News

Lakeland, FL – The Ruthvens –The Associate of Fundraising Professionals Greater Polk County Chapter has recognized The Ruthvens as one of its Businesses of The Year. This award is presented to businesses of any size that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment through financial support and/or volunteerism that encourages and motivates others to participate in philanthropy in the community. “We understand the importance of supporting …

Lakeland, FL., April  7, 2022 – The Ruthvens are pleased to announce a gift of $1 Million to The Carol Jenkins Barnett Endowment, to fund The Ruthven Family Playground at Bonnet Springs Park. The Ruthvens are one of Central Florida’s oldest locally owned commercial real estate firms, specializing in developing and leasing warehouse and industrial properties in Lakeland since 1957. “Joe P. Ruthven, was …

Lakeland, FL – The Ruthvens – Central Florida’s warehouse specialists – recently announced Alex Delannoy has joined the company as Vice President of Brokerage. The addition of Delannoy to The Ruthvens team will expand the breadth of The Ruthvens commercial real estate brokerage business. The Ruthvens are one of Central Florida’s oldest locally-owned commercial real estate firms, specializing primarily in developing and leasing warehouse …

Lakeland, FL – The Ruthvens – Central Florida’s warehouse specialists – recently announced the promotion of Kevin Logue as Vice President of Operations.    Kevin joined The Ruthvens in 2018 as Operations Manager. In this role, he has been responsible for The Ruthvens’ property management operations, facilities maintenance and construction management for 90 buildlings with more than 325 tenants. Prior to joining The Ruthvens, …

Lakeland, FL – The Ruthvens – Central Florida’s warehouse specialists – is adding more than 340,000 square feet of warehouse space to their 4 million square foot portfolio. The properties include: 4040 North Combee Road (101,010 sq. ft.)   – completed Q3 2021 – 81% Leased 3950 Anchuca Drive  (27,300 sq. ft.)    – completed Q3 2021 – 100% Leased 2845 Drane Field Road …

Lakeland, FL – The Ruthvens – Central Florida’s warehouse specialists – recently announced the promotion of Brandon Clark as President of the company. Brandon will be the third President in The Ruthvens’ 64-year history, marking the third generation of family leadership for the company.  Brandon Clark joined The Ruthvens in 2018 as Vice President. In this role, he has been responsible for The Ruthvens’ …

If you are in a business situation where you are going to be looking at renting a warehouse, you are not alone. In fact, the amount of warehouse space available for use has skyrocketed by 86.2% since the year 2000. With that in mind, here are eight important, common sense safety rules and procedures for commercial leases and warehouse properties. Common Sense Safety Rules …

Take a look at our progress at Ruthven East Lakeland Industrial Park. The walls started tilting up today. This park will have a total of 428,092 square feet when it is complete. Phase one will consist of two buildings totaling 327,082. This park will be available September 2019 with easy access to I-4, close proximity to Florida Polytechnic University and is a premiere regional …

With e-commerce being expected to grow an annual average rate of 10% across the next five years, renting warehouse space is also expected to grow. Renting a warehouse is great for growing businesses who are looking for an easy way to manage and ship inventory. But if you’re considering leasing a warehouse, you should know what to look for. So let’s talk about a …

With e-commerce more popular than ever, more and more companies are deciding to buy a warehouse or investing in industrial rental warehouses. The amount of occupied distribution warehouse space has increased by 86.2% since 2000. So if your business currently rents warehouse space or is considering it, here are a few great tips to help maximize efficiency. Choose a smart layout: One of the …

When it comes to storage, managing inventory, and shipping and receiving, businesses of all sizes can benefit from investing in industrial rental warehouses. With about 166,907 men and women working in the storage and warehouse leasing industry in the U.S., today’s businesses should have no problem finding a warehouse to rent. But when it comes to determining warehouse space needs and layout designs, this …

With the number of businesses in the country rapidly growing, so is the amount of warehouse space being used. In fact, the amount of occupied distribution and warehouse space has grown by 86.2% since 2000. Industrial space is very valuable and often necessary to allow a business to run and grow. But what exactly do businesses use industrial warehouse space for? Let’s explore a …

Take a look at the beginning of our new development. It will be built in 2 phases, totaling about 450,000 SF. Phase one will consist of two buildings and should be ready for occupancy mid 2019. Pre-leasing now!  

Click on the link below to check out our Construction Update for 3850 Anchuca Drive! New 79,200 SF tilt-wall warehouse will be available Nov. 2018. Pre-leasing now! 3850 Anchuca Sept 29 2018

With nearly 10 million people within 100 miles of the Polk County/Central Florida region, and roughly 20 million people within 200 miles, there’s no wonder why Polk is known as the logistics hub and THE place to build warehouses and distribution centers. For 60 years, The Ruthvens have been at the forefront of warehousing, and with plans for the future already cemented, that’s not likely to …

When it comes to managing inventory, shipments, delivery, and other important business aspects, companies generally rely on warehouse space to get the job done. Utilizing the benefits of warehouse space has become more and more popular, with the amount of occupied distribution and warehouse space increasing by 86.2% since 2000. But while warehouses offer endless benefits, it’s important to choose the right space. So …

With e-commerce expected to increase at a compounded annual average rate of 10% within the next five years, more and more companies are likely going to be looking for warehouse space for rent. But while warehouse space is often a crucial element of a growing business, some companies struggle with maximizing their warehouse space. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at …

If you’re beginning to look for a warehouse for sale, you’re not alone. In fact, the amount of occupied distribution and warehouse space has expanded by 86.2% since 2000. Owning or renting a warehouse is essential if you’re looking to grow your business and provide better services to your customers. But what should you know about before you sign a lease for commercial warehousing? …

As a business owner, it’s important to find a warehouse space that is suitable for all of your business’ needs. Not surprisingly, more and more businesses are utilizing warehouse space. In fact, the amount of occupied warehouse and distribution space has gone up by 86.2% since 2000. But one important factor to consider is renting or owning a warehouse. While buying may seem like …

With e-commerce expected to continue to grow at an average annual rate of 10% throughout the next five years, more companies are investing in warehouse space than ever. If you own or manage a freight shipping company, you may find yourself thinking, “what should I be considering when looking for warehouse space for rent near me?” Freight shipping companies need to be very strategic …

In many different types of industries, as a business grows, it becomes essential to invest in warehouse space. In fact, the amount of occupied distribution and warehouse space has expanded by 86.2% since 2000. So if you’re part of the many businesses looking to buy a warehouse, you may be wondering what to look for. When you’re determining warehouse space needs, one of the …

Remember in Indiana Jones when the Ark of the Covenant is stored in the warehouse, among thousands of stacked boxes running in rows as far as the eye can see? That scene at the end of the first film, unfortunately, remains the mental image conjured by the term “warehouse space”. Creativity flows in every space, and while you need to use warehouse space to …

When a business owner realizes they’re in need of a warehouse, they may find themselves having to choose between buying a warehouse property or finding a warehouse space for rent. Both of these options have advantages and disadvantages, and it can be hard to choose. Because of that, this article is going to discuss a few of the pros and cons of buying or …

Moving to a new warehouse or distribution center is not any easy task. This decision requires careful planning that some companies may not be used to. The amount of occupied warehouse space has increased by 86.2% since 2000 and having a proper distribution warehouse space is instrumental for a company to be successful. If you don’t know where to start with determining warehouse space …

If your business is in need of warehouse space to rent, you may be wondering how to find a trustworthy landlord. As a business owner, it’s crucial that you make sure your products and materials are stored and managed in a secure location. Unfortunately, it can be fairly difficult to find a commercial landlord who cares about your business actions as much as you …

When a company owner is finding a warehouse to rent, there’s usually one factor that takes priority over others: price. While it is important to consider your budget when renting a warehouse, it’s also important to consider how only focusing on price will impact other factors. For example, if you choose commercial warehousing because it has a low price, you may be sacrificing other …

When it comes to distributing your products, outsourcing to distribution centers in order to save on inventory space may seem like a good idea. However, in the long run, outsourcing your distribution can actually cost you more once you’ve become successful enough to properly manage your business’s resources. By renting a distribution warehouse space, however, your business can perform its own distribution and bypass …

On Friday, September 15, 2017 at approximately 3:50 pm there was a chemical explosion at Taste Advantage LLC located at 3135 Drane Field Road in Ruthven Business Park II. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the employees of Taste Advantage and neighboring businesses, especially the employees that were injured in the explosion. We are thankful for all of the first responders that …

As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida, here are a few tips to prepare your warehouse: If there is anything outside move it inside such as trash cans, furniture, pallets, debris, etc. if possible. If not, make sure it is secure. Secure dumpster lids to remain closed. Close and lock all overhead and personnel doors. Unplug all electrical equipment and appliances, except for refrigeration. Move equipment …

http://investfloridashow.com/ep-133-industrial-investors/ Ep. 133 Greg Ruthven: The I-4 Corridor is a Hot Market for Industrial Investors! Posted on August 21, 2017 by Parker Don’t miss a single show! Get the Invest Florida Show Mobile App! Click here—-> Apple Android   Florida’s I-4 corridor has long been a focus of industrial investors and developers. Connecting Tampa, Orlando and the east coast, the I-4 corridor serves as major transit artery. With …

When it comes time to find a space for your business, it can be overwhelming. There are so many important considerations that go into finding the right commercial warehousing space, it can be difficult to know where to start. Often, one of the most consequential choices is whether buying or leasing commercial property is the right choice for your business. Understanding the answer to …

Here is the link to the article published in The Ledger https://goo.gl/UKvD18 or read it below. LAKELAND — Joe P. Ruthven had been telling his children he’d retire when he turned 90, but now he’s thinking 100 would be a better age. At 90 years and 1 month old, he walks two to three miles several times a week with his wife, Judy, and follows her …

Approximately 166,907 people work in the storage and warehousing industry, storing and distributing goods ranging from toys to steel. Each item you store presents its own challenges, but perhaps none are more difficult than food items. That’s because food has a much narrower temperature range and is subjected to much stricter regulations than most other items you might store. While there is no perfect …

Whether you own a distribution warehouse space or you are a retailer suddenly branching into the world of online sale, e-commerce is a very big deal. In fact, it is projected to expand at a rate of 10% over the next five years which is very exciting for all involved in the industry. But before you go finding a warehouse to rent or entering …

As a business owner you can look at a commercial lease in a similar way to renting an apartment. You want a place that has the space, is in your budget, and has a “landlord” that is accommodating and good to work with! With E-commerce expected to grow, at a compounded annual average rate of 10% over the next five years, this is a …

An estimated 166,907 people are employed by the U.S. storage and warehouse leasing industry, a field that grows every year with the rise of e-commerce. But when you’re on the lookout for a distribution warehouse space, you need to consider whether buying or renting a warehouse is going to fit your needs better. Whether you’re in need of industrial warehouse space or commercial warehousing, …

Whether you’re leasing a warehouse or renting one, automation is going to be a key factor in your success there. The amount of occupied distribution and warehouse space has increased by approximately 86.2% since 2000, and automation is a big part of that. But how can automation benefit your commercial leases and the business being done there? Here are just a few of the …

Industrial warehouse space is extremely important if you’re working with heavy machinery or operating in the freight moving industry. In the U.S., approximately 166,907 men and women are currently working in the storage and warehouse leasing industry. Leasing commercial property, as opposed to owning an industrial warehouse, is great for your business. If you’re considering commercial leases for industrial warehouse operation, you should consider …

According to Forbes, Americans are on the move these days and they are not necessarily moving to the places you might think. Florida has 3 of the top 10 cities Americans are moving to, Orlando #7, Jacksonville #2 and Tampa #1. Lakeland is strategically located directly in between Tampa and Orlando on the Interstate 4 corridor. We have access to 9.5 million people within …

The amount of occupied warehousing and distribution space have increased by approximately 86.2% since 2000. If you’re one of the many people managing commercial warehousing, you’re probably aware of just how many small issues can crop up and throw a wrench in the whole operation. To help you nimbly avoid those wrenches and create a more efficient workplace, here are a few simple steps …

E-commerce is expected to grow at an average rate of 10% over the next five years, which will create some monumental opportunities for both owners and developers of commercial warehousing. In addition, business owners will definitely be looking for more manufacturing warhouse space and distribution warehouse space as their sales increase. Whether you’re a business owner looking for help leasing a warehouse or you’re …

Amazon is now turning to merchants who sell items on its marketplace for additional commercial warehousing. Utilizing warehouse space like this is a more cost-effective way of increasing the amount of inventory available for delivery to customers. Under the Seller Fulfilled Prime program, the amount of inventory available for two-day shipping expanded vastly by almost 6 million products. This program was introduced earlier in …

  Our buildings on Anchuca Drive are moving along quickly! We expect the first two buildings at Ruthven AirPark West to be available for occupancy January 2017. These Ground Level Warehouses provide space that can be used for office, warehousing or light manufacturing. Units offer flexible space options and unit configurations and are only 3.3 miles from a full interchange at Interstate 4. 3920 Anchuca Drive …

Since 2000, the amount of occupied distribution and warehouse space has seen an 86.2% increase. However, all of that commercial real estate development wasn’t done overnight. In order to begin renting commercial real estate, you need to do things by the book. In order to get that commercial warehouse you may want in the future, here are a few mistakes you absolutely need to …

    Tuesday November 15, 2016 8:00 am to 1:00 pm George W. Jenkins Field House $50, includes continental breakfast & lunch   Please consider joining us at the Florida Southern College Real Estate Conference on November 15th, 8 a.m. through lunch.This year’s theme is a focus on the economic impact of family businesses.   National Economic Update Joseph T. Keating, Executive Vice President, Chief …

The Ruthvens are pleased to announce Forward Air Solutions, a recognized leader in regional distribution transportation for over 25 years, has expanded into 131,170 square feet at Ruthven Parkway Center.  This distribution lease brings 2825 Drane Field Road at Ruthven Parkway Center to full occupancy. Ruthven Parkway Center, which includes a second building next door will be available January 2017, provides immediate access to …

The Ruthvens have always known that Lakeland is one of the best places to live. It’s what we have built our business on! Centrally located right between Tampa and Orlando, we have the best of both worlds. Read more about it here in the U.S. News and World Report article.

As Hurricane Matthew approaches Florida, here are a few tips to prepare your warehouse: If there is anything outside, move it inside if possible. If not, make sure it is secure. Close and lock all overhead and personnel doors. If you have a truck that you will be leaving in the parking lot, move it in front of an overhead door, to provide extra …

The Ruthvens are pleased to announce construction is underway for 97,890 square feet of industrial warehouse space in Ruthven Parkway Center at 2815 Drane Field Road. The second building at Ruthven Parkway Center will have 97,890 square feet of dock high warehouse space located one minute from the Polk Parkway (570) and 4 miles from Interstate 4. This will bring Ruthven Parkway Center to …

Finding and leasing industrial warehouse space is a big step for any business, and should be treated as a serious decision. There’s a bit more to it than simply picking a space and setting up shop, though. Similar to purchasing or renting a house, leasing commercial warehouse space requires a decent amount of research before a final decision can be made. In all likelihood, …

The Ruthvens received the Commercial Beautification Award on July 5, 2016, at the City Commission meeting for our warehouse at 3150 County Line Road.  We are proud that our warehouse was selected to be highlighted by the City of Lakeland!

We are so proud of our own Joe L. Ruthven, VP of Operations and New Construction for The Ruthvens. He was the recipient of the Hall of Fame Award at The Lakeland Rotary Club meeting on June 21, 2016. Joe L. Ruthven has been with The Ruthvens for 16 years, prior to that he worked as an engineer with Shell Oil Co. for 25 …

Port Tampa Bay’s recognition as America’s port of the year shines a timely national spotlight on the entire region. This sends an excellent signal to the private sector as the port takes a bigger role in remaking the downtown Tampa waterfront and improving the local economy. Lloyds’ List, a publication for the maritime industry, named the port as North America’s port operator of the …

Have you picked up the latest copy of Lakelander Business? We are thrilled to have our founder, Joe P. Ruthven, profiled as a Lakeland Legend! Read his interview titled, “$100 Down” and learn how he got started.

This is our new sign at our 131,170 sq. ft. building on Drane Field Road. We love the new design, new color scheme with red, beautiful landscaping, and light bars for maximum visibility at night. This could be your new address, Check it out!

The process of putting the tilt wall panels in place started yesterday. Each of the 8-10 ton panels for the building has to be raised off the ground by a crane and put in the proper place. The Folsom construction crew has to precisely place each panel so that they all fit together. It’s a fascinating to watch the progress!

Read the complete article at: http://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/open-window/

1) Where is Lakeland, Florida located? Lakeland, Florida is conveniently located 30 miles from Tampa and 40 miles Orlando, making it a central hub right along the I-4 corridor. Lakeland offers easy access to I- 75, Polk Parkway (570), Florida Turnpike, U.S. Hwy 27, the Port of Tampa, and CSX rail hub. There are also two international airports nearby, as well as over 8 …

Now might be the perfect time for finding a warehouse to rent in the Lakeland, FL area, according to recent reports. Cushman and Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm, recently released their Q1 “Industrial Snapshot” of the Lakeland-area market data. For those looking for industrial warehouse space, there appears to be an opportunity for the approximately 8 million people who live within …

After the recent release of May employment numbers from the U.S. government, talk was somewhat doom-and-gloomy. Fortunately, there was one bright spot for those of us in the commercial warehousing industry. According to Joc.com, the report found that warehousing and storage businesses added approximately 3,000 jobs from April to May. That marks a 6.5% year-over-year increase, as well as the 29th straight month of …

If you spent any time on the Internet this week, then you may have heard or seen the first field test of the much-hyped Hyperloop Transportation Technology in the desert outside Las Vegas. The Propulsion Open Air Test of Hyperloop One drew fawning coverage from the media, reminding us all once again that you can’t spell Hyperloop without the Hype. Will Hyperloop Transportation Affect …

Leasing a warehouse can be a valuable and useful endeavor in commercial real estate development, distribution warehouse space, and for extra storage space. Overall, the industry for storage space and leasing a warehouse in the U.S. is worth an estimated $26 billion. Investment in commercial warehouse development has only been on the rise in recent years, too, with a lot of it coming in the form of …

F-22 Lands with Ruthven Warehouse in background. What a great shot of this F-22 landing at Sun N Fun with the new Ruthven warehouse in the background. One of the newest buildings in The Ruthven’s portfolio, 2825 Drane Field Road is located directly across the street from Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, home of the Sun N Fun Fly-In each year. So, not only do we …

When someone says “warehouse,” you probably think of a big, empty space indoors. But the industry surrounding the warehousing of items in America is anything but empty. In fact, it’s growing at a virtually unprecedented rate, which many are claiming they could have never seen coming. Even with the growing demand of our society for more space and more usable storage facilities, the growth …

We are thrilled to have our founder, Joe P. Ruthven, featured as a Lakeland Legend in the latest issue of  The Lakelander Business. Take a few minutes to read the article titled, “$100 Down” and learn how this entrepreneur got his start in Lakeland and built a successful business from the ground up. His motto, an our company’s motto is “We do everything we …

If you are in the process of finding a warehouse to rent for storage or distribution purposes, you are in good company. Almost every single product that is manufactured in the U.S., exported and imported in the U.S., or put into the retail market in the U.S. is stored in the warehouse at some point in its life. The warehouse leasing industry is so …

We are putting the finishing touches on our new 131,170 square foot building at 2825 Drane Field Road. We think it is spectacular! Take a look at some of the photos below and see for yourself. It just might be the perfect location for your business! This is our new sign at  Drane Field Road. We love the new design, new color scheme with red, …

Although Detroit is known historically as one of America’s biggest warehousing and distribution cities, the economy has struggled greatly in recent years, leading to a lack of commercial real estate development. As all things in life tend to ebb and flow, that might be starting to change. New reports and information on the industrial warehouse space in Motor City indicate developers see an increasing …

The walls are going up! The process of putting the tilt wall panels in place started yesterday. Each of the 8-10 ton panels for the building has to be raised off the ground by a crane and put in the proper place. The Folsom construction crew has to precisely place each panel so that they all fit together. It is like putting together a …

Technology and our use of technology is changing the face of retail as we know it. As consumers are leaning towards smartphone technologies and e-commerce retail sites such as Amazon and Walmart, retailers are looking to commercial warehousing and leasing commercial property to better compete in the retail market and provide a direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales model. In fact, the next five years are expected …

When it comes to economic development, leasing commercial real estate is a great way to cultivate your business. Whether you’re leasing commercial property to manufacture goods or you are looking for an industrial warehouse space to help facilitate freight transportation, finding a warehouse to rent is crucial and people are catching on quickly. Why it’s time to start renting a warehouse: They’re in high …

Commercial warehouse development is on the rise, and there has also been an increase in speculative construction. For example, more than half — 62% — of the 59 million square feet under construction by the end of third quarter in 2013 was being constructed without signed tenants. Currently, the U.S. storage and commercial warehousing industry is worth an estimated $26 billion and this figure …

The U.S. storage and warehouse leasing industry is booming, and is worth an estimated $26 billion. This is highlighted by the fact that in 2014, U.S. markets absorbed a total of 70.2 million square feet of office space, marking the highest demand since 2006. In addition, retailers both on and offline will require a combined 25 million square meters in additional space over the …

The type of lighting used in commercial warehouses is highly critical because it affects so many different operations components. It’s not just a matter of “lights on” or “lights off”, especially when you take into account the amount of energy that commercial buildings consume each year. Electric lighting devours almost 40% of all the energy consumed by industry. The various lighting specifications in a …

Chances are, you’ve never heard of Omnia, Inc. until now. That does not mean, however, their products and services haven’t impacted your life at some point, even without you being aware of it. As a matter of fact, it is safe to assume that more people have utilized Omnia, Inc.’s American made cotton products than have not. For that reason, and for many others, …

If you’ve ever wondered where the candy you purchase from your local drugstore derives from originially, there’s a good chance Roadtex had something to do with it. Thanks to Roadtex’s superior transportation services, distributing time and temperature sensitive products is possible for multiple industries – confectionary, food & grocery, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and retail & mass merchants. Roadtex Transportation Corporation was founded in 1992 in …

When you’re not familiar with all the words associated with warehouses and the logistics-related lingo, it can make the selection process that much more complicated. Fortunately, when it comes to differentiating between the various traits of loading docks, The Ruthvens have done most of the legwork for you. Due to years of experience in the commercial warehousing industry, particularly in a logistics hub – …

Very few things beat the sweet smell and succulent taste of smoky barbecue. And down here in the southern states, we take the grillin’ game pretty seriously. We take great pride in what constitutes as plate worthy barbecue, which is why The Ruthvens are especially proud to have Smokin’ Aces BBQ on board as tenants. A prominent name in the Polk County area, and …

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could satisfy all of your supply chain needs with one versatile space? Good news – this building option is available, and can provide your business with the flexibility features desired for now, and for the future. This particular type of commercial space is known as a flex building, explicably because of the multiple functions that it can fulfill: …

Ever since this family-owned operation took shape over 50 years ago, the importance of establishing positive tenant relationships has remained a primary business principle. The relationships we build with our tenants are just as important as the structural warehouses we build. The Ruthvens take great pride in the reputation that the Lakeland community and Central Florida businesses have come to expect, but we are …

Regardless of inventory volume or type, all businesses utilizing commercial warehouse space care about the same thing – protecting goods. Essentially, the real value of a company’s supply chain lies within the commercial warehouse. Securing and maintaining this value depends heavily on the construction of the building. The question is, however – What makes commercial warehouse construction different from other building techniques? Also, what …

If you have ever revamped your garage by adding shelving space or reorganized your closet to be more efficient, then you know firsthand how important storage methods can be. It’s amazing how you can optimize even the smallest and most cluttered spaces to be functional. Not to mention, when items are stored properly, you don’t get overwhelmed with anxiety just from looking at the …

It does not matter if your business is well established or a brand new start-up. Commercial warehouse space can be used for a variety of reasons and can offer a number of benefits to your company. However, before you start obtaining quotes and lease information, you must first determine where the best place is for your warehouse needs. Some of the things to consider …

When you realize the need for additional storage space for your business, an obvious solution is a warehouse, or in some cases, multiple warehouses. If you have never utilized this type of facility before, it might surprise you that there are a number of different types of warehouses to choose from. Ultimately, the type of storage space that you select will depend on your …

If you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, investor, logistics manager, distributor, or simply someone that is need of thousands of square feet for storage purposes, then The Ruthvens could be the solution to your problem. The problem being of course that you need a large amount of square footage in order to complete your sales process, or perhaps to maximize supply chain efficiency. …