Link Logistics CEO Discusses Dynamics Shaping Industrial Real Estate on “From Where I Sit With Tom McGee” Podcast 

Link Logistics CEO Luke J. Petherbridge recently joined “From Where I Sit With Tom McGee,” a podcast hosted by the president and CEO of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). During the conversation, Petherbridge discussed the dynamics shaping industrial real estate and how Link Logistics’ scale and proprietary data insights enable the firm to help customers navigate supply chain complexities.

U.S. economy remains resilient

Petherbridge highlighted the scale of Link Logistics’ national portfolio of warehouses and distribution centers, which spans nearly half a billion square feet across more than 3,000 buildings and serves 8,000 customers.

“We have a pretty unique view into the economy,” Petherbridge said, adding that—despite tariff pressures, supply chain disruptions and policy uncertainty—the American economy has remained durable.

“We have actually leased more space in 2025 on a comparable-store basis than we did a year ago,” Petherbridge said. “Even with all the change and uncertainty, the U.S. economy is fairly resilient.”

How supply chain risk is reshaping priorities

McGee and Petherbridge noted the pandemic fundamentally altered how companies view risk and optimize their supply chains. Companies now implement solutions to strengthen their networks and increasingly prioritize risk and resilience alongside cost optimization.

Infrastructure and power demands

Petherbridge also discussed how the shift toward electric vehicles, automation and data center infrastructure is changing power demands for industrial real estate operations.

“The other part of infrastructure that we're hearing more about is not lack of access to warehouses, but power is becoming more of an issue,” Petherbridge said.

Future outlook for industrial real estate

Petherbridge noted how the industrial sector is entering a period defined by a focus on automation and speed.

“Innovation, delivery, drones are all in the future,” he said. “Maybe not in the next five years, but we need to be thinking about that.”

The full episode is available on ICSC’s website and podcast platforms. For more perspectives from Link Logistics leaders on industrial real estate trends and innovations, visit the company's Insights page.