Velocity Retail Group is excited to announce the addition of Christopher Gerardo to our team as Senior Vice President. With over three decades of experience in retail real estate, Chris brings unparalleled expertise in leasing, development, and strategic consulting to our growing organization.

Chris has been a trailblazer in the retail real estate sector, with a career spanning leadership roles at Whitestone REIT, Pederson Group, Inc., and W.M. Grace Development Co., among others. His track record includes the successful leasing and development of millions of square feet of shopping center space, from neighborhood centers to regional powerhouses.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chris has:

  • Released and revitalized major retail spaces, such as transforming a former AJ’s grocery store into a thriving Planet Fitness location and securing long-term tenants like Merrill Lynch.
  • Spearheaded the development of over 2.8 million square feet of shopping center space, achieving exceptional leasing benchmarks and creating vibrant retail destinations across Arizona.
  • Managed diverse projects, including developing and leasing a 105,000-square-foot Fry’s grocery-anchored shopping center from bare ground to full occupancy.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Chris is a passionate advocate for community involvement. He has held leadership roles with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and the Phoenix Active 20/30 Club and served as an Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. A proud alumnus of Arizona State University, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and is a licensed real estate broker in Arizona.

Dave Cheatham, President of Velocity Retail Group, shared his enthusiasm for Chris joining the team: “Chris is a seasoned leader whose depth of experience and innovative approach to retail leasing and development align perfectly with our vision. His contributions will undoubtedly drive new opportunities for our clients and elevate our impact in the commercial real estate market.”

Chris is joining Velocity Retail Group at an exciting time, as we continue to expand our footprint and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Please join us in giving Chris a warm welcome as we look forward to his contributions to our success.