Commercial Property Management in Redmond: Inside Overlake Business Center With Ashley Hagen

Meet Ashley Hagen, senior property manager at Link Parks, the business park division of Link Logistics. Based in Redmond, Washington, Ashley oversees day-to-day operations at Overlake Business Center, home to more than 250 small businesses. Read on to learn how she applies more than eight years of industrial real estate experience across Seattle warehouses and distribution centers to her role in flex and small bay property management—and how she spends her time outside the office.

How long have you been with Link Parks, and what does your role in property management involve?

Ashley: I joined Link Parks earlier this year, but I've been with Link Logistics for five and a half years total. I was promoted to senior property manager when I moved over to Link Parks, and I oversee essentially all operations at Overlake Business Center—including resolving customer issues, managing accounts receivable, and handling budgeting and capital planning. I also coordinate with the vendors who serve our property, from HVAC, landscaping, janitorial and day porter services to utility providers for water, sewage, trash and electricity. Any and everything that comes up at the property is within my remit.

Which markets and property types have you worked with?

Ashley: I currently focus on our Overlake Business Center property in Redmond. Throughout my career, I've worked primarily with industrial warehouses and distribution facilities serving e-commerce, retail, manufacturing and logistics customers. I actually started my career in the office sector, then managed industrial properties for a third-party management company. 

When Link Logistics acquired most of those buildings a few years ago, I was asked to join the firm directly. I've worked on many of our Seattle industrial properties for more than eight years. Link Parks is my first venture into small bay properties, so I've gone from supporting larger companies to working primarily with smaller businesses. I was ready for a new challenge and wanted experience with a different set of assets.

What makes Redmond a choice location for small businesses?

Ashley: Location is the biggest selling point. Redmond is very close to Microsoft headquarters, and many businesses nearby support Microsoft. It's also close to freeways and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It's a very centralized location that's close to everything.

How has the industrial real estate sector evolved throughout your career?

Ashley: The industry has shifted from mainly storing and moving goods to a more technology-focused business driven by e-commerce. Online shopping, automation and the need for stronger supply chains have increased demand for larger facilities and well-located distribution centers. In Seattle specifically, population growth, the expansion of major employers and strong port, airport, rail and highway connections have made our region one of the key distribution markets.

What belongs in a property manager's survival toolkit?

Ashley: Problem-solving is a huge part of managing properties and one of the parts of the job I enjoy most. Every day presents new opportunities to find solutions, whether that's addressing a customer concern, resolving an operational issue, coordinating with vendors or improving internal processes. Success in property management comes down to being proactive, adaptable and collaborative. No two challenges are ever the same, which keeps the work interesting. Being able to bring the right people together and deliver positive outcomes for our customers, properties and teams is what makes the role fulfilling.

Who do you work with most day to day as a senior property manager?

Ashley: At Overlake Business Center, it's just me and our senior leasing director. We work closely on customer relationships, property operations and day-to-day issues to provide a consistent customer experience. With about 250 customers, I’m working with smaller spaces and many more customers than I was used to on the industrial side. I believe our customers appreciate having two primary points of contact because it creates clear communication and helps us respond quickly. I also work with our Regional Construction team based in Orange County, California.

What do you value most about Link Logistics and Link Parks’ approach to commercial real estate?

Ashley: I love how customer-focused we are. We build strong relationships by understanding our customers’ needs, responding to any challenges and supporting their success along the way. I appreciate our collaborative approach that brings together property management, leasing and construction to deliver the best solutions. Our commitment to customer service and operational excellence creates a positive experience while supporting the long-term value of our properties.

One of your customers at Overlake Business Center won the second annual Link Logistics Small Business Challenge. What excites you most about this news?

Ashley: I was thrilled to learn that my customer, Pushing Boundaries, was named the winner of our second annual Link Logistics Small Business Challenge! They have an incredible mission dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injuries or neurological diseases. A few weeks before they won the Challenge, we hosted a big customer appreciation event at Overlake Business Center, and every one of the Pushing Boundaries employees who attended were so excited about how impactful winning could be for them. I’m glad our firm is so focused on supporting small businesses across our portfolio in a really tangible way. 

How do you spend your free time?

Ashley: I love being outside. I paddleboard, and I started golfing last year. I also love to travel, go to concerts and spend time outdoors with my dog when the weather allows. And, of course, spending time with family and friends.