Warehouse Leasing in the Mid-South: Elizabeth Barrineau’s Perspective

By Sam Laird

Charlotte-based leasing associate Elizabeth Barrineau helps Link Logistics customers find the right warehouse and distribution spaces across the firm’s Mid-South portfolio. Read on to learn how she helps lease industrial real estate across the area to support customer growth, meet supply chain demands and facilitate last-mile delivery.

How long have you worked at Link Logistics and what’s your role in leasing industrial real estate?

Elizabeth: I started at Link Logistics as an intern in our Atlanta office two years ago before I joined full-time as a leasing analyst, and I recently transitioned to an associate role focused on leasing and asset management. I’m now based in our Charlotte office covering the Mid-South region. 

What makes the Mid-South so well-suited for warehouse and distribution operations? 

Elizabeth: The Mid-South covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Richmond, Norfolk and Memphis. I focus on the Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Raleigh and Greenville-Spartanburg markets. Link Logistics’ portfolio in the Mid-South ranges from small-bay assets spanning around 1,000 square feet to bulk distribution space extending over 700,000 square feet.

Location sets these markets apart. Charlotte sits at the intersection of I-77 and I-85, right in the heart of the I-85 corridor connecting the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic to the rest of the country. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and a major cargo hub, strengthens that position further. Greensboro and Winston-Salem sit between I-40 and I-85, within a 650-mile radius of roughly half the U.S. population. Beyond geography, we have a strong labor market fueled by population growth, business-friendly state governments and a large manufacturing base backed by competitive incentives. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your role as a leasing associate in industrial real estate? 

Elizabeth: Visiting our customers and learning about their businesses is always rewarding. I find myself learning about industries I had never known about until I walked into one of our buildings. I often leave our warehouses inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of our customers.

How have you seen the warehouse and logistics sector evolve since you joined? 

Elizabeth: The industrial real estate market in the Mid-South is constantly evolving. Customer demand shapes the market, and we adapt to keep up, including by getting creative with lease structuring. You can even see it in the buildings themselves. Clear heights are significantly higher than they were in the early 2000s, and with the focus on data centers, we’ve seen a real increase in power demand requirements. 

What skills have been most valuable in your transition from an intern to full-time employee in industrial real estate? 

Elizabeth: It’s very important to be flexible and creative. Every deal is different, so the work keeps me on my feet to find solutions that work for both Link Logistics and our customers. Relationship-building has been just as essential, both internally with our Property Management, Regional Construction and Investments teams, and externally with our brokerage partners. Staying curious matters too: I’m always watching the market, asking questions and learning everything I can. Understanding what’s happening around you is what allows you to keep pace with customer demand. 

Can you describe how property management, leasing and construction teams work together? 

Elizabeth: Internally, we rely on three key partners: Property Management, Asset Management and Regional Construction. We collaborate with our Property Management team to create a seamless transition for new customers and a strong, lasting relationship with existing ones throughout the lease cycle. They’re our boots-on-the-ground, which is especially valuable during the renewal processes.  

We partner with our Regional Construction team at every stage of the leasing process, from evaluating how to best prepare and position vacant space to structuring tenant improvement allowances. Their expertise is especially valuable during deal negotiations as they inform discussions and help keep them on track.  

Externally, we hold standing calls with brokerage teams to share information on deal activity and rely on them for market intelligence. They’re our eyes and ears across the markets, giving us an outside perspective on where things are heading. Collaborating with our customers and brokers to understand their unique needs and design mutually beneficial solutions is incredibly rewarding. 

What do you value most about Link Logistics’ approach to industrial real estate? 

Elizabeth: Link Logistics operates with a highly customer-focused approach. With property management and construction management in-house, we’re able to position ourselves as a true growth partner, whether a customer is looking to expand within the portfolio or needs creative solutions during a lease negotiation—that’s how we get deals done and build real partnerships with our customers. As an employee, I’d say our culture is one of our biggest differentiators. Collaboration is central to how we operate, and that foundation of trust allows us to stay flexible and responsive to our customers’ evolving needs. 

We also have great opportunities for professional development. For example, I participated in our Gateway Program for early-career professionals at Link Logistics, where small teams work on a case study and present to senior leadership. It’s been one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had here, and I’ve made many lasting relationships because of it.  

What are you doing when you’re not leasing warehouses and distribution centers? 

Elizabeth: Spending time with family and friends—traveling, being out on the water, taking long walks and playing pickleball or mahjong. I’m originally from Charleston, so I grew up around really good food and I’m always trying new restaurants to find my next favorite spot.