Richard Smith, founder and CEO of Office Freedom, has strongly criticized a recent conference talking point for office providers to "disintermediate" flex agents to improve efficiency and cut costs, describing it as a betrayal after 32 years of industry advocacy and revenue generation.

In particular, he highlighted the contradiction in the company’s (Yardi) position, noting that they recently acquired flex broker Hubble while simultaneously calling for the elimination of brokers, and argued that most flex providers aren’t recognized brand names that rely on broker partnerships for visibility and client acquisition. Its being argued that abandoning the broker model could lead to increased voids, reduced revenue, and transform the industry into a "glorified oligopoly," while emphasizing that flex deals are growing larger and becoming viable lease alternatives rather than just stepping stones.

As long as clients value centralized market comparison and expert advice, we believe that it will be tech-enabled brokers that remain an essential support system, rather than unnecessary intermediaries in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.

Richard Smith chats with Suzan Dixon about Standard Chartered Bank about their approach to flex and working with brokers on The Office Freedom Podcast.