Respondent’s Name: Arnold Peck Company: Arnold Peck’s Commercial World What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2015? My focus and energy in 2015 has been on all types of commercial development. In addition, over 5,000 residential units have been acquisitioned, aiding in the residential improvement of several large communities. I have been fully engaged in motivating young entrepreneurs to give back to their communities. In addition, a smooth transition to a new office facility complete with upgraded space and systems was accomplished. Looking at 2016 with confidence, eager to continue to navigate the real estate market in Connecticut. I believe we are in for a continued upward swing! What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2015? I would have to say that there has been several. One involved transforming a dilapidated 75,000 s/f Southington, Queen Street Shopping center. With the acquisition of the adjacent property, plus a $2 million facelift, the result was a totally repositioned, transformed commercial updated space. Additionally, I created a vacant restaurant space in Meriden, into a new, prototype of Advanced Auto and delivered it two months ahead of schedule! These were all accomplished while designing several new housing communities, including those for over age 55 communities. What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2016? 2016 promises to be a banner year in commercial real estate. It is an election year, interest rates continue to remain low, and the economy has stabilized. I see more big business committing to Connecticut, bringing greater opportunities for the near future. Connecticut has the culture, skilled labor, and is positioned beautifully between Manhattan and Boston. Fairfield County is among the top zip codes for the country, all add to a bountiful 2016.