Latest high-profile recruit for full-service, Tampa-based, national firm
MIAMI, Florida — Today, Franklin Street, a national and fully-integrated commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Tampa, Florida, announced it hired Rafael Romero as regional managing director for its Miami office. Romero will continue to work with clients and grow his well-established client base in retail leasing and strategic consulting while also leading recruiting for Franklin Street in one of the country’s most important commercial real estate markets.
“This is an opportunity to join a firm that rewards entrepreneurial spirit and offers the tools, resources, and support to build something meaningful,” Rafael Romero, regional managing director, Franklin Street, said. “The collaborative environment and excitement around where Franklin Street is today—and where we are going—is palpable and unlike anything else in our industry. Talent is the heartbeat of this business and we’re going to recruit growth-minded people with a hunger for—and track record of—excellence to join our Miami office. For our clients, that means the tailored services and institutional capabilities they expect and deserve for their investments.”
Franklin Street is executing its strategic growth plan by expanding its geographic footprint and targeting top brokers in its existing markets. The hiring of Romero is the latest in a series of signature growth successes for the firm. In May of this year, Franklin Street opened its Nashville office and on August 19, announced the opening of its Dallas office, the firm’s 11th location. Additionally, it has made key hires in Atlanta and Tampa while also doubling the size of its Austin office in just over 18 months since it first opened its doors. In late 2024, it opened its Cincinnati office where its national Student Housing team is located.
“Miami is a vital market for Franklin Street and in Rafael, we have a leader who enhances our culture and reputation both because of his professional experience and profile, but importantly, because of the qualities that he embodies,” Tony DeSisto, president and COO, Franklin Street, said. “We’re hiring leaders who have excelled in their careers, are motivated by the pursuit of greatness, and who are looking to join a firm that is collaborative in its approach. We’re increasing our market share by expanding our reach and capabilities through investing in our most valued asset, our people, and we’re nowhere near finished.”
Romero has worked with a diverse set of clients including Thor Equities, AMLI, MMG, and Longpoint. He brings depth and experience to Franklin Street’s Retail business line and will be integral to increasing revenue market share in South Florida.
“Rafael is an incredible win for us and will bring valued leadership and experience to our Miami office and our Retail Leasing division as a whole,” Carrie Smith, executive vice president, Franklin Street, said. “We know what he is capable of, and his reputation enhances our ability to expand our client base, bring additional value to our existing client base in South Florida, and identify and hire talented individuals who want to join a firm that is full-service, agile, and client focused.”
Prior to joining Franklin Street, Romero served as senior vice president at JLL as a senior member of the company’s South Florida Retail Advisory practice. He is a graduate of Florida International University and earned his MBA from the University of Miami. He is an active member of ICSC and the Urban Land Institute. Romero also served in the United States Navy as a rescue swimmer and navigation specialist onboard the USS Nashville during three overseas combat deployments.
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About Franklin Street
Franklin Street is a fully integrated, national commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Tampa, Florida. We combine thoughtful planning with decisive action to deliver winning results to clients nationwide. Franklin Street’s seven lines of business include Capital Advisory, Insurance, Investment Sales, Property Management, Project Management and Tenant and Landlord Representation. Founded in 2006, Franklin Street has a network of industry-leading brokers and capital partners across the country to ensure exceptional client service. Learn more about Franklin Street.
