Capstone Advisors earned recognition from the San Diego Business Journal as a “Best Places to Work” winner in the small business category. The award celebrates companies with exceptional workplace culture and employee satisfaction. Under Alex Zikakis’s leadership since 1996, Capstone ranked among San Diego’s top employers while delivering results in real estate development and leasing. The recognition highlights Capstone’s commitment to both outstanding company culture and business excellence. Read Full Article
California Centers Features Alex Zikakis: Why ‘Good Enough’ Property Management Is Costing Owners Millions
Capstone Advisors CEO Alex Zikakis was recently featured discussing the costly mistakes retail property owners make when they settle for “good enough” management strategies. In this article, Zikakis shares insights from Capstone’s successful $1 million Mission Escondido transformation—taking occupancy from 70% to 100%—and explains why traditional property management approaches are failing in today’s competitive retail landscape. Read how Zikakis’s strategic approach to tenant retention and property enhancement is setting new industry standards. Read Full Article
Escondido Times Advocate: Capstone Advisors Revitalizes Mission Escondido with $1M Investment and Modern Upgrades
We completed a comprehensive $1 million revitalization of Mission Escondido, transforming the prominent retail center with contemporary design elements, sustainable features, and enhanced amenities, including electric vehicle charging stations. Originally acquired in 2011 at 70% occupancy, the 41,530-square-foot property now stands fully leased with 14 diverse tenants, demonstrating our long-term commitment to creating vibrant community destinations in Escondido’s downtown district. Read Full Article
GlobeSt.com : Names Alex Zikakis One of Commercial Real Estate’s ‘Best Bosses’
Capstone Advisors President and Founder Alex Zikakis has been recognized by GlobeSt.com as one of commercial real estate’s “Best Bosses.” The award honors CRE leaders who demonstrate exceptional mentorship, outstanding leadership skills, and a meaningful impact on the community. Zikakis joins an elite group of industry executives celebrated for their ability to inspire teams while driving business success. The recognition underscores his dual commitment to developing talent and creating lasting value in the commercial real estate sector. Read Full Article
Mission Escondido Retail Center Undergoes A $1 Million Revitalization
Capstone Advisors adds modern upgrades to central Escondido retail property.
Escondido, Calif. – July 7, 2025 – Capstone Advisors, a Carlsbad-based diversified real estate investment, development, and advisory firm, has completed a $1 million revitalization of Mission Escondido, modernizing the prominent retail center in central Escondido.
Located at 201-205 W. Mission Ave., the center now features a contemporary design with a refreshed color palette and a standing seam metal roof. Other enhancements include drought-tolerant landscaping, updated site and tenant signage, and improvements to the parking lot, including the addition of electric vehicle charging stations.
Situated in Escondido’s downtown district, the center is currently leased by 14 tenants with a wide variety of focuses, including food, retail, health, professional services, and education. The newest tenants include Dongbu Korean BBQ, Prism Jiu Jitsu, and Swan Hair Salon.
Capstone Advisors acquired the 41,530-square-foot property in 2011 when it was 70% leased. Following strategic enhancements shortly after its acquisition, the center has consistently been well-occupied and is now fully occupied. Read Full Article
San Diego Business Journal: Recent retail deals point to strong San Diego market.
The San Diego Business Journal featured our CEO, Alex Zikakis, as an expert voice on the strength of San Diego’s retail market. Drawing on his 29 years of commercial real estate experience, Alex provided insights into recent retail deals that demonstrate the resilience and growth potential of the local market. Read Full Article
San Diego Business Journal: Celebrating Excellence: Two Capstone Advisors Named Leaders of Influence in CRE 2025
We are thrilled to announce that two of our exceptional team members, Gabi Davis and Nickolas Kolbe, have been recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as Leaders of Influence in Commercial Real Estate 2025. This prestigious honor reflects not only their individual dedication and expertise but also the caliber of talent that drives Capstone Advisors’ continued success. Read Full Article
San Diego Business Journal: Capstone Advisors CEO Recognized for Outstanding Leadership
Capstone Advisors Founder and CEO Alex Zikakis has been honored as CEO of the Year 2025 by the San Diego Business Journal. This prestigious recognition celebrates Alex’s commitment to community impact through quality-controlled commercial real estate solutions and his dedication to fostering positive workplace culture. The award highlights his leadership in empowering employees through mentorship and cultivating an environment where team members feel welcomed, included, and valued. Read the full article
Capstone Advisors has sold Poway Valley Center, for $11.6 million.
Capstone Advisors has sold Poway Valley Center, a 24,802-square-foot retail property located in Poway, roughly 23 miles north of San Diego, for $11.6 million. The property comprises 16 tenants, including Little Sprouts Daycare, Wingstop, Poway’s Irish Pub, Don Pollo Mexican Food, and Bongiorno’s Pizzeria. Reg Kobe, Joel Wilson, and Michael Peterson of CBRE represented the seller, Capstone Advisors, in the transaction. Jimmy Leach and Erik Ransdell of Strands Realty Group represented the buyer, Badal Satasiya. Read Full Article
NAIOP: Surveying the Retail Landscape Written By Alex Zikakis
Carlsbad, CA – January 3rd, 2025 – Winter 2024/2025 Issue: Could retail real estate have emerged from the pandemic as a preferred asset class? Retail continues to evolve as consumer preferences shift, new retailers emerge, and old retailers either change with the times or go out of business. The pace of change and the threat of widespread disruption accelerated with the advent of online shopping and gave rise to predictions about the imminent “death of retail.” Current reports are more likely to tout retail’s comeback. However, well located, functional retail that meets current tenants’ needs has been enduring for years. Read Full Article