Capsule: Bob Bach, Grubb & Ellis Co.

BOB BACH Chief economist Grubb & Ellis Co. Santa Ana, Calif. Value of real estate managed: $6.7 billion General outlook: "It will be a difficult year. We expect commercial-property investment volume to increase 15% from the depressed levels of 2008 as more distressed assets come to market," Mr. Bach said. Credit will be expensive and tight but should be more accessible than in 2008. Tenants are not in an expansion frame of mind. Next big trend: Distressed debt. With credit frozen, investors will see opportunities as borrowers struggle to refinance. Biggest concern: "A prolonged and deep recession is unavoidable, probably the longest since the Great Depression. But my biggest concern is that on top of that, the credit markets will not loosen up." Reading, watching, listening to: Book: "You Staying Young" by Michael F. Roizen and Oz (Free Press, 2008). Radio: National Public Radio (Planet Money). TV : CNBC. Primary news sources: The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.