Where Vacancy Doesn’t Last: How Westwood Financial Operates Lean and Leases Strong

September 15, 2025

At Westwood Financial, time is of the essence. We don’t wait for space to fill; we deploy a proven strategy that turns acquisitions into thriving, fully leased centers in record time. With an overall 97.4% leased portfolio across more than 120 properties, this approach has become the rule rather than the exception.

A Lean, Agile Team with a Tenant-First Mindset

With just 55–60 professionals nationwide, Westwood has built a reputation for agility, cross-functional collaboration, and a relentless focus on tenants. Our lean structure enables us to make decisions quickly, act with precision, and ensure that every leasing choice aligns with the long-term needs of both our community and investors.

“We don’t just fill space, we build synergy,” says Lauren Ball, Chief Operating Officer. “Every leasing decision is intentional, based on real conversations with tenants and a deep understanding of what the community needs.”

This philosophy begins the moment we acquire a property. Our team meets directly with tenants, both current and prospective, to uncover challenges, growth opportunities, and what’s missing in the market. From there, we tailor a merchandising strategy that ensures a resilient and complementary tenant mix, designed to meet everyday demand.

Case in Point

Paradise Hills (Phoenix MSA) – Fully Leased in Under a Year

When Westwood acquired Paradise Hills, the property was already 92% leased, but reaching 100% leased required more than filling the last two spaces. During tenant interviews, we discovered that Proof Artisan Bread, a beloved local bakery, wanted to expand its footprint and consolidate operations. By offering a second suite, we enabled Proof to establish a regional headquarters and bakery, strengthening both the tenant’s business and the center’s role in the community.

Soon after, The Pilates House joined the lineup, complementing existing anchors like Ace Hardware, Pet Supplies Plus, Uptown Jungle, The Gelato Spot, Phoenix Dogs, Classic Man Barbershop, 32 Shea, and Zipps Sports Grill. Located near Shadow Mountain High School and Shea Middle School, Paradise Hills now reflects the daily rhythms of local families, and it’s 100% leased.

Village at Peachtree Corners (Atlanta) – 100% Occupancy in Six Months

After acquiring Village at Peachtree Corners, Westwood leaned into its tenant-first mindset to identify the right solution for a key junior anchor vacancy. Through direct conversations and careful merchandising analysis, the team backfilled the space with a Dollar General Concept that aligns with community demand and complements the center’s mix.

This intentional decision brought the property to fully leased in less than six months, reinforcing the center’s role as a reliable and convenient destination for the surrounding community.

Boardwalk at Andersen (Phoenix) – Merchandising That Drives Traffic

At Boardwalk at Andersen, Westwood identified a gap in quick-service dining. A former florist was repurposed as a home for Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, a regional favorite with 60+ locations across Arizona and California. Positioned on a highly visible endcap across from a junior high and high school, the location was ideal for a lunch-driven QSR. The result? A 10.18% increase in visits in 2024, bringing the center’s total visits to 1.68 million.

Camelback Village (Phoenix) – Renovations and Results

At Camelback Village, leasing momentum and property enhancements have gone hand-in-hand. Even as renovations were underway, Westwood’s tenant-first approach and market insight drove strong demand. The result? 100% lease-up achieved alongside the renovation process.

Camelback now stands as a fully occupied, revitalized center, a prime example of how capital improvements and intentional leasing decisions create long-term value for tenants, investors, and the community.

The Westwood Advantage

The strength of Westwood’s strategy lies in its consistency. By operating lean, collaborating across functions, and putting tenants at the center of every decision, we achieve results that outperform market expectations.

Vacancy doesn’t last in a Westwood center. Because at Westwood, location is everything.