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Jim Underhill Named Executive Chairman of TenantBase

David O'Rell
David O'Rell

(SANTA MONICA, CA) May 6, 2021 — TenantBase, an online commercial real estate platform, today announced Jim Underhill has joined the company in the newly-created operating role of Executive Chairman. This appointment follows TenantBase’s rapid growth year to date as the company has expanded to 35 markets, 20 of which have been launched in 2021. Underhill will collaborate with company leadership to accelerate strategic and scalable growth of the platform nationally and internationally.

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Prior to joining TenantBase, Underhill spent five years as the CEO of Cresa, the world’s largest commercial real estate firm focused solely on advising tenants, where he led its growth into additional markets worldwide. His previous commercial real estate roles include Americas CEO at Cushman & Wakefield and a regional founder of The Staubach Company, one of the original leaders in tenant rep service innovation.

“How companies use technology to acquire commercial space is ripe for transformation and TenantBase has clearly emerged as the leader, with a proven track record of closing transactions in markets all across the U.S.,” said Underhill. “I’m excited to be joining TenantBase’s strong leadership team. Together, we share a big ambition for creating a company that’s not only a transformative industry leader, but also highly respected for its commitment to innovation, talent and entrepreneurial culture.”

In TenantBase’s short operating history, more than 170,000 tenants have accessed the platform’s on-demand service delivery model, designed to revolutionize the search and lease negotiation process for companies seeking commercial space.

“TenantBase addresses the technology and client-focused solution gap in the market with a tenant-first, tech-enabled offering that provides the user experience expected by tenants today,” Underhill said. “Tenants paying rent are at the very top of the value chain in CRE - they drive the value of buildings, the land, the mortgages, and the leasing transaction marketplace. It’s appropriate that there is a marketplace built for them - and that’s what TenantBase has done.”

“Jim is an accomplished leader in the tenant rep industry and is highly respected for his ability to see the next great opportunity that will push commercial real estate transactions into the digital age,” said Bennett Washabaugh, CEO of TenantBase. “His experience and proven leadership style will help us in this period of rapid scale for our business as tenants are demanding a tech-enabled solution for the commercial real estate leasing process. Together we look forward to partnering with the industry to revolutionize how transactions are initiated and executed online.”

 

About TenantBase

TenantBase is an online commercial real estate marketplace built to provide industrial and commercial tenants a radically improved leasing experience, while helping CRE professionals connect and close more transactions. TenantBase offers a higher level of service to tenants seeking new office, industrial, warehouse, retail, co-working, or medical space, while at the same time helping traditional brokers save time and provide innovative solutions to tenants in a more efficient way. More information is available at www.tenantbase.com.

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jeff Cheatham, The Power Group

972-961-6171

jeff@thepowergroup.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does TenantBase work?

TenantBase reverses the traditional commercial real estate model. Instead of spending weeks searching listings and contacting landlords, tenants share their requirements — location, size, budget, and timing — and TenantBase matches them with qualified local tenant-rep brokers and relevant market options.

What does a tenant-rep broker actually do?

Tenant-rep brokers provide market expertise, advocate exclusively for tenant interests, and manage the leasing process from start to finish — space selection, negotiations, and concessions — helping reduce risk and improve outcomes at no direct cost to the tenant in most U.S. markets.

What's the difference between a gross lease and a net lease?

In a gross lease, one all-in rent payment covers most building expenses. In a net lease, tenants pay base rent plus some combination of property taxes, insurance, and CAM charges on top. Those pass-throughs can add 30–100% above the face rate, so understanding the structure before you tour is critical.

Who are the Partner Broker Highlights?

Partner Broker Highlights feature trusted tenant-rep brokers in TenantBase's network — their background, market expertise, and approach to representing tenants. It's designed to help businesses find and vet the right local advisor before starting a search.

How does TenantBase help me find the right space for my business?

TenantBase combines technology with local tenant advisors to match searches based on headcount, growth plans, budget, and timing — streamlining discovery and helping teams lease space that fits their operational and financial goals.