managing complex logistics and operations to the Vertical Integration team. He is also a Joint Officer with United States Army, Navy and Marine Corp experience. Prior to joining Vertical Integration, Joe was with Data Solutions Technology (DST) where he was the Vice President of Air Force Programs/Logistics. In addition to supervising the Tampa office of DST, Joe was responsible for logistics/operations support services which included facilities and systems management, distribution and transportation, asset management, warehouse operations, and parking management. Joe's distinguished career in the United States Air Force included serving as the Logistics Group Commander at Maxwell (Alabama) AFB where he supervised over 500 personnel, managed a supply inventory and hazardous material program, and a vehicle fleet valued in excess of $69 million dollars. Also, Joe directed contracting obligations valued at over $129 million per year in construction, services, and commodities for over 35 major customers. Joe has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Alabama State University and a Masters Degree in Business Management and Procurement from Webster University. Joe also holds Top Secret Security Clearance. Back To Top For information on other team members, please click here to contact us.

Ann W. Duncan is the President and Founder of Vertical Integration. Ann brings 20 years of commercial real estate experience to the team, including tenant representation, commercial brokerage, portfolio optimization, development and program management. Ann has completed lease transactions, both large and small, totaling over 5,000,000 square feet of office space for both the public and private sector. Ann has also led countless multi-disciplinary teams on hundreds of projects assuring that the space planning, interior design, monitoring and reporting of suite construction, walk-through coordination, punch-list items, move-in coordination, and other lease issues are integrated with the lease acquisition strategy, something most typical brokers do not do well. All of this type of work has been on behalf of tenants - not landlords. Ann also supplements her professional work with governmental entities by serving as a member of the State of Florida's Board of Governors (BOG) which oversees the State's eleven (11) public universities, and also serving as Chair of the BOG's Research and Economic Development Committee. Ann holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of South Florida (USF). She also has a Black Belt in Six Sigma from Villanova University. The Six Sigma process is designed to support continual process improvement by assuring that project results are measured and tracked in an objective manner. Ann is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Florida and is the President of Corenet's Tampa Bay Chapter. Corenet is the leading global association for public and private sector users of real estate.
Back To Top

Michael E. Griffin is the Senior Account Transaction Manager at Vertical Integration and has worked in and around public institutions for over 9 years. He understands how the public sector works, and he places himself in his clients' shoes on daily basis to provide the right real estate solution. Mike has completed numerous real estate assignments working with state and federal agencies as well as private sector entities. Mike's experience includes tenant representation, market analysis, site analysis, lease negotiation, financial analysis, demographic analysis, architectural coordination, including coordination of space planning and interior design, monitoring of suite construction, and providing various other services. Mike serves as the founding Chairman of the University of South Florida (USF) Financing Corporation Board of Directors which oversees the bond financing of projects for USF. Currently, over $1.02 billion in financing transactions have closed resulting in over 1.8 million square feet of projects, with facilities ranging from residence halls to sophisticated medical research buildings and office space. Prior to joining Vertical Integration, Mike served as a charter University Trustee and two-term Student Body President at USF. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from USF. He also has a Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University, and is active in leadership roles in numerous local industry and civic associations. Mike is a graduate of Leadership Florida Class (XXVI) and serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Mike is also a licensed Real Estate Sales Associate in the State of Florida.
Back To Top

Jess J. Johnson manages the performance management and benchmarking consulting services for Vertical Integration and brings a unique blend of analytical skill and public policy expertise to the team. Having worked as a Senior Legislative Aide specializing in policy development and budget analysis for a County Commissioner in a large, metropolitan county, Jess understands the multitude of considerations that go into sound policy recommendations and budget analysis. Jess also has experience as Executive Assistant for Special Projects to a Vice President at a flagship public university where his efforts spanned long-range and strategic planning for facilities and programs, budget analysis and resource allocation, and research. Jess's public sector experience is complemented by his prior real estate work having worked in both commercial development and commercial real estate appraisal. Jess holds a Master of Science in Real Estate, a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Florida. He served as UF Student Senate President, is a member of Florida Blue Key, and was inducted into the UF Hall of Fame in 2004. He is a member of College Leadership Florida Class V and serves on the College Leadership Florida Cabinet.
Back To Top

Mark Wilkins, a LEED accredited professional, has worked in the commercial real estate industry for 33 years, with expertise in building management and construction. Mark currently provides project management services to multiple agencies for the State of Florida in addition to consulting with the General Services Administration (GSA) on streamlining its Design and Construction program. Prior to joining Vertical Integration in 2007, Mark managed construction projects throughout Florida for clients such as Northern Trust Bank of Florida, Prudential Insurance Company of America, Confederation Life Insurance, Northwestern Mutual, The Travelers and Met Life. Mark has provided services for more than 3 million square feet of office space, including his responsibilities for asset sales, acquisition, construction and property management, and leasing. Mark offers clients technical expertise for construction management assignments with a focus on keeping projects on time and on budget. Mark has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida. He is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the state of Florida and is a Certified Property Manager.
Back To Top

Bryan B. Ezell develops and manages all technology-related business services provided by Vertical Integration. Working directly with clients on technology-related real estate contracts, he specializes in developing technological resources that support enhanced real estate decision making. Additionally, Bryan prepares financial and real estate presentation documents and analysis and manages a sub-contracted development team. His proficiency in business intelligence gives our clients the information and knowledge they need to make strategic choices in favor of their real estate portfolios. Bryan’s extensive knowledge of information systems and technology has given Vertical Integration opportunities to grow and explore a variety of consulting projects. Beyond managing technology business services, Bryan also administers Vertical Integration’s internal technological resources. Bryan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a major in Management Information Systems from the University of South Florida. He was appointed by the USF Student Body President to be the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Comptroller, which included responsibilities to work with USF administration on the allocation of over $10 million. In addition, Bryan participated in the USF Undergraduate Case Competition and Dean’s Executive Advisory Council within the College of Business.
Back To Top

Cara Castle is the Architectural Coordinator for Vertical Integration, focusing on Programming, Space Planning, Standards Development, and Interior Design. Cara brings 15 years of experience in the field of interior design and programming. As a licensed Interior Designer, Cara has extensive experience with programming, space planning, complete construction document preparation, full service design, project management and construction administration for a wide range and variety of corporate, retail and public sector projects. Cara has successfully completed a variety of projects for CENTCOM at MacDill Air Force Base, including the design of the JIOC room and adjacent conference room. Cara was responsible for the project management, overseeing the architectural design and development of the layout of the spaces, incorporating ceiling and lighting elements and extensive coordination with the client, engineers and contractor. One primary element of these areas was coordinating and providing precise electrical and data requirements for the many individual console work areas and full wall of viewing screens. Cara also has experience with the World Bank in Washington, D.C. as well as Progress Energy in St. Petersburg, and she will supplement her extensive programming and design expertise with ample data on public sector office space use provided through Vertical Integration's unique benchmarking studies.
Back To Top

Joe A. Wilson a retired United States Air Force Colonel, brings over 30 years experience managing complex logistics and operations to the Vertical Integration team. He is also a Joint Officer with United States Army, Navy and Marine Corp experience. Prior to joining Vertical Integration, Joe was with Data Solutions Technology (DST) where he was the Vice President of Air Force Programs/Logistics. In addition to supervising the Tampa office of DST, Joe was responsible for logistics/operations support services which included facilities and systems management, distribution and transportation, asset management, warehouse operations, and parking management. Joe's distinguished career in the United States Air Force included serving as the Logistics Group Commander at Maxwell (Alabama) AFB where he supervised over 500 personnel, managed a supply inventory and hazardous material program, and a vehicle fleet valued in excess of $69 million dollars. Also, Joe directed contracting obligations valued at over $129 million per year in construction, services, and commodities for over 35 major customers. Joe has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Alabama State University and a Masters Degree in Business Management and Procurement from Webster University. Joe also holds Top Secret Security Clearance.
Back To Top

For information on other team members, please click here to contact us.