The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 marked a period of significant disruption across the business world. For CBP Management, the commercial real estate services division of Colonnade BridgePort, it was a moment that tested our operations, our relationships, and our ability to adapt. Ultimately, it underscored the resilience of our platform, the strength of our team, and the critical importance of aligned stakeholder support.
Grounded in the fundamentals
From the beginning, CBP Management’s focus was clear: maintain operational continuity, uphold service standards, and support the people central to our business—tenants, clients, and employees. Thanks to early investments in cloud-based infrastructure, we transitioned to remote operations over a single weekend, maintaining full business functionality and uninterrupted service delivery.
“As everything was shutting down, we were able to flip the switch and keep going,” said Hugh Gorman, CEO. “Our teams didn’t miss a beat, and that meant our tenants and clients didn’t either. It was a real demonstration of our culture of accountability and service.”
Strategic approach to rent relief
As many tenants were unable to operate and faced significant financial strain, responding to rent pressures became a key priority. CBP Management worked closely with clients to implement solutions tailored to specific tenant circumstances, supported tenants in accessing government aid, and maintained open lines of communication with all parties.
“We approached the rent challenge with a strategic mindset,” said Ron Matheson, SVP, Real Estate Management Services. “It wasn’t just about short-term relief—it was about helping tenants stay viable so our clients’ assets remained strong. By understanding individual circumstances and working collaboratively, we created solutions that protected occupancy, preserved relationships, and supported long-term asset performance.”
Operational excellence under pressure
On the operations side, CBP Management remained fully engaged—ensuring compliance with evolving health protocols, responding to tenant concerns with urgency and care, and maintaining the reliability of property operations across the portfolio. This focus on stability and responsiveness positioned us strongly for the recovery period that followed.
“By staying close to our tenants and maintaining high service standards, we ensured continuity and preserved asset integrity—ultimately reinforcing client confidence during an exceptionally uncertain time,” said Ron.
Insights that continue to shape us
Now, several years removed from the height of the pandemic, the operational and strategic insights gained during that period continue to underscore the value of CBP Management’s service-driven approach. Strong processes, trusted relationships, and a commitment to generating positive outcomes for clients, tenants, and employees alike, remain central to how we operate today: with agility, accountability, and a long-term perspective.