Commercial real estate requires more than just leasing spaces and collecting rent—it’s about maintaining properties that are safe, functional, and visually appealing for tenants and customers alike. Behind the scenes, facilities and maintenance teams work diligently to keep everything running smoothly.
We sat down with Matthew Sorrentino, Facilities Manager and key member of our property management team, here at Cohen Commercial, to learn more about his role, the challenges he faces, and what goes into maintaining commercial properties at the highest standards.
From Residential to Commercial: Matt’s Journey
Originally from New York, Mr. Sorrentino moved to Florida at a young age and later attended Florida Atlantic University, earning a degree in Communication Management. His career began in luxury residential property management before transitioning to the commercial sector, where he now plays an essential role in Cohen Commercial’s property management and facilities team.
A Day in the Life of a Facilities Manager
“No two days are ever the same,” Sorrentino explains. While the team follows a structured routine—driving properties, responding to emails, addressing tenant concerns, and overseeing ongoing maintenance projects—unexpected challenges always arise. “We get curveballs, and that’s what keeps it exciting,” he says. Staying proactive and present on-site ensures that properties remain in top condition for tenants and their customers.
Challenges in Commercial Property Maintenance
With high-traffic commercial properties, wear and tear is inevitable. “Keeping up with the amount of traffic on our properties is one of the biggest challenges,” Sorrentino notes. Whether it’s heavy footfall, ongoing construction, or adverse weather conditions, maintaining safety, cleanliness, and functionality is an ongoing effort.
The most common maintenance issues? “Roof leaks and potholes,” he says. Florida’s rainy season takes a toll on commercial properties, making it crucial to address these issues before they escalate into bigger problems. “Roof leaks, if left unchecked, can lead to major structural damage,” Sorrentino explains. “Our team works diligently to address them immediately, especially during the rainy season. That’s a success story we live every day.”
Preventative maintenance is key to prolonging the life of a property. Mr. Sorrentino emphasizes the importance of routine roof inspections and parking lot upkeep. “Protecting your roof and parking lot should be a priority for any property owner. Regular maintenance, such as sealing cracks and re-striping parking lots, can prevent costly repairs down the line.”
The Key to Strong Tenant & Vendor Relationships
A major aspect of Matt’s role is ensuring smooth communication between property managers, tenants, and vendors. Transparency is critical. “Being honest and upfront with tenants and vendors builds trust and ensures better collaboration,” he explains. Encouraging tenants to report maintenance issues promptly allows the team to address concerns before they become larger problems.
Unexpected Repairs
Mr. Sorrentino recalls the most unexpected repair he’s dealt with as a sinkhole that suddenly appeared at one of the West Coast properties his company manages. “It took a lot of investigation, time, and effort to resolve,” he says. Initially, the team wasn’t sure what caused it, which made it even more challenging. The situation required quick action, as the sinkhole posed a risk to the property and its residents.
To address it, Mr. Sorrentino quickly called in a geotechnical engineering team to assess the underlying causes of the sinkhole. They worked alongside contractors to gather data on the soil and any nearby structural weaknesses. Together, the team was able to identify that it was due to a mix of heavy rainfall and natural erosion, which compromised the ground’s integrity.
The repair process was lengthy, involving the stabilization of the ground and the installation of reinforcements to prevent further issues. The team had to bring in additional equipment, including drilling machinery to fill the hole and reinforce the foundation. The project took several weeks to complete, and every step required careful attention to avoid complications.
Mr. Sorrentino emphasizes the importance of quick action and teamwork in such unexpected situations. “Everything took a toll on us—time, focus, and resources—but we managed to handle it with the help of everyone involved, from engineers to contractors. It was a true team effort to get the property back in shape.”
Advice for Tenants & Aspiring Facilities Managers
For tenants, Mr. Sorrentino’s advice is simple: communicate openly. “Let us know about any concerns as soon as they arise. The more we know, the better we can address them and keep the property in excellent condition.”
For those interested in a career in property and facilities management, he emphasizes the importance of organization, time management, and problem-solving skills. “You have to juggle multiple tasks and adapt quickly. Staying on top of maintenance schedules and prioritizing tasks effectively are key to success.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Facilities Management
As commercial property management continues to evolve, Mr. Sorrentino sees technology playing an even bigger role in maintenance operations. “AI and automation are already changing the way we receive estimates, track invoices, and manage projects. But at the end of the day, property maintenance still relies on skilled professionals to get the job done.”
Mr. Sorrentino also envisions Cohen Commercial continuing to grow by expanding vendor relationships, improving maintenance processes, and adopting more efficient systems to enhance workflow. He believes that while technology will streamline many aspects of the job, the key to success remains a strong, hands-on approach to property management and proactive problem-solving.
At Cohen Commercial, our facilities team plays a vital role in maintaining high standards across our properties. Mr. Sorrentino and his team’s dedication ensures that our tenants and their customers enjoy a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment every day.
Interested in learning more about our property management services? Contact us today to see how we can keep your commercial property in top shape! –> (561) 471-0212
Samantha Brinkerhoff is the Marketing Specialist for Cohen Commercial.