In our first conversation with Jordan Winada, Head of Acquisitions (Commercial) for Victoria and South Australia, we explored how Fortis curates the perfect tenant mix, not just to fill space, but to shape identity and foster thriving communities. Now, we’re diving deeper into what happens after the lease is signed.
We sat down with Simone Dirckze, Head of Asset Management in Melbourne, to unpack how Fortis continues to deliver value long after move-in day. Her approach is grounded, human, and refreshingly thoughtful.
Relationships start at move-in
For Simone, the lease signing isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting point. “We treat the move-in as the beginning of the relationship,” she says. From regular check-ins to celebrating milestones, the team creates consistent, meaningful touchpoints. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about being visible, reliable, and solutions focused.
Partners, not landlords
Transparency, empathy and follow-through guide every interaction. “We see ourselves as partners,” Simone explains. That means listening first, responding with care, and doing the work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, even when tenants don’t see the full machine.
Tailored, not templated
Every business is different, and Fortis leans into that. Some tenants want high-touch support, others prefer autonomy. The team adapts while maintaining a consistent standard of service. “We make sure our buildings function at a high level, then layer in service that’s tailored,” Simone says.
Going the extra mile
One summer, a tenant partner faced HVAC issues during a heatwave. While the fix required time, Fortis acted fast, bringing in portable units, rescheduling works outside of business hours, and staying in close contact. “That human element, making people feel seen and heard, made all the difference.”
Listening between the lines
Feedback isn’t just about surveys. Simone’s team picks up on tone, behaviour and sentiment. Building walks, open-door chats, and casual coffee catch-ups help them stay ahead of tenant needs, often before they’re voiced.
Building community, by design
Community at Fortis isn’t just about big events. It’s about small, intentional moments, shared coffee, thoughtful introductions, and spaces designed for connection. “We want people to feel proud of where they work,” Simone says. “When our tenant partners feel part of something bigger, collaboration follows naturally.”
Pride in the ongoing relationship
What sets Fortis apart? It’s the blend of design, service and care. “We stay engaged long after the lease is signed,” Simone says. Our tenant partners aren’t just occupants, they’re stakeholders in a shared vision.
Measuring success in trust
A happy tenant partner isn’t just one who renews, it’s one who calls Fortis first for advice, or brings them into a conversation early. “Long-term relationships built on mutual respect are the best measure of our success.”
Hospitality at the heart
Fortis brings a hospitality mindset to commercial leasing. From the moment someone enters the lobby to how issues are resolved, it’s all about creating comfort, trust and ease. “Service is not just what we do, it’s how we do it.”
Want to know more about how Fortis curates tenant experiences from day one? Catch up on our first interview with Jordan Winada here.
