To Develop Value-Add Office, Retail and Industrial Commercial Real Estate Properties
To Develop Value-Add Office, Retail and Industrial Commercial Real Estate Properties
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT MAGIC THEME
READY TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS ACCOUNTING EXPERTS
OFFER INSIGHT
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND CASINO NIGHT IT’S GOING TO BE A MAGICAL NIGHT
The commercial real estate (CRE) industry is moving beyond simply developing buildings; to curating destinations that inspire and engage people. This transformative process, sometimes called creating “real estate magic,” leverages storytelling, experience-driven design, and a strong sense of place to connect with tenants, visitors, and the wider community. The result is a vibrant, memorable property with enhanced value and greater resilience to market dynamics.
Here’s how the Occidental Team creates real estate magic in our projects:
1. Build a compelling narrative
A property is more than just square footage; it’s a character in a story. Crafting an authentic narrative helps potential tenants and buyers connect emotionally with the space.
• Embrace the past. Highlight a building’s historical significance, architecture, or original purpose. For instance, the Historic Union Station campus, which was transformed into a vibrant mixed use project in the heart of downtown Wichita, KS.
• Visualize the future. We strive to paint a picture of the lifestyle and experiences that the property will encompass. For a mixed-use project, a narrative might focus on the community flourishing within the retail, dining, and entertainment spaces.
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Chad Stafford President, Occidental Management
• Communicate the vision. We tell the property’s story consistently through high-quality visuals, marketing materials, and every client interaction.
2. Design for human connection
Modern CRE is human-centered. Placemaking, the art of shaping spaces to encourage social interaction and community engagement, is a core component of this approach.
• Design for all five senses. In retail and office spaces, an immersive environment is more than just visuals. We integrate elements that seek to stimulate all the senses, from the smell of a local bakery to the use of unique textures and high-quality materials.
• Curate community. Provide common areas where people can gather, like rooftop terraces, communal kitchens, or outdoor plazas. Hosting events, partnering with local businesses, and integrating public art further strengthens community ties for each property.
• Promote discovery. We create experiences that encourage interaction and exploration for businesses and their employees both in outdoor and indoor amenities.
3. Embrace innovation and technology
Integrating PropTech and innovative design is essential for enhancing efficiency and creating unique experiences.
• Develop smart, sustainable buildings. Incorporate smart building technologies and sustainable design principles, like renewable energy systems and energy-efficient lighting. These initiatives reduce operating costs, attract environmentally conscious tenants, and increase asset value.
• Leverage virtual tools. Use technologies like virtual and augmented reality to provide immersive property tours and showcase development projects before construction is complete.
4. Foster a strong sense of place
A strong sense of place creates a feeling of identity and belonging that people remember. It’s what differentiates a building from a destination.
This creates a sense of continuity and connects the property to its community.
• Focus on aesthetics and comfort. We pay attention to details like landscaping, lighting, and comfortable seating options to create an inviting atmosphere.
• Strategically highlight location. We always emphasize a property’s access to transit, amenities, and local landmarks.
By moving beyond traditional real estate metrics (which are all still very important) and embracing creative, people-centered strategies, we can develop not only properties, but truly magical places that leave a lasting impression and generate exceptional value.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT CREATING COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MAGIC: WE DON’T DO ORDINARY
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23 EXPERT INSIGHT MAINTENANCE MATTERS: PROACTIVE TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR SPACE 09
by Maria Rupp
For Kalene Hoffmann, fitness isn’t just a passion, it’s a way of life. As the owner of Kansas’ first BODYBAR Pilates studio and now a proud member of the Occidental community, Kalene has brought her signature energy and drive to the west side with the opening of a brand-new studio at Auburn Pointe.
“I’ve always had a passion for fitness, but Pilates truly changed my life—physically and mentally,” Kalene shares. After years of teaching and previously co-owning a gym, she discovered BODYBAR and knew immediately it was the perfect fit. A trip to their headquarters in Texas sealed the deal. What began as one location in East Wichita has now grown into a movement—fueled by a team that’s just as passionate as she is.
BODYBAR blends strength, flexibility, mobility, cardio, and community into every class. From beginners to
seasoned athletes, the experience is designed to meet each person where they are. “BODYBAR is for every BODY,” Kalene says. “And the best part? Your first class is free.”
As an entrepreneur juggling multiple businesses, Kalene credits her success to her team and the Wichita community. “Wichita shows up for small businesses in a big way,” she says. “There’s so much appreciation for innovation and wellness here.”
Her connection to Occidental Management has also played a part. “From the build-out process to promoting the new studio, the Occidental team has been hands-on and supportive. It’s been a true partnership.”
One story stands out to Kalene: a member in her 70s who joined after recovering from a traumatic
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bike accident. She’s now taken over 500 classes and is stronger than ever. “It’s stories like that that remind me why I do this,” Kalene says.
As BODYBAR continues expanding into new cities and growing its community, Kalene’s advice to aspiring business owners is simple: “Go for it. Surround yourself with good people. It’s not always easy—but it’s worth it.”
When she’s not in the studio, you’ll find her recharging with family and a game of tennis. Because balance, just like Pilates, is everything.
Visit bodybarpilates.com and find the studio nearest you and sign up for a class.
Cassie DaluzVieira Business Partner BODYBAR Pilates Auburn Hills Location
Kalene Hoffman Owner BODYBAR Pilates (PICTURED AT FAR RIGHT)
by Troy Marquis and Troy Biggs
Starting your own business is an exciting leap. It’s the freedom to follow your passion, set your own schedule, and—if all goes well—achieve financial independence. But with that freedom comes responsibility, and more than a few pitfalls that can catch even experienced entrepreneurs off guard. In commercial real estate and finance, we’ve seen the same themes play out time and again, whether in Wichita or other markets. Here are five of the most important things we tell people to keep in mind when they’re starting out.
1. Understand the Full Cost of Space
Leasing commercial space isn’t just about the rent number on the page. Too often, tenants overlook costs like common area maintenance (CAM) charges, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. These can shift year-to-year and quickly add up. Before signing, take a holistic look at the total
“ The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
occupancy cost—not just month one, but projected over the term. This will keep you from being blindsided by increases down the road.
2. Build a Financial Cushion
One of the most common mistakes we see is underestimating how much capital you’ll need to operate in those early months (or years). Whether you’re opening a storefront, moving into an office, or launching a new service line, build a budget that assumes delays—because there will be delays. Equipment breaks, projects take longer than planned, and customers don’t always pay on time. A healthy cash reserve can be the difference between weathering a slow season or shutting your doors.
3. Watch for Market Shifts—Not Just in Your Industry
In our experience across multiple markets and sectors, one overlooked risk is how broader economic or de-
mographic trends can ripple through local business performance. A new biomedical campus, for instance, can boost demand in one area while pulling activity from another. Multifamily housing growth can change traffic patterns and foot traffic in ways that directly affect retail and service businesses. Keep an eye on these trends, even if they seem unrelated to your core business, because they often shape your customer base more than you think.
4. Get the Legal and Lease Details Right
It’s not glamorous but understanding your lease terms and legal obligations up front will save you from costly headaches later. This includes knowing your renewal options, maintenance responsibilities, and how improvements are handled. We always recommend having a qualified attorney review your lease before you sign. The few hundred dollars you spend today can save you thousands in disputes later.
Prepare for Shifts in the Economy
Looking ahead to 2025, high interest rates and evolving workplace trends will likely impact how companies lease and develop property. Many are downsizing their footprints or seeking flexible lease terms. If you’re a property owner, this means being adaptable in your leasing strategy and tenant mix. For tenants, it may mean locking in favorable terms now before rates or rents increase further.
Entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding adventures you can take—but it’s not for the faint of heart. With careful planning, a clear-eyed understanding of your costs, and the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions, you can position yourself for long-term success. As we often tell clients: the right preparation today will give you more freedom to focus on your passion tomorrow.
At Occidental, we talk a lot about “making places”, not just managing buildings. Increasingly, the differentiator isn’t what you can see, but the digital backbone you can’t. To unpack that, we spoke with Bill Douglas, CEO of OpticWise—our long-time partner at Aspiria—about the playbook behind tech-forward properties and why the smartest thing owners can do right now is own their data.
Bill opened with a line that’s perfect for our “Magic” issue:
“AI isn’t magic—it’s science. The magic happens when you control the data.”
Why a book—and why now?
OpticWise just released a practical guide to help owners/operators modernize their digital infrastructure and get truly AI-ready. As Bill put it, CRE has historically lagged on technology. The book demystifies the process they’ve refined over a decade and packages it into a five-step framework any owner can use— whether or not they ever hire a vendor.
The 5C Framework (in plain English)
1. Clarify – Audit what you actually own (networks, systems, data). Who controls what? Where does your data live?
2. Connect – Link siloed systems (physically or digitally) so information can flow.
3. Collect – Start capturing usable data— consistently, over time.
4. Coordinate – Apply analytics and machine learning to see patterns, predict issues, and drive decisions.
5. Control – Let systems “talk” and act on each other’s signals (e.g., pricing parking dynamically on event nights, or fine-tuning HVAC off access and occupancy data).
Bill’s bottom line: Don’t buy “AI” before you have data worth analyzing. Start small, connect what you already have, and use early wins to build momentum.
What this looks like at Aspiria
OpticWise operates the digital infrastructure across the campus—fiber and copper, data centers, tenant mobility, privacy and security, and the continuous monitoring of tens of thousands of endpoints. That visibility helps our teams do what great operators do: anticipate.
• Proactive vs. reactive. When you can see equipment trends, you budget a year in advance no surprises.
• Efficiency that tenants feel. Smarter controls reduce shared utilities (Bill routinely sees 5%+ reductions), improve comfort, and make a campus more competitive.
• A multi-tenant edge. Aspiria runs with the discipline of a single-tenant campus—only we deliver it in a multi-tenant environment. That’s a rare combination and a real differentiator.
The biggest myth in “digital transformation”
Leaders often assume once they say “go,” everyone will fall in line. In reality, change needs a champion— what Bill calls the sixth C. Leaders have to communicate why the shift matters, where each team fits, and then delegate. AI won’t replace people; people using AI will outpace those who don’t.
Future-ready without overspending
Skip the glossy pitch. Start with Clarify and Connect/Collect—moves that don’t require forklift-level capex. Capture six to nine months of data and you’ll have the confidence (and proof) to prioritize the right investments, at the right time, with real ROI.
Ask better vendor questions
Bill suggests owners press for transparency before committing:
• Who owns the data?
• Can we access/export it freely?
• Do you (or our PM) have financial upside with this vendor?
• What happens if we switch?
Remember: It’s your building, your systems, your data. Vendors should align to your roadmap, not the other way around.
The “magic” (and where it actually lives)
We love the theme, but Bill’s point is clear: the real magic isn’t a black box—it’s triangulating siloed data across your property and orchestrating systems to work together for people. That’s how places become experiences, and experiences become value.
“The technologically advanced tenant will pay more and stay longer.”
—Bill Douglas
50–75 years ago, turning off lights and lowering thermostats meant someone walking a building. Today, networks listen, learn, and act. If that feels like magic, it’s because good science, good systems, and good teams make it look effortless
Learn more at opticwise.com.
MAGICAL EVENING OF FUN
by Maria Rupp
At Occidental Management, we believe the most magical moments happen when business and community come together for a purpose. This year’s Casino Night will blend the excitement of the tables with the joy of giving back, supporting the Wichita Children’s Home through a one-of-a-kind art auction.
Founded in 1888, the Wichita Children’s Home is dedicated to providing safety, shelter, and resources to children facing abuse, neglect, homelessness, and crisis situations. They offer not just a safe place to stay, but also the counseling, education, and life skills that help young people build brighter futures. We are honored to contribute to their mission through the proceeds of this special evening.
The auction will feature works from a truly incredible lineup of local artists, including Mark Pendergrass, Bob Ale-Ebrahim, Richard Crowson, Clark Britton, Robin Turnmire, and Brad Rupp. Each piece tells its own story and reflects the talent and heart found within our community. In addition, guests will have
the chance to bid on exclusive items from Auburn Spirits, Greatness Vodka, and Utopia Salon.
While Casino Night is a private event, its impact will ripple far beyond the venue. Every bid placed and every item won will help provide hope, support, and resources for children in need—because the real magic happens when we invest in the future of our community.
Occidental is proud to host this annual tradition and create an evening where fun, friendship, and philanthropy meet at the same table.
Please join us on December 11th from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the IceHouse, 165 S. Rock Island, Wichita, KS.
Family-Owned and Community-Driven:
PostNet West Wichita
When Brandt and Stephanie Wise first walked into their neighborhood PostNet, they weren’t expecting to walk out as its new owners. What started as a routine package drop-off quickly turned into a new entrepreneurial adventure for the husband-and-wife duo.
“Brandt saw a sign on the door that said it was for sale,” Stephanie recalls with a laugh. “That night, we looked it up, realized we knew the business broker, and it just sounded like a fun adventure.”
PostNet West Wichita is now proudly operated by Brandt and Stephanie Wise along with Brandi Wise, who manages the day-to-day operations. Their team also includes graphic designer Erin, who brings clients’ creative visions to life, and Ryan, a Wichita State student known for his tech savvy and can-do spirit.
“It’s a true family affair,” Stephanie says. “We couldn’t do it without Brandi. Everyone has their lane, and it’s been a lot of fun learning together.”
Located near Auburn Hills, PostNet West Wichita is more than just a printing and shipping hub, it’s a local connection point. The Wises live just around the corner, and that proximity fuels their passion for serving their community.
“This is literally our backyard,” Stephanie explains. “We know many of the people coming through our doors, and it’s rewarding to help local businesses thrive right here in our own neighborhood.”
While shipping remains a core service, many are surprised to learn how much more PostNet offers. From menus and brochures to full-scale marketing mailers, the team provides both design and print support.
One standout service? Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). This powerful tool allows business owners to target specific ZIP codes—ideal for contractors, restaurants, and local service providers looking to grow their customer base.
“We can help design the marketing piece, print it, and get it into mailboxes,” Stephanie says. “It’s an incredible way to reach your audience efficiently.”
Just weeks into ownership, the Wises look forward to reconnecting PostNet with local business organizations and community groups like WIBA and the Chamber of Commerce. They also plan to continue the store’s tradition of supporting schools, churches, and events across West Wichita and nearby communities such as Goddard.
And with a five-year goal to explore expansion to Wichita’s east side, this family’s entrepreneurial spark shows no signs of dimming.
“Once you catch the bug, you just want to do more,” Stephanie says with a smile. “We’re excited to grow and continue being part of Wichita’s business community.”
Visit postnet.com to learn more.
by Maria Rupp
Derek’s vision for Just a Sip grew out of the exploding “dirty soda” trend that first took hold in Utah. A lifelong Diet Coke fan with an entrepreneurial streak, he saw an opportunity to put a Wichita spin on the concept, creating a place where soda isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience. With creative flavors, seasonal specials, and even fresh-baked treats, Just a Sip has quickly become a fun, one-of-a-kind stop for locals looking for something new.
What inspired you to start Just a Sip?
The idea came from the growth of the dirty soda movement, which really took off in Utah. I’ve always loved Diet Coke and wanted to do something different. With my entrepreneurial background, it just made sense to build a unique soda shop—and that’s how Just a Sip was born.
How would you describe the vibe or experience you want people to have when they visit?
I want every visit to feel fun, exciting, and different. It’s not just a regular Coke or Pepsi— it’s an experience. We like to say it’s “a party in your mouth.”
What’s been the most popular drink or best seller lately?
Our best-seller by far is the Papa Pepper. It’s Dr Pepper with cherry flavoring, a real cherry, and Italian cream. People absolutely love it.
How do you come up with your seasonal or creative drink specials?
Seasonal drinks are inspired by the flavors of the season. For example, in the fall we feature caramel apple and pumpkin flavors, which might sound unusual in soda, but they’ve become customer favorites. We also offer hot cocoa with 10 unique flavors. Just like our sodas, our cocoa lineup is creative and one-of-a-kind.
What’s something about Just a Sip that people might not know but you wish they did?
As a local business owner, what do you love most about being part of Wichita’s small business scene?
Wichita has produced some incredible food brands, like Pizza Hut, and the community here is always open to trying new things. Being part of this scene is inspiring, and the way people have welcomed Just a Sip—just as they’ve embraced so many other local businesses—has been incredible.
Any exciting plans, events, or new offerings we can share with our readers?
We’re rolling out some exciting fall items, including our Sugar Doodle cookie, which is our take on a snickerdoodle. We’re also launching fall drinks like the Caramel Apple Surprise. Plus, our seasonal tumblers are always a hit—we just released our Halloween tumbler, and our winter tumbler will debut in early November. Each tumbler is $29.95, includes the first fill free, and comes with a $10 gift card.
Visit justasip.us to learn more.
Beyond dirty sodas and hot cocoa, we serve fresh-baked cookies every day, delicious pretzel bites, and blended drinks. The blended drinks are like slushies—you can take any soda you love, like the Papa Pepper or Air Capital Cola, and we’ll blend it into a frozen treat. They’re amazing.
by Lee Schnyder and Josh Newman
At Occidental, we know that a well-maintained space is more than just nice to look at, it’s essential for safety, efficiency, and creating an environment where people can thrive. For this topic, we turned to two of our in-house experts — Josh Newman, Property Manager, and Lee Schnyder, Senior Property Manager — to share their best practices for keeping commercial spaces in top shape.
One of the simplest ways to avoid major headaches is by doing monthly checks of your mechanical rooms. Look for leaks, unusual noises, or fire hazards—and keep the area clean. Even reviewing your utility bills can be a clue. If you notice a sudden spike in water, gas, or
electric costs, it could signal a leak or a system running overtime.
Quarterly HVAC check-ups are a must. Changing filters and keeping units free from debris prevents breakdowns and helps your system run efficiently year-round. Sealing and cleaning the exterior of your building is another small step that makes a big difference—keeping pests, water, and high utility bills out.
When repairs come up, it’s always smart to get another estimate. This not only helps ensure the pricing is fair, but it can also protect you from investing in fixes you may not truly need.
A space that’s properly heated and cooled is about more than comfort—it’s about employee satisfaction, productivity, and preventing bigger issues like mold or unsafe conditions. Preventative maintenance often uncovers small problems before they grow into costly emergencies, helping your business run without interruption through the extremes of summer and winter.
Finally, understanding your space is just as important as maintaining it. Familiarize yourself with what’s covered by your landlord versus what’s your responsibility as a tenant. And always know where your water shut-offs and electrical panels are located—it’s knowledge that can save valuable time in an emergency.
Preventative care isn’t glamorous, but it’s the backbone of keeping your business safe, efficient, and future-ready. With consistent attention and a proactive mindset, tenants can protect their investment and avoid costly disruptions.
Now offering two premier industrial development sites— Bel Aire Industrial Park North and South—offering a combined 230 acres of prime development land positioned to capture the region’s next wave of growth. Situated at the intersection of K-254 and Greenwich Road, the parks provide unmatched highway connectivity and proximity to key logistics hubs. Future diamond interchange improvements at K-254 and Greenwich will make access even more seamless, placing businesses within quick reach of Kansas City, Salina, Tulsa and Oklahoma City in just a 2 to 3 hour drive.
LEADERSHIP
Gary Oborny, Chairman & CEO
Chad Stafford, President
Troy Marquis, Chief Financial Officer
Brian Burris, Chief Legal Officer
Jeannette Vahle, Regional Manager, KC
Bob Ale-Ebrahim, Marketing Director
Steve Lebeda, VP of Construction Services
Lee Schnyder, Senior Property Manager
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bob
Maria Rupp
Bob
Maria Rupp CONTRIBUTING
Bob Ale-Ebrahim
Maria Rupp
Chad Stafford