Starting a business is exciting and daunting at the same time. As a business owner, you need to make many critical decisions, one of which is finding the right location for your business. Renting a space is an excellent option for new businesses that require flexibility and a lower financial commitment. However, before signing a lease, there are essential questions you should ask to ensure you make an informed decision. In this post, we will highlight the top 10 questions that every business owner should ask when renting a space in Tennessee.
Questions to Ask Before Renting in Tennessee
What are the lease terms and conditions?
What type of lease do you offer?
What are the associated costs?
What is the occupancy capacity?
What is the parking situation?
What renovations are allowed?
Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?
What happens if I need to break my lease?
Are there restrictions on the use of the space?
What are the renewal options?
Q: What are the lease terms and conditions?
The lease terms and conditions are crucial in any commercial lease. Therefore, you should carefully read and understand the terms before signing. Some essential questions to ask include the length of the lease, renewal options, and the requirements for ending the lease. It is also essential to inquire about any penalties you may incur if you need to terminate the lease early, such as subleasing options.
Q: What type of lease do you offer?
Commercial real estate agents offer various lease types. Some lessors may offer a triple net lease, where you are responsible for extra expenses such as property taxes, maintenance fees, and insurance. Others may provide a gross lease, where the landlord takes care of all expenses. Understanding your responsibilities as a tenant will help you budget and plan accordingly.
Q: What are the associated costs?
Rent is not the only cost when renting a commercial space. Inquire about additional costs such as utility bills, maintenance fees, or any hidden charges. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of all costs involved so that you can budget and plan appropriately.
Q: What is the occupancy capacity?
Before renting a space, you need to consider the maximum occupancy capacity of the property. You should ask the landlord what the maximum capacity is and ensure it aligns with your business needs. If you plan on using the space for events or have multiple employees, you want to make sure there is enough room to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Q: What is the parking situation?
Parking can make or break the success of a business, especially in a busy area. Ensure that your customers and employees have ample parking space. Inquire about the parking situation, such as whether it’s shared, has assigned spots, or has a valet. You should also inquire about available security measures in the parking area to ensure safety.
Q: What renovations are allowed?
No business is complete without customization to reflect your brand’s personality and values. Inquire about the building – its limitations, and the renovations allowed in your lease. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you can and can’t do to avoid any misunderstandings that could prove costly in the end.
Q: Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?
It is crucial to confirm who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. Some landlords handle repairs and maintenance, while others require you to take care of them yourself. As a business owner, you need to know what maintenance tasks you are responsible for and which your landlord is accountable for.
Q: What happens if I need to break my lease?
Inevitably, things happen in business that may lead to you having to break your lease. Before signing your lease agreement, you’ll want to know what your options are should this need arise. Your commercial agent should be able to tell you about penalties or fees for early termination, whether subleasing is an option, and what notice period you need to provide.
Q: Are there restrictions on the use of the space?
Before renting a commercial space, make sure you know what you can and can’t do in that space. Some landlords may have restrictions on the types of businesses that can occupy their building or impose limits on your hours of operation. Furthermore, you’ll want to know if you can make any changes to the space, such as putting up signage or changing the inside layout.
Q: What are the renewal options?
You may want to renew your lease at the end of the lease term. It is important to ask the commercial real estate agent about the renewal options available. Renewal options may vary, so ensure that you discuss them upfront.
Renting a space for your business in Tennessee requires careful consideration and preparation. This post has outlined some essential questions to ask when renting a commercial space. Always read and understand the terms of the lease, and ask about all associated costs, occupancy capacity, parking situation, and the extent of renovations allowed. By answering these questions, you will gain insights into the space you’re considering and how it can cater to your business needs. Remember, finding a suitable space is essential to your business’s success, so take your time and make an informed decision. If you have any questions or need assistance with your commercial leasing needs, reach out to Millan Enterprises. You can view all of our currently avalable properties here. As your trusted commercial real estate partner, we are here to help you every step of the way!
Tennessee is known for its humid summers and harsh winters. These weather conditions can be very challenging for both property owners and renters. To keep your property in good condition, regular maintenance is necessary. The importance of regular property maintenance cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why routine maintenance is essential for any property in Tennessee.
Increases Property Value
Regular maintenance ensures that your property is in good condition all year round. By doing so, you increase the value of your property. If the time comes when you decide to sell or rent your property, you can fetch a higher price. Additionally, potential tenants or buyers are more likely to be attracted to a well-maintained property than one that has been neglected.
Prevents Costly Repairs
One of the most significant advantages of regular maintenance is that it prevents costly repairs. When you carry out upkeep regularly, you can identify problems before they become important issues. It’s easier and less expensive to fix minor issues than to wait for them to develop into significant problems that can break the bank.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
In Tennessee, there are rules and regulations that property owners must adhere to. Regulations such as building codes and safety standards are set up to protect tenants and property owners. Regular maintenance ensures that your property complies with these regulations. Failure to follow these regulations can result in fines and legal action.
Provides a Safe Environment
Regular maintenance ensures that your property is in good condition, preventing accidents and injuries. Repairs such as fixing broken tiles, replacing rusty railings, and repairing electrical faults make your property safe for tenants and visitors. It’s essential to maintain property safety to prevent unwanted accidents and legal liability.
Satisfaction of Tenants
Regular maintenance keeps tenants satisfied, leading to lower turnover rates. Happy tenants are more likely to extend their lease, and they are more likely to tell others about your property, which can help attract new tenants. Good maintenance practices show that you care about your property and the people living in it.
Regular maintenance is an essential aspect of owning a property. It increases the property value, prevents costly repairs, ensures compliance with laws and regulations, provides a safe environment, and satisfies tenants. As a property owner or renter, you must proactively maintain your property to stay in good condition and prevent expensive repairs. Embracing a preventative approach will save you time and money and ensure that your property remains well-maintained over time. Remember, a well-maintained property is a happy property!
This month we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with a few of our female-owned and operated commercial tenants to celebrate National Business Women’s Week! Each one of these ladies has created and developed thriving small businesses in Clarksville, Tn, and we are here to celebrate them! We’re diving into each of their specialties, which you can read about below!
Flawless Faces by Dominique, LLC
This flourishing business is owned by Dominique Smith-White, a professional and published makeup artist with 5+ years of experience in the beauty industry. Dominique opened her brick-and-mortar location last year, and she specializes in bridal makeup services, which she calls “soft bridal glam.” She also offers “dramatic evening event glam.” Dominique can do it all whether you’re getting married, having a date night, birthday party, or really any occasion! Priding herself on punctual, hygienic, and expert services, you’re sure to feel comfortable in her chair! If you’re interested in viewing her astounding before and after transformations, inquiring about her services, or booking an appointment, you can visit her website. She also does some excellent makeup tutorials on her Youtube channel, so make sure to check those out!
Tutti Frutti Charcuterie
This scrumptious business, owned by Amanda Emling, is the first and only licensed charcuterie company in Clarksville! Amanda creates custom, gorgeous, and delectable charcuterie-style boards, boxes, tables, and more! Serving Fort Campbell, Kentucky-Clarksville, Tn., and more, Tutti Frutti’s charcuterie is available in multiple sizes, including personalized packs, all the way grazing tables for events, etc.! If you want to make entertaining easy and fun, make sure to reach out to her for your next date night, wedding reception, and more! She also regularly stocks her grazing boxes at Beachaven Winery, so make sure to grab a box when you’re there! You’ll get an individualized experience every time with Amanda, so she recommends you contact her via email or by DM on one of her various social media accounts. Visit her Facebook to peruse some of the seriously beautiful charcuterie she puts together; you won’t regret it!
Nailed It DIY Studio, Clarksville, Tn.
Owned by Leanne Lannan, this fun do-it-yourself home decor studio is a smash hit with locals! They opened their doors last year and have been creating connection-based experiences ever since. So what can you expect at Nailed It DIY? Leanne and her fun-loving teammates will expertly teach and guide you as you design and build custom wooden home decor uniquely styled by you! With a massive selection of projects, you may have trouble choosing from tailored porch greeters, serving trays, signs, decor boxes, family games, and more! If you’re looking for a fun date night, a company bonding event, birthday parties, and more – this is the place! You can book your next crafting experience and browse all of their currently available projects on their website. Don’t forget to check out their socials; you might see a design that catches your eye!
Winked Salon and Spa
Relaxation and beauty combine to create this oasis of a business owned by Hailey Dowell. After opening their doors earlier this year, Hailey and her team have prided themselves on creating a safe and calming environment for their clientele! Personalized attention and superior service culminate, creating an exceptional and rejuvenating experience at Winked. Numerous beauty treatments are available, including lash extensions, microdermabrasion, sugaring, facials, and more! You can easily book your appointments and review their services online. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a spa day, Winked is the place to do it! Don’t forget to check out their socials for some totally satisfying spa day pictures.
Roots of Bea Brown Hair Salon
You can expect an informed, professional and individualized experience when you walk through the doors of Roots of Bea Brown Hair Salon. Owned and operated by Sharon Denise, a retired Army Veteran, Roots is a full-service salon specializing in holistic trichology. The salon offers a range of beauty and health services, including scalp analysis, loc creation and maintenance, deep conditioning, hair extensions, and much more! Sharon truly cares about her client’s overall health and wellbeing, so expect some extra care and attention when you’re in her seat. If you’d like to review available services/treatments or to book a session, visit her website. Check out some of the amazing styles that Sharon and her team create on their socials!
Muse Modern Marketing
This dynamic power team is cornering and refining the digital marketing space in Clarksville, Tn! Muse Modern Marketing is owned and operated by Summer Cummings, CEO and business development specialist, and Sande Cox, COO and digital strategist. Do you have a small business that could use a little more exposure? Do you offer an awesome product, and now you need to get the right people to see it? Muse can take your business to the next level with individualized and custom marketing support. They “believe in better ideas created in a different way.” Aiming to deliver measurable and quantifiable marketing and advertising results, Summer and Sande are your next one-stop-shop for all things marketing! Check out their offerings and set up a consultation on their website! You can also learn more about Summer and Sande’s business on their socials!
Wyatt Insurance Services inc.
Insurance can be tricky and Beverly Taylor, the Managing Partner for the Clarksville offices of Wyatt Insurance Services, knows that. Beverly will help you protect your investments with a confident and professional approach, specializing in serving business owners across Clarksville. Beverly enjoys learning about her clients and their needs as she helps them navigate the ever confusing insurance world. You’re in knowledgeable and skilled hands when you work with Wyatt Insurance Services. You can peruse their services and schedule a consultation on their website.
Clarksville Nutrition and Energy
Clean and healthy options can be hard to find, but not at Clarksville Nutrition and Energy, owned by Gina James-Swinger! Delicious and nutritious – the offerings at Clarksville Nutrition and Energy will give you the boost you need! Gina is committed to helping create and maintain a healthy community by providing a wide variety of smoothies, shakes, coffees & frappes, energy beverages, and more! They also have healthy snack options, sure to hit the spot. You can browse their current energizing beverage options on their Facebook.
It is an absolute pleasure at Millan to have such a variety of commercial tenants who are growing and thriving. We aim to highlight our tenants’ businesses as if they were our own, and we couldn’t be prouder of how well they are all doing. If you want to support local small businesses, this is a good list to get you started!
In honor of National Wilderness Month, we’re highlighting our favorite outdoor recreation spots in our wonderful Clarksville, TN community! As summer comes to a close, moderate weather is on its way, which means outdoor activities just got a little cooler, temperature-wise!
Trails and Hiking
The Clarksville Greenway
Clarksville Greenway: Positioned in North Clarksville beside the banks of West Fork Creek and the Red River, this local gem boasts approximately 9 miles of trail, where you can walk, run, bike or skate. Accessible year-round, you’ll enjoy a mostly shaded scenic route built on an old railway bed.
Dunbar Cave State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park: This 144-acre park boasts 3 miles of moderate hiking trails through beautiful woodlands. Located by a small lake, you’re sure to see wildlife including turtles, deer, squirrels, muskrats, and more!
Rotary Park
Rotary Park: Located near the Sango community, this 111.3-acre park contains over five miles of hiking/biking trails along scenic routes sprinkled with wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Parks
Liberty Park
Liberty Park: Established along the Cumberland River, this 10-acre park provides ample activities for the whole family from fishing, playground, walking trails, pavilions, a dog park, and more!
Billy Dunlop
Billy Dunlop Park: Situated on over 30-acres this picturesque spot affords multiple past times including walking trails, playground, fishing, a beautiful bridge over the creek, and more!
Downtown Commons
Downtown Commons: We have the pleasure of being located right across the street from this urban park! The site of multiple events, this gathering place hosts performances and activities all year long!
Kayaking/Canoeing
Clarksville Blueway
Clarksville Blueway: That’s right, we’ve got a Greenway AND a Blueway! The entry point is located at Robert Clark Park, where you can drop in your kayak or canoe with direct passage to the West Fork Red River.
Clarksville Marina
Clarksville Marina: Enjoy 10-acres to explore with the beautiful Cumberland in the background!
Port Royal State Park
Port Royal State Park: This trip is a whopping 22.5 mile run down the West Fork Red River to Cumberland! If you’re looking for a day-long kayaking/canoeing trip, this is the one for you!
Our Clarksville community is blessed with a wide assortment of outdoor activities to choose from, with something for everyone! If you’re looking to rent a home near outdoor attractions Clarksville, TN is full of them! See you outside!
Heather F. S. Fleming is an experienced attorney with 14 years of legal expertise across various practice areas. Most recently, she served as the Director of Human Resources for Montgomery County, Tennessee Government. A certified Human Resources Professional, Heather has a strong background in employment law, compliance, contracts, and organizational leadership.
She is an alumna of Clarksville High School, Austin Peay State University, and Nashville School of Law. Heather lives in Clarksville with her husband of 20 years, Adam. They enjoy food, travel, and spending time with their family, church family, and friends.
Brett grew up in Houston Texas, which is where he calls home. After attending the University of Texas at Austin, Brett was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Army. He served in the Army for 21 years, where he flew Chinook helicopters and enjoyed an exciting career. In the Army, Brett received the Silver Star and various other awards.
In 2020, he transitioned into Real Estate and by January 2022, he started working at Millan Enterprises as Vice President of Business Development. During his time at Millan, he has impacted many different areas such as the construction, marketing, and newly added aviation department. Brett recently served on the AUSA board. He is married and has one son (Taydan), and three daughters (Maddox, Everly, Rhys). He and his family recently moved to Florida and look forward to continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Todd hails from Panama City Beach, Florida and has over 35 years of dedicated service to both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. He retired from the United States Armed Forces as a Command Sergeant Major, has earned the Distinguished Service Medal (the highest peacetime award recognizing his exceptional contributions to the government), and has earned his Associate’s degree in Applied Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University.
In March 2024, Todd embarked on a new professional journey with Millan Enterprises as the Vice President of Construction and Maintenance. He also serves as a Board Member of the Association of the United States Army, LiteFighter, and SYOTOS.
Beyond his career, Todd is devoted to family life with his spouse, Cosette Sims. Together, they have a daughter, a son, and two cherished grandsons. In his leisure time he enjoys cooking and playing golf.
Tonya Leszczak brings 18 years of experience in higher education, where she specialized in developing events and programs that drive community engagement. She has successfully led various initiatives, demonstrating expertise in logistics management and strategic planning. Among her notable achievements are revitalizing programs at multiple institutions, creating the APSU Mentorship Program, and launching the APSU Governors Military Hall of Fame.
In August 2023, Tonya transitioned to the private sector, joining Millan Enterprises to continue her focus on community engagement and business management. She also broadened her philanthropic efforts by joining the American Mobility Project Board of Directors. Her commitment to leadership development earned her the Friend of PELP Award at Austin Peay, recognizing her dedication to fostering future leaders. Tonya holds a Master of Education in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science from Western Carolina University, where she competed as a scholarship athlete in cross-country and track and field.
Originally from Weaverville, North Carolina, Tonya enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, and their daughter, Emma.
Will is a graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, where he studied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. His contributions to the field are reflected in his publications and presentations, including “Veterans to Workplace: Keys to Successful Transition” published in Military Psychology (2021) and poster presentations on topics such as “Threat and Fairness around Diversity Management: Testing Full Integration Theory” and “Organizational Citizenship Behavior, the Big Five, and Self-Monitoring” at the American Psychological Society’s annual convention.
With nearly 20 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Will currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for Millan Enterprises. He manages all aspects of HR including risk management, safety & security, and IT systems all while overseeing operations for Supreme Labor Source, a separate entity of Millan that specializes in contracting out thousands of laborers annually.
Before his current role, Will served as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Clarksville, where he oversaw the HR management of over 1,400 employees.
When not in the office, Will spends time with his family and enjoys riding motorcycles both on the road and off.
Rylan is the Vice President of Real Estate at Millan Enterprises, where he oversees the company’s commercial and residential portfolios, including the property management and leasing teams. Since his start at Millan in September of 2019, he has been a part of transformative projects such as The Press Clarksville & The Millan Center and also has played a pivotal role in acquiring over $70 million in commercial real estate.
Rylan has also led various leadership projects both in the community and internally. He holds a Masters in Strategic Leadership from Austin Peay State University (’15), is a licensed real estate agent with Byers & Harvey, and is a graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee (’24).
Outside of his professional achievements, Rylan is a dedicated husband and father to three children. He is passionate about playing pickleball and soccer, loves to travel, and has a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship and real estate.
Being from a military family, it’s hard for Chris to declare a hometown. If he had to choose one, it would be the state of Tennessee. Chris first fell in love with Tennessee when he attended and graduated from the University of Tennessee, receiving his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. He is now currently enrolled at Austin Peay State University continuing his education.
Chris has had many roles across the planet varying from Manufacturing to Operations and everything in between, but he has found his love in numbers and finance over the last 10 years. He is a rookie at Millan Enterprises, being with the company since April of 2024.
Chris is currently a board member for the Clarksville Montgomery County Education Foundation as well as a board member for the Clarksville Chapter of Kiwanis. When he is not serving in a professional role, Chris enjoys serving at his church, Living Hope. He is also married with two daughters, Katie and Bree, and has a faithful boxer, Maverick.
Jim is the former mayor of Montgomery County, Tennessee. He was previously the Director of the Street Department for the city of Clarksville where he served for 20+ years. He then served as Chief of Staff for the city of Clarksville. Before he was elected as mayor, he served as Vice President of Business Development for First Advantage Bank. During his 2 terms as mayor, he was instrumental in bringing several projects to fruition that have been beneficial to the local community to include the new F&M Bank Arena and Downtown Commons. He joined the Millan Enterprises team as COO in September of 2022.
His further community involvement includes having served as president of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, president of Leadership Clarksville, chairman of the board of trustees of the Customs House Museum, president of Tennessee Public Works Association, chair of the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce and Military Affairs Committee, and board member of the Clarksville Montgomery County Community Health Foundation.
His appreciation for our Armed Forces has been apparent throughout his career as he fosters relationships with Fort Campbell and organizations that support it. He recently was appointed to the board of trustees for the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation and was named a Champion of Fort Campbell.
He has been given many awards throughout his career from education-based organizations to being recognized by the TN General Assembly.
Born and raised in Montgomery County, Jim enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hunting wild game, and fishing.
Lillie Millan, co-owner of Millan Enterprises, has been at Leo’s side since the company’s inception in 1999. She got her start in Clarksville in 1995 after leaving her hometown of Orange County, California to follow her husband here to Fort Campbell. Her involvement in the company had always been in the accounting department, then molded into heading up design, and finally taking a step up as Co-Chief Member in order to further support the company’s mission.
Her attention to detail was crucial for her time heading the accounting department. As the team grew, so did her interest in interior design. She became passionate about setting the company’s projects at a higher standard than the rest. Again, as the company grew and its mission expanded, her role was best suited officially as Co-Chief Member.
The company’s latest project, The Millan Center, is Lillie’s latest design venture. Her goal is to bring the feel of her roots in the West Coast without compromising the southern charm that Clarksville brings.
The newly started Millan Foundation is a testament to her and her husband’s faith and attitude to put people first. Beyond the Foundation, Lillie has dedicated her time to being on the APSU Candlelight Ball committee helping plan their annual, premier fundraising event.
Outside of work, Lillie enjoys spending time with her four kids and two grandchildren, traveling, listening to country music, playing pickleball, and exercising.
Leo Millan, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Chief Member of Millan Enterprises since its founding in 1999, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a successful track record in startups, traditional real estate investing, commercial development, and franchising. Known for his ability to identify unique opportunities and drive transformative growth, Leo plays a key role in acquiring and strategizing the enhancement of distressed properties.
Millan Enterprises, a distinguished real estate firm with strategic locations in Tennessee, California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Mississippi, and Alabama, owns and manages a diverse portfolio of over 600 residential doors and over 2 million sqft of commercial space. Specializing in real estate services, the company has a long track record of successfully managing, leasing, and marketing properties all over the country.
Millan Enterprises’ REO Division offers a variety of services aimed at evaluating, revitalizing, and selling bank owned (REO) properties. Their clients include major financial institutions, high-profile institutional investors, and private lenders across the United States who rely on the REO strategies we have developed through decades of dealing with distressed assets.
Furthermore, Millan Enterprises expands its reach into aviation management and hangar leasing, showcasing Leo’s diverse expertise. The company’s commitment to excellence extends beyond real estate, meeting the unique needs of clients in the aviation sector. Addition to real estate, Leo is the Co-Owner of one of the largest SERVPROs in the country, holding 20 licenses. Through his labor company, Supreme Labor Source, SERVPRO engages in numerous large loss jobs, contracting thousands of laborers annually.
As a true entrepreneur, Leo also owns or has a stake in several other small businesses. These businesses range in the hospitality industry to the construction industry.
Leo is passionate about giving back and has been supporting many local and national non-profits over the years. He has also participated and is currently leading mission trips for medical and church building purposes. Leo has since created a Foundation to further enhance those efforts.
Leo, alongside his wife Lillie, has two sons, two daughters, one dog, and two beautiful grandchildren. Beyond his professional commitments and numerous boards that he sits on, Leo enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, working out, and playing basketball.
