Mike Zei launched TenantBase six years ago in Nashville, with co-founders Bennett Washabaugh and Andy Kish. Since then, the company has grown to operate in 12 markets nationwide and employs more than 120 team members, with Zei as COO. The platform couples proprietary technology with tenant rep brokers to ensure tenants have an end-to-end leasing experience.

These are just a few of the reasons we chose Zei to be one of the National 2020 Next Generation Award winners. Connect Media’s fourth annual Next Generation Awards recognize young leaders in the commercial real estate industry who are likely to be influential for years to come.

Zei’s leadership has been a driving force at TenantBase from the company’s start in 2014, and colleagues say this strength of character has never been more important now in light of recent events in the U.S. This leadership has been the glue holding the team together during an uncertain time, according to colleagues.

While the industry is currently operating under less than ideal conditions, Zei is said to have had the insight to understand that there are massive upcoming opportunities in commercial real estate beyond the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has worked tirelessly to set TenantBase up to be in the best position of supporting and guiding the industry, its clients and its employees through a period of transition, restructuring and regrowth as we rebound from the effects of the many serious and impactful events of 2020.