Lee & Associates Strengthens Wilmington CRE Leadership with Key Senior Hires

Wilmington, NC — Lee & Associates, a nationally recognized commercial real estate firm, has added three senior professionals to its Wilmington office—reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Cape Fear market and preparing for an expanded footprint in high-growth asset classes.

The firm’s latest hires bring a combined mix of institutional experience, local development knowledge, and investor-focused execution capabilities. With this strategic expansion, Lee & Associates is positioning itself to lead in land sales, leasing, investment brokerage, and development advisory services throughout southeastern North Carolina.

Who’s Joining and Why It Matters

Lannin Braddock, a veteran developer and asset manager, joins the team with nearly two decades of experience in industrial, retail, medical, and cold storage real estate. Her track record includes overseeing large-scale projects totaling over a million square feet, making her a key addition for clients focused on large portfolio growth or complex redevelopment opportunities.

Alex Thorpe brings a long-standing presence in the region’s commercial leasing scene. Known for his work on prominent mixed-use and retail assets, he strengthens the firm’s ability to handle high-visibility leasing assignments and guide clients through strategic property repositioning.

Luke Mello adds a unique perspective shaped by his background in hospitality and healthcare operations. He’s emerging as a key relationship builder and land expert, supporting next-generation investors and developers seeking entry into Wilmington’s fast-growing suburban corridors.

What This Signals to Investors

Lee & Associates’ expansion is more than a staffing update—it reflects the maturation of Wilmington’s CRE market and a shift toward deeper institutional support. The firm is now positioned to provide full-spectrum services for private investors, developers, syndicates, and institutional landlords alike.

• For equity partners and developers: There’s now a well-rounded team ready to help navigate land acquisition, entitlement, and asset execution from concept to disposition.
• For asset owners and landlords: The firm can support long-term leasing, marketing, and value-maximizing brokerage for commercial and mixed-use properties.
• For capital providers: These new hires provide stronger on-the-ground deal flow, better underwriting experience, and more access to off-market activity across retail, industrial, office, and residential land.

Strategic Implications for Wilmington

The timing of this move couldn’t be better. Wilmington is seeing a surge in suburban development, adaptive reuse, and hybrid commercial demand. As investors enter the market seeking yield outside crowded metros, the need for brokerage firms with strong local intelligence and national resources is growing rapidly.

Lee & Associates’ strengthened presence helps fill that gap—providing institutional service quality with local execution flexibility. With regional population growth, a rising volume of land deals, and renewed interest in value-add projects, the firm is now a key player in guiding commercial capital into the Wilmington area.

Conclusion

With the addition of Braddock, Thorpe, and Mello, Lee & Associates has reinforced its position as a top-tier brokerage partner for investors in coastal North Carolina. Their collective expertise in development, leasing, and land strategy is a clear indicator that Wilmington’s commercial real estate market is stepping into a new phase—one where professionalism, partnership, and growth-oriented thinking will define the next wave of success.