After losing its director of leasing late last year to the Irvine Co., C.J. Segerstrom & Sons has been searching far and wide for someone to help oversee a 2 million-square-foot commercial office portfolio.
But as it turns out, the family-controlled real estate operation didn’t have to look too far.
Starting this week, John Barganski will take over the role vacated by Gary Gerson. Barganski, who was born and raised in Orange County, still lives in Fullerton.
But for the past 17 years, the 38-year-old has been working in Los Angeles markets.
“My family is ecstatic about my new job,” said Barganski with a laugh. “From a professional as well as a lifestyles perspective, this is a fantastic change.”
Berganski and his wife, Denise, have four children.
“John has the depth of knowledge to deal with the entire Southern California market,” said Chase McLaughlin, director of Segerstrom’s office division. “We believe our properties have that broad range of an appeal.”
What made his resume stand out to Segerstrom officials was a background marketing large office complexes.
“I was intrigued with their portfolio,” said Berganski, who added that he was flattered to be recruited by the company.
The company owns some of the highest-profile office buildings around its South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, including Center Tower, Plaza Tower, Two Town Center and the Imperial Bank Building. Segerstrom serves as its own property manager and leasing agent, although each function operates as separate divisions. Barganski will report to McLaughlin, who oversees leasing activities.
“We’ve known each other for years,” said Barganski. “I’m going to enjoy working closely with Chase.”
Currently, Barganski is vice president of Los Angeles-based commercial real estate developer PacTen Partners. Before joining the group nearly two years ago, he was director of agency leasing for Cushman & Wakefield in Los Angeles.
Last year, Barganski helped develop Glendale Plaza in Los Angeles, a 533,000-square-foot tower with 25 stories valued at more than $150 million. He also helped develop and market Valencia Corporate Point in Los Angeles, a 700,000-square-foot office campus begun in the fall and expected to cost more than $100 million when completed. The project is being built in phases and is expected to take several years to finish.
Other notable projects Barganski has marketed in Los Angeles are California Plaza, a 1 million-square-foot complex, and CitiCorp Plaza, a 2.3 million-square-foot downtown Los Angeles office development. n
