In a bold move that underscores its commitment to growth and innovation, Books-A-Million, the nation’s second-largest bookstore chain, has announced significant promotions within its real estate division. Rick Franz has been elevated to the position of Executive Vice President of Real Estate, while Jack Fleming steps into the role of Vice President of Real Estate. This strategic restructuring also welcomes Pete Turner as the new real estate manager, a move poised to bolster the company’s expansion efforts.
Rick Franz, who joined Books-A-Million in 2024 as a consultant, has been lauded for his strategic insight and leadership within the real estate department. With a robust background that includes previous roles as VP of real estate at Ulta Beauty, Wild Oats Markets, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, Franz is well-equipped to lead store positioning and growth in his new capacity.
Jack Fleming, previously the real estate manager at Books-A-Million’s Preferred Growth Properties subsidiary, will now focus on managing existing assets and identifying opportunities for new store openings. His prior experience in the financial services department at First Citizens Bank adds a layer of financial acumen to his role.
The addition of Pete Turner, a recent hire from April 2025, further strengthens the team. Turner, an Auburn University graduate, brings experience as a commercial underwriter at Regions Bank. His role as real estate manager will involve overseeing new projects and contributing to the company’s strategic goals.
These appointments follow the recent appointment of Brandon Waters as Chief Information Officer in February 2025, highlighting Books-A-Million’s dedication to enhancing its leadership team. In a statement, the company expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating, “As Books-A-Million continues to expand and innovate, we are confident that their leadership will play a pivotal role in our continued success.”
Books-A-Million operates over 200 stores across 32 states, alongside its e-commerce platform, Booksamillion.com. The chain’s latest moves are part of a broader strategy to solidify its position in the competitive retail landscape.
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
A Leon County judge has ordered Florida’s administrative courts to restart arbitration on more than 400 stalled Citizens Insurance cases, reigniting a legal showdown over whether the state’s insurer of last resort can force policyholders out of traditional courtrooms. The ruling directly conflicts with a separate Hillsborough County injunction that called Citizens’ arbitration system “likely unconstitutional,” setting up a rare judicial clash that could reshape how Floridians fight denied or underpaid property claims.
Inhabit has launched a powerful new suite of AI‑driven tools designed to modernize leasing, strengthen fraud prevention, and simplify compliance for property managers nationwide. From advanced leasing assistants and NYC‑specific regulatory AI to instant income verification and upcoming identity‑screening tech, these innovations aim to solve some of the industry’s toughest challenges. Real estate professionals—especially in multifamily—can expect faster operations, stronger safeguards, and a more efficient workflow as these technologies roll out.
A growing body of demographic research suggests that today’s housing shortage may give way to a future surplus as millions of Baby Boomer–owned homes return to the market over the next two decades. With affordability at historic lows and inventory still tight, this long‑term shift could eventually cool prices and transform the landscape for real estate professionals. The analysis draws parallels to aging populations abroad and highlights why understanding demographic cycles is becoming essential knowledge for agents, brokers, and mortgage professionals preparing for the next era of the housing market.
Griffin Funding has appointed John Jones as Senior Vice President of Growth and EOS Integrator, a move aimed at accelerating the lender’s push toward $3 billion in annual non‑QM loan volume by 2030. Jones, previously the company’s fractional integrator and COO, will lead expansion strategies, operational optimization, and leadership development as the lender strengthens its position in the increasingly competitive non‑QM market.
A new report shows Tampa outperforming the national real estate slowdown with a 6.5 percent annualized multifamily return, nearly 20 percent higher than the U.S. average. While many metros face oversupply or regulatory drag, Tampa’s balanced development pipeline, strong population growth, and investor confidence continue to fuel resilient performance heading into 2026.
A new Colliers outlook reveals that global capital is picking up momentum again, with investors shifting toward more active, hands‑on strategies. Data centers are surging, offices are rebounding, and value‑add plays like adaptive reuse are defining the next wave of opportunity. Regional markets—from the U.S. to APAC—are seeing renewed demand as fundraising spreads across continents and investors seek speed, control, and scale. This snapshot helps today’s real estate and finance professionals stay aligned with where global money is moving next.
