Who Are We?
Prime Retail Advisors is a full-service brokerage and development firm with a focus on retail real estate. We were founded in 1979 by Joe Swolsky as Essex Realty NWO and as we are growing, became Prime Retail Advisors in 2014. We represent landlords and tenants throughout Ohio and strive to provide excellent individualized service to all of our clients. In addition, we develop and buy and sell shopping centers throughout Ohio and surrounding regions. Our principals’ combined 65 years of experience ensures that we remain conscientious of our clients and have long –term relationship with many of them spanning almost 40 years!
Our Principals
Joe Swolsky
Founding Principal
Joe Swolsky began his real estate career in 1973 as a salesman specializing in the development of restaurant locations. In 1979 Joe established Essex Investment Company and became associated with several investment companies and development partners involved with real estate. With one of his partners, Joe founded Lanecor, initially to develop Lane Drug Store sites, and eventually became a developer for the Rite Aid stores.
Joe has dedicated much of his career working with the Kroger Company. He also has a close relationship with TJMaxx, Hobby Lobby, Gabe’s, and Homegoods.
Joe has had over 30 years of experience in financial creativity, site analysis and project design. Joe’s legal background allows him to provide expertise in the formation of investment partnerships. His understanding of government entities aids in obtaining government approvals and permits.
When he is not working diligently with his clients, Joe enjoys traveling, collecting antique books, and spending time with his family and loyal companion, his Labradoodle Cosmo.
Becky Keglewitsch
Principal
Becky Keglewitsch, Principal, has been with Prime Retail Advisors since 2012. During her twenty years in the retail shopping center industry, Becky has negotiated sales contracts and leases with retailers of varying scope and size, including Kroger, Great Clips, T.J. Maxx, Huntington Bank, Dollar General Market, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Volunteers of America, Taco Bell, Arby's, ALDI, Citi Trends, Auto Zone, Home Depot and Fifth Third Bank. Becky also works with national and regional retail clients to service their expansion plans throughout Ohio. Prior to joining Prime Retail Advisors, she was Vice President of Leasing and Development at Skilken Development, Vice President of Real Estate for Quality Stores and a Leasing Representative for Big Lots. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1992 and received her JD from Case Western Reserve University in 1996. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Eric Eldridge
Principal
Eric Eldridge, Principal, has been with Prime Retail Advisors since its inception. Eric has ten years in the retail shopping center industry, with a focused specialization of Landlord Representation for Leasing and Investment Property Sales services. He has provided exclusive Landlord Representation services for a wide scope of retail property owners, ranging in size from smaller individual investors, to large institutional investors and publicly traded REITS. Above all else, and regardless of the size of the property owners holdings, Eric puts client satisfaction above all else. A highly satisfied client is one who is delivered positive results. In addition to an ever expanding database, utilizing a proper implementation of high probability brokerage, there is often no substitute for hard work and clear communication. His long standing client relationships are a testament to a daily practice of this approach. Eric graduated with an Economics degree from Bowling Green State University. He is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. In addition to his job, Eric also enjoys being a husband and father, and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
