Details

Transaction Type: Tenant Representation

Square Footage: 100,000

Challenge

As a fast-growing solution for consumers to access their weather information, The Weather Channel has staffed up considerably to meet surging technological demands. CEO Cameron Clayton described their situation: “We’re looking to hire over 800 people in the next three years. That’s great for business, but it also creates real logistical problems. We don’t have a single seat available for anybody in our current building.” Cameron called on Scotland Wright Associates (SWA) to helm the relocation process, which would encounter unexpected complications along the way. Fortunately, SWA is an agile, adaptable independent firm which can meet any challenge to meet clients’ needs — even when they change.

Process

SWA has been representing tenants big and small for more than 15 years, so the firm knew exactly how to best serve The Weather Company. SWA spent hundreds of hours gathering information, understanding The Weather Company’s future growth plan and strategizing about the best relocation area. Scotland, SWA founder and chairman, says, “It first started off with asking where they wanted to be geographically, and a lot of variables come into play there. We wanted to make sure we got to a place that contributed to the culture they wanted to create and enhanced their ability to attract and retain talent.” 

SWA’s entire team devoted themselves to researching and discovering the perfect solution for The Weather Company while walking through the SWA 133-step process. CEO Michael Tucker says, “We conducted commute-route analysis and led tours into the Northwest, Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, and ultimately the Central Perimeter, which we realized was the best area for them.” The Central Perimeter provided easy access to public transportation, offering commute convenience for The Weather Company’s new creative employees living downtown, while still offering access to the suburbs for employees with young families. 

In the middle of the process, The Weather Company was purchased by IBM. SWA could have easily been replaced by IBM’s existing real estate relationships. Yet Cameron, a firsthand witness to SWA’s expertise, exceptional service and custom-fit approach, convinced IBM to keep SWA onboard. He says, “We went to bat for them in a really big way, because SWA has done so much for us and offered a level of service unlike anyone we’d worked with before.” 

The relocation process was now more complex, as IBM brought new requirements and priorities to the table, including rigorous compliance requirements for tenants. Additionally, the number of people making real estate decisions for The Weather Company jumped from five to more than 25. SWA jumped into education mode, navigated prior expectations and helped all leadership understand The Weather Company’s needs. “I personally would have thrown my hands up and walked away,” Cameron laughs. “But SWA was amazing through the whole process and continued providing an incredible level of support and professionalism.” SWA stayed committed to servicing The Weather Company all the way through the deal, which ultimately led to the perfect new space for The Weather Company. 

Solution

The building, located at 1001 Perimeter Summit Parkway, is one of the premier office spaces in Atlanta. “It’s a beautiful space,” Cameron says. “But our move isn’t just an investment in square footage, but in our culture as a company.” The new location is centrally located for The Weather Company’s employee base and offers great brand exposure, with their sign visible from I-285 and 400, where tens of thousands of cars travel every day. Public transportation, nearby restaurants, entertainment and outside Wi-Fi connectivity all combined to make it the perfect space for The Weather Company. SWA negotiated the deal and built in components that ensure The Weather Company will have first rights to the building’s new space when it becomes available, thereby accommodating the company’s future growth plans.

Result

The Weather Company relocated into their new building in the summer 2017, but SWA knows its job as tenant representatives doesn’t end once the move happens. “We stay in close contact with our clients even after the move,” Scotland Wright says. “Every company should have a long-term real estate representative, and that’s how we aim to serve our clients.” 

Cameron says he and his team know they got a great deal along with exceptional service from SWA. “The SWA team is highly motivated and highly skilled in their field. They make it easy for their clients, and having the full team work with us was awesome. I’d recommend them in a second to anyone.”