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Building Tomorrow's Texas: The impact of economic development organizations across the state In the vast expanse of the Lone Star State, a quiet revolution is taking place, one that's reshaping the very fabric of Texas communities. Behind this transformation are the dedicated minds of economic development directors and executives.

Pioneering Progress: Arlis Brodie's mission to elevate women in CRE For Arlis Brodie, her story isn’t just about her own ascent. It’s also about the positive impact she wants to have on the women who have walked alongside her.

Patience and Perseverance: The keys to Christen Vestal's successes in industrial development Christen Vestal has carved a distinctive path in the industrial development sector of Houston—an industry where women developers remain a rare and remarkable sight.

Investing Fearlessly: DeLea Becker encourages women to dive into commercial real estate DeLea Becker’s name is synonymous with success in both commercial real estate and construction.

From the Runway to Real Estate: Tanya Ragan's lesson in skillful adaptation In commercial real estate, there are trailblazers who redefine the industry. Tanya Ragan, the owner and president of Wildcat is one such trailblazer.

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Building Tomorrow's Texas: The impact of economic development organizations across the state

BY BRANDI SMITH

In the vast expanse of the Lone Star State, a quiet revolution is taking place, one that's reshaping the very fabric of Texas communities. Behind this transformation are the dedicated minds of economic development directors and executives, such as Paul Chavez of Seabrook, Rebecca M. Olaguibel of McAllen, Carolyn Gibson of El Campo and Danielle Scheiner of Conroe.

CONROE

Conroe, a city that blends the appeal of a small hometown with the vibrancy of a big city, is making waves under the guidance of Danielle Scheiner, Executive Director of the Conroe Economic Development Council.

Conroe's downtown square beckons with unique restaurants, boutiques and a thriving arts, music and film community. The ongoing redevelopment is reshaping the downtown core, introducing fresh living, working and retail spaces.

“Conroe’s location nestled between a national forest and a state forest along the shoreline of 22,000-acre Lake Conroe make it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream,” said Scheiner. “Great schools, affordable quality housing and an entrepreneurial spirit make it a great place to raise a family or start a business.”

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Conroe, Texas

CDI Texas March 4-7, 2024

Improving Communities and Increasing Opportunities Register today for this practical, interactive, and comprehensive training designed for economic and community development professionals. Community development is a group effort and CDI training builds the capacity of individuals and communities to positively impact economic and social development.

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NHEDC works in collaboration with regional EDOs, chambers of commerce, business and industry, and government agencies and officials to ensure that our region continues to provide value and profitability to businesses seeking to relocate or expand in our region.

NHEDC provides the following services to business and community members:

• Conducting research and providing reports related to demographics, labor force and industry data, and community assessments.

• Business development assistance in collaboration with Lone Star College’s economic development assets.

• Providing a central point of contact for the region and introductions to regional economic development leadership, business and community leaders, and public officials.

LoneStar.edu/EconomicDevelopment/About

Conroe's industrial legacy continues to flourish with strategically designed business parks and a highly skilled workforce. Its prime location along the Texas Triangle, just north of Houston, offers proximity to Port Houston, major metro areas, international airports and prestigious universities, providing logistical advantages and access to top talent.

Key projects include the North Port Logistics Center, a massive speculative distribution center, and extensive greenfield sites. Conroe welcomes industries of the future, with a focus on life sciences, including medical device manufacturing and cell and gene therapy, as well as projects contributing to the circular economy.

“We recently landed three projects in that realm – two dealing with recycled plastic materials being repurposed into pellets or film and one oleochemical project,” Scheiner said.

Investors and developers are enticed by Conroe's performance-based cash incentives, infrastructure grant assistance, and the benefits of being within Foreign Trade Zone #265 and qualifying for the Quadruple Freeport Exemption. The city's pro-business stance and streamlined approval processes further sweeten the deal.

Conroe's remarkable growth story is underscored by accolades, including being named the 7th fastest-growing community in the U.S., a Top 25 Growth City and a Top Boomtown. Renters also favor Conroe, ranking it as the #3 City for Renters based on cost of living, housing quality and amenities. With Scheiner at the helm, Conroe is not just a city on the rise; it's a testament to the boundless economic potential within Texas.

EL CAMPO

El Campo, a charming community with just fewer than 13,000 residents, holds a unique position halfway between Houston and Victoria along US Highway 59/Interstate 69. Its neighborly quality of life and unwavering local support for community businesses are among its standout assets.

“We have a wonderful rural community where residents can find whatever they need at home, but have access to all the big city offerings less than an hour away,” said Carolyn Gibson, Executive Director of the City Development Corporation of El Campo. “Our welcoming, neighborly quality of life is one of our best assets, and the local support for community businesses is unmatched.”

Businesses are flocking to El Campo for several reasons. Record-breaking and consistent sales tax growth demonstrate that new and expanding businesses can thrive here. The city's "Shop Local!" campaign, which has garnered international recognition, has boosted local businesses for eight consecutive years.

“Healthy existing businesses draw interest from developers looking for new locations. Our businesses are our best local cheerleaders!” Gibson said.

El Campo is also witnessing the construction of over 475 multi-family housing units, including a 400-unit Class A apartment complex, further enhancing its appeal.

One notable focus is the Southwest Industrial Gateway Business Park, a 540acre rail-served warehouse park. Infrastructure development, including city water and wastewater services, is in progress.

“The merger between Kansas City Southern Railroad and Canadian Pacific has put El Campo on the map for freight between southern Mexico, through the United States, and coast-to-coast in Canada,” boasted Gibson, adding that with its strategic location and vast acres available for development, the city welcomes distribution centers, warehousing and manufacturing.

Incentives abound for investors and developers. The entirety of Wharton County is designated as a Foreign Trade Zone and there are three Opportunity Zones eligible for New Market Tax Credits. That’s on top of expedited plan review within two weeks, Chapter 380 Agreement policies for various taxes, and an array of incentives from the City Development Corporation that tackle job creation, site improvement and infrastructure assistance grants.

“Workforce recruitment and training are also available through the CDC,” Gibson said. “There are many additional incentives available to businesses through our partnerships with agencies within the State of Texas.”

El Campo embraces managed, sustainable and high-quality growth, with access to a workforce of more than 1,000,000 within a 45-minute drive. The city stands ready to welcome businesses to its vibrant community, offering a promising landscape for economic development.

Paul Chavez Carolyn Gibson

Danielle Scheiner

Rebecca M. Olaguibel

Sanger, TX - When you’re here, you’re home.

Business Opportunity

Located along Interstate 35 in northern Denton County, the City of Sanger is ideal for businesses considering relocation or expansion in North Texas. This area has direct access to the Interstate and is boarded by the BNSF railroad. Easy access to DFW and major area airports is another reason Sanger is an attractive community to new businesses. With several hundred acres of land along I-35 available for industrial use and easy access to North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, distributors and manufacturers alike will find Sanger the perfect place to be.

Workforce

educational and professional services. With the presence of several institutions of higher education just a few miles away, Sanger businesses have access to a vast array of education and training opportunities.

Education

Sanger boasts an outstanding school system that is large enough to offer a well-rounded curriculum, and at the same time small enough to be responsive to the needs of parents and students. For higher education opportunities, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University are less than 15 minutes away.

Pro-Business Attitude

Sanger is home to a diverse and plentiful workforce, providing employers with a ready talent pool of over 1 million workers within a 30–40-minute commute. They possess a wide range of skills and experience in a number of industries, from manufacturing and construction to

Sanger prides itself on a business-friendly environment and stands ready to partner with companies looking to invest and bring quality jobs to the community.

Exciting business opportunity meets exceptional quality of life.

Welcome to Sanger. When you’re here, you’re home.

Sanger is a historic railroad town that offers a fantastic environment to raise a family and escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. We take pride in being business-friendly and want visitors to know that when you’re here, you’re home. Sanger is a great place to call home for those who seek a sense of community and a high quality of life. Sanger has it all with a low cost of living, an excellent education system, and access to endless outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a place to start a family, launch a business, or experience a slower-paced lifestyle, Sanger is the perfect place to call home.

“Investors and developers can capitalize on this trend to create new retail destinations,” Olaguibel said.

MCALLEN

Nestled in the heart of South Texas, McAllen, known as the "City of Palms," beckons with a unique blend of culture, history and economic vitality.

“Its allure is built upon a blend of strategic assets and opportunities that make it a compelling destination for businesses, investors and developers,” said Rebecca M. Olaguibel, Director of Retail & Business Development for the City of McAllen. “It truly is a Texan treasure.”

McAllen's magnetism for businesses is anchored in several strategic advantages, which include its educational institutions: South Texas College, Texas A&M McAllen campus and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

“These institutions not only nurture the local talent pool but also attract students and professionals from across the country,” Olaguibel said. “The city's commitment to education feeds its economic growth.”

Situated at the crossroads of international trade and commerce along the U.S.Mexico border, McAllen offers businesses access to a thriving cross-border market, propelling it as a hotspot for trade-related ventures.

“The potential for economic growth in this sector is boundless,” said Olaguibel.

The city thrives as a retail haven, attracting shoppers from both sides of the border, offering investors and developers ample opportunities to craft new retail destinations.

The healthcare sector in McAllen is on an upward trajectory as well, with top-notch medical facilities and research centers drawing patients from far and wide. Investment opportunities in healthcare infrastructure and services abound.

A pro-business climate, lower operational costs, and a skilled workforce make McAllen a magnet for companies seeking expansion or relocation.

With a focus on redefining the city's skyline through mixed-use developments and industrial parks, McAllen has ambitious projects in its sights.

The city extends a warm welcome to diverse industries but sees immense potential in technology, retail, healthcare, and tourism-related ventures. McAllen's diverse economy can accommodate both domestic and international businesses.

Investors and developers can leverage tax incentives, infrastructure support, and a streamlined permitting process, all designed to facilitate their vision.

McAllen isn't just a city; it's a dynamic nexus of opportunities. Its strategic advantages, commitment to growth and dedication to innovation beckon businesses and investors to be part of its flourishing success story.

El Campo, Texas

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SEABROOK

Located along the picturesque Galveston Bay, Seabrook invites investors and developers to witness its metamorphosis. It's a city reimagined, vastly different from the Seabrook of yesteryear, teeming with potential and a promising economic future.

The city is undergoing a transformative evolution that promises boundless opportunities for growth and development. Paul Chavez, Economic Development Director for the City of Seabrook Economic Development Corporation, shed light on what makes this city special.

“The expansion of State Highway 146 is near completion in Seabrook – which opens up a lot of fantastic opportunities for new developments in the city,” he shared, adding that the expansion has unleashed a wealth of shovelready real estate, previously untapped.

Seabrook prides itself on an agile and responsive building and inspections department, offering developers swift feedback and constructive guidance. This professionalism fosters interest from developers and franchises alike, driving them to explore Seabrook's potential. The city’s allure extends beyond infrastructure and efficiency, though.

“The affluent demographics of the market area continue to attract developers and retailers to our area,” Chavez explained.

As for current endeavors, Seabrook is buzzing with activity, with projects like Compass by Margaritaville and Seabrook Town Center, also known as The Edge, capturing the spotlight. When considering the ideal businesses to anchor Seabrook's future, urgent care facilities, medical offices, and the quintessential Starbucks stand out on the wish list.

“The city is going to be focusing more on larger-scale development incentives rather than individual business incentives,” emphasized Chavez. “As such, we are looking for groups to take a look at our older retail stock and consider an economic redevelopment opportunity.”

SUMMARY

These leaders are the driving force behind economic development organizations, meticulously crafting strategies that attract businesses, investors and developers, forging a path to prosperity for their communities. Their insights and endeavors make it clear that these professionals are not only shaping the future of Texas, but also spotlighting the immense potential that lies within the heart of every Texan town. These stories reflect Texas' dynamic diversity, boundless opportunities and the spirit of innovation that defines the Lone Star State. They underscore the vital role of economic development in building tomorrow's Texas, a state poised for continued growth and success.

Pioneering Progress: Arlis Brodie's mission to elevate women in CRE

BY BRANDI SMITH

For Arlis Brodie, her story isn’t just about her own ascent. It’s also about the positive impact she wants to have on the women who have walked alongside her, as well as those who are following behind her. Brodie is committed to uplifting women who share her path in the competitive, often male-dominated landscape of commercial real estate.

As the Vice President of Business Development at Telios, a thriving MEP engineering firm with roots in Houston and Dallas, Brodie's story transcends traditional narratives of success.

"I really started out in banking, which was a great place to start," said Brodie, reflecting on her early career.

As she began her career, Brodie recognized that needing to be "twice as good" was the unwritten rule for women. However, it was having champions or mentors that made all the difference. These advocates recognized and supported the capabilities of women, enabling them to seize opportunities that might otherwise have remained elusive.

“I had an internal champion in banking who really helped. During a period when I was doing more analytical work, he encouraged me to do more marketing, which really meant more sales and business development,” Brodie remembered. “And he was right. I needed to go outside of my organization and seek that out.”

So while banking was her launching pad into the world of commercial real estate, it wasn’t a journey guided by a predetermined plan. Instead, Brodie seized opportunities and leveraged her existing network. As she transitioned from banking to marketing professional services, Brodie's experience underscored the importance of embracing change and the power of adaptability.

“We can always continue to grow,” she said.

Brodie’s success also reinforced her desire to give back to other women who are up-and- coming. Her commitment to lifting up other women is exemplified through her mentorship roles, especially within CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women). Brodie's mentorship extends beyond one-on-one interactions; she has been part of group mentoring programs, fostering a collaborative community where mentees learn from each other's experiences. Her dedication to nurturing talent is evident as she recounts the growth of those she has mentored.

“I think most people want to help others. Those people are pretty easy to spot.”

“It’s been really exciting to see how they've grown in their careers,” smiled Brodie.

For women entering the commercial real estate industry, Brodie offered three invaluable pieces of advice: "Ask questions, listen and be coachable." Her guidance is not just professional wisdom, but a philosophy passed down to her two daughters and son, who are making strides in the same industry.

“My husband and I have told them, really for eons, that they really need to ask questions, process the answers and take it all in,” Brodie said.

Her advice emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance, absorbing knowledge and remaining open to constructive feedback.

“I think most people want to help others,” said Brodie. Those people are pretty easy to spot.”

As she’s watched the path behind her get more and more populated with women going into banking or commercial real estate careers, Brodie said she’s encouraged. But she knows there is more work to be done, which is why events such as REDnews’ Dallas Women in Real Estate & Construction Summit and REDnews issues devoted to women in CRE are so important.

“I think it's terrific to highlight women in commercial real estate. There are not quite enough of us, but we're growing in numbers and it helps to show women interested in the business that we can succeed,” Brodie said. “We have to set our own place at the table.”

As Brodie’s seat at that table is secure, she’s now focused on saving a few spots for other women in the industry.

“I want to help give them a platform and invite them to join us,” she said.

Arlis Brodie

Patience and Perseverance: The keys to Christen Vestal's successes in industrial development

BY BRANDI SMITH

Christen Vestal has carved a distinctive path in the industrial development sector of Houston—an industry where women developers remain a rare and remarkable sight. Her story is an inspiring combination of resilience, hard work and an unwavering commitment to her craft.

That story really begins when Vestal joined Avera Development, a local private family office specializing in industrial development. Under the mentorship of owner Trey Odom, Vestal's career trajectory was set in motion. She attributed much of her success to Odom's guidance, noting that having a mentor who understands the market is invaluable, especially when you're just starting out.

“He was my boss, but he definitely mentored me, helped me,” Vestal recalled. “Before I knew anything, he drove me around the market. He taught me what a distribution building was versus a warehouse building.”

Still, success in industrial development takes time, she pointed out. Often folks who are new to the industry want or expect it to come faster, but that’s just not the nature of the industrial development sector.

"Our industry, what we do, is a very long cycle," noted Vestal. “At a minimum, our deal cycles are two years. They average five. Think about how long it takes for a person to get experience doing multiple projects under their belt.”

If someone is truly focused on being successful, she recommended using that time to really sharpen skills and earn the trust of industry veterans. "I struggled with getting other brokers in the industry to trust me. I spent a lot of my career working with brokers, gaining their trust and proving that I could execute on deals," Vestal acknowledged. "Being consistent and committed to my word has helped me to succeed in the business. You've got to prove and show people that they can trust you, that you can execute on deals."

It’s a process that cannot be rushed, but one that will ultimately prove to be worth it.

“Eventually the money and all the other things will come. Success follows, but it takes a significant amount of time to get there,” said Vestal.

Today, her experience ranges from extremely specialized manufacturing

“Being consistent and committed to my word has helped me to succeed in the business.”

facilities to speculative big box projects. One of Vestal’s most significant achievements is becoming the first female development partner at Provident Realty Advisors. Vestal’s impressive portfolio boasts more than 700 acres developed and $1 billion in transaction value over her decade-long career. Other notable highlights include a build-to-suit project for one of the largest e-commerce companies in the country.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Vestal wears another hat—that of a dedicated mother and wife to a successful real estate entrepreneur. She's also committed to giving back to the community through her involvement with Sky High for Children, a charity that raises funds for pediatric cancer treatments.

Vestal is also committed to helping other women navigate and thrive in the industrial development realm.

“I think it's extremely important to have somebody on your side and in your court, helping you learn and understand the market,” she stressed. “Without that, you're just trying to do it on your own. It's doable, but you sacrifice time.”

Knowing how much time it already takes to build experience and trust, Vestal said she is always open to meeting with someone who wants to learn.

“I take the time to coach them and offer my advice to help them make educated decisions,” she said.

Because even though Vestal is one of few women in her field, she’s confident that others who have the capability and wherewithal to succeed, will.

“I've done it,” Vestal smiled. “It's not impossible.”

Christen Vestal

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Investing Fearlessly: DeLea Becker encourages women to dive into commercial real estate

BY BRANDI SMITH

DeLea Becker’s name is synonymous with success in both commercial real estate and construction. Founder and broker for Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate & Beck-Reit Asset Management, she has an impressive track record spanning more than two decades. Additionally, DeLea co-owns Beck-Reit & Sons, Ltd., a distinguished heavy civil contractor specializing in TxDOT road and bridge repair, which was founded by her husband in 1999.

Becker’s journey into commercial real estate began with her unique background construction.

Becker

“We started buying commercial buildings in Austin, Texas, in 2006," she remembered, sharing that her motivation for diving into the world of real estate was clear. “I just wanted to own them. That's the whole reason why I got my Texas realtors license in 2012. My whole intent was to buy more buildings for our construction company and our personal assets."

Being a woman in a predominantly male field like construction can come with challenges, but Becker doesn’t dwell on them.

“To say there aren’t challenges would be ridiculous. There are absolutely challenges. I'm sure there are some clients I don't get. I'm sure there's some opportunities I don't get,” said Becker. “But I know there are plenty of people in this world who, when they find a woman who is an expert in her field and excellent at what she does, realize how hard I work. So that brings opportunities.”

In fact, she uses her gender to her advantage in the investment world, where Becker shared that people often underestimate her.

“I'm a young woman and so people don't think I know what I'm doing,” she said. “Oftentimes I know way more than they do, especially about construction and development."

This successful real estate professional is also an advocate for women in the field, actively participating in speaking engagements and panels. Becker said she’s motivated by the belief that “If you can see, you can be it" & “You can’t keep it if you don’t give it away.”

“ I take chances, make bets and take a lot of risks with my own money. Most everything I have, I know I learned by doing. ”

"I don't come from a wealthy family or anything like that. I've just climbed my way through everything,” Becker said. “I take chances, make bets and take a lot of risks with my own money. Most everything I have, I know I learned by doing.”

As she climbed and learned, she in turn invested in herself – literally and figuratively.

"All my clients I work with, they get my experience,” said Becker. “I'm not telling them to do anything I wouldn't do."

Her relentless work ethic aligns with her favorite quote from Ann Richards, the former governor of Texas: "Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did except vote backwards and in heels." Becker thrives on hard work, often dedicating more than 40 hours a week to her endeavors.

"I don't work 40 hours a week. That would be a very short week for me,” she laughed. “I work a lot more."

Mentorship is another essential aspect of Becker’s journey.

"Find somebody who’s gone before you and attach yourself to them. That means help them," she advised.

Becker said her most significant mentor remains her husband, a construction expert who has guided her throughout her career. But Gail Whitfield, president and founder of The Whitfield Company, is another influential figure in Becker’s career

“She was president-elect of Central Texas Commercial Association of

DeLea

REALTORS® and she asked me to join her committee to find sponsors, which I did immediately,” recalled Becker. “Gail saw I had the ‘Show-Up Attitude’ and we started meeting once a week for lunch. We would spend 30 minutes on questions I had for her, then we would spend 30 minutes on questions she had for me.”

The key, Becker stressed, is that both the mentor and mentee benefit from the relationship.

“It has to be good for both of us,” she said. “A mentorship can’t just be me answering questions, telling them what to do, etc.”

But if Becker could give a single directive to women in commercial estate it would be simple: invest. She pointed out only 3 percent of commercial real estate is owned and managed by women.

“It’s laughable, but you would be surprised how many women I talk to who are just afraid to do it,” said Becker. “Women who are in commercial estate – leasing, investment sales, you name it – I would tell them that they know more than 98 percent of the investors out there. Commercial Real Estate is your core competency. I hope that gets them over their fear. That way, everything they do every day, they’re learning more so that they can go buy commercial real estate and grow wealth."

DeLea Becker's journey exemplifies the incredible potential of women in commercial real estate. Her story is an inspiration for those aspiring to make their mark in a competitive field, and she stands as a testament to what dedication, mentorship and a relentless work ethic can achieve.

A WINNING RECORD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIGH COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAXES

Overinflated commercial property valuations rob businesses of hard-earned funds. Lane Property Tax Advocates protests on property owners’ behalf to alleviate stress, save money and unburden your business.

Think that tax bill’s too high?

Lane will fight to lower the coming year’s valuation.

832.358.2000 | info@lanepropertytax.com

Photo by Trac Vuvia Unsplash

From the Runway to Real Estate: Tanya Ragan's lesson in skillful adaptation

BY BRANDI SMITH

In the realm of commercial real estate, there are trailblazers who defy expectations and redefine the industry. Tanya Ragan, the owner and president of Wildcat Management, is one such trailblazer. Her remarkable journey from the fashion capital of the world to the heart of the oil and gas industry and, ultimately, into the world of commercial real estate is a testament to her adaptability, determination and belief in the power of skill development.

"When you have a certain skillset, that skillset is transferable,” stressed Ragan.

Tanya Ragan

Her early career in fashion retail, where she excelled in finance, numbers and building relationships, laid the foundation for Ragan’s future successes. She understood that these skills were not limited to one industry, but rather, they could be applied across different domains.

That’s why, when Ragan felt the need to venture out on her own and explore new horizons, she was confident in what she brought to the table. That confidence led her to an unexpected opportunity in the oil and gas sector in Texas.

"Long story short, I packed up all my stuff in New York City, moved to Dallas and started acquiring and putting together oil and gas leases,” Ragan shared. “That's what led me to get involved with real estate because of the natural transition."

Transitioning from a corporate team with vast resources to being a one-woman office, however, was a significant challenge for Ragan.

“Limited resources and limited support staff were the biggest challenges," she remembered, sharing that in those early days, she found herself making copies at midnight and meeting attorneys on Saturdays to accommodate clients' schedules.

Ragan’s knack for building relationships, which she refined during her time in fashion, became a cornerstone of her career in Texas.

"I would get a phone call months or even years later from those people whom I'd developed relationships with in the oil and gas industry,” said Ragan. “They knew I was credible and I started acquiring land. That's what ultimately led me to downtown Dallas."

But Ragan found success due to her willingness to put in that extra effort. Always ready to take on additional responsibilities and volunteer for special projects and late-night shifts, Ragan’s dedication set her apart and opened doors to new opportunities.

“I packed up all my stuff in New York City, moved to Dallas and started acquiring and putting together oil and gas leases.”

"I benefited because I put in the extra time,” she emphasized.

Ragan also credits some of her success to attributes learned from her mentors, many of whom have been men.

“I have a reputation for being aggressive, being pushy at times. I take those as compliments because in my mind that means I'm assertive and I'm ambitious,” said Ragan.

The importance of seeking out advocates and mentors, whether male or female, to help navigate the challenges of a male-dominated industry cannot be overstated, according to Ragan. As she recognizes her own success, she hoped to be that example to other women in the industry. Ragan has actively mentored women starting their careers, volunteered with women's groups and supported interns in her office. She believes that empowering more women benefits everyone.

"The more women we have at the table and part of those conversations, the easier it gets for everybody else,” Ragan said.

In her view, women bring unique strengths to commercial real estate, including intuition, negotiation skills, attention to detail and a relationship-driven approach. She believes that the industry benefits from diversity and that women should support each other rather than seeing one another as competition.

“We aren't competition,” repeated Ragan. “We're making room for more women and more minority representation."

She tackled that topic and much more in the book Blaze Your Own Trail, which she co-authored with 19 other women in commercial real estate.

Ragan's journey is a testament to the power of a well-developed skillset, determination and advocacy. She continues to inspire others, proving that success in commercial real estate knows no gender boundaries.

2023 Property Management Summit

BY RAY HANKAMER

Ray Hankamer

MANAGING THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS Moderator: April Daniel-REDnews Panelists: Andi Perry-Transwestern; Leslie SinclairAlley Theatre; Todd Jurek-Keen Realty

Takeaway: As in every business, "change" is a constant in the property management field. New technology is always having to be added. Tenants are more sophisticated and educated than before. Cross-training and interactions among levels of staff are essential to 'keep up'. Organization and planning mater more than ever. Management companies must keep in close touch with tenants AND with owners.

• Large changes in insurance industry, ongoing (used to be a 'quiet predictable vendor'); some premiums are up 3X due to environmental upheavals, especially in coastal locations, where losses to insurance companies may affect premiums they have to charge in non-coastal locations

• It is best to have shorter meetings with staff and have them more often, to share problems and solutions to them; listen to your staff, don't only make them listen to you; make sure your staff feels supported; huddle every day; ANTICIPATE potential problems

• Schedule maintenance and do preventative maintenance to avoid big hits later; any minute something could go wrong which could affect your tenants (elevator out, for example)

• The management company needs to give tenants and owners peace of mind

• Collaborate with your onsite managers so they feel connected with the 'home office' at all limes on issues such as costs, revenues, strategic planning, and measuring of your management efforts

• Owners like to stay in close personal touch with their property managers and to use them as sounding boards for future development design: what works and what does not in the building?

• The management company should be considered by the tenant to be just as valuable and asset as the building itself

• Track maintenance so that when you are spending too much you will know when it makes financial sense to replace aging equipment

• Track and benchmark your bills from service providers, water, electricity, and the like

• Today's savvy tenants check out the creditworthiness of the LANDLORD to make sure he can deliver and maintain his building, in this time of low office building occupancies-tenants expect timely repairs and maintenance

• Managers must EARN the respect of their tenants by constant contact and collaborafon

• Your management team members will have different levels of experience and different talent sets...create an upward mobility ladder for them for their benefit and the benefit of the organization

• Challenge and train your team to come up with management solutions on their own

• Be on constant lookout as to how to lower operational expenses

• Learn new technologies together with your team, such as how to use Al; some day soon Al will be doing the first review of resumes and performing other routine tasks

• Keep plugged in with your competitors to be alert to potential new employees for your organization; develop a reputation in the industry of being a supportive employer and the best employees will migrate to you; spend extra time interviewing and qualifying potential new hires, to make sure you are making a good choice; never hire hastily or out of desperation

• Don't be 'married' to the same vendors forever; at budgeting time take new bids

• Train your architects in what you have learned from existing building layouts that could be approved in future ones

• Your property managers must thoroughly 'know the numbers' in your industry and in your particular submarket, so they can not miss a trick in competing

• Make sure your property's "story" on its Web site is complete, attractive, and sells; keep a presence for your property on social media-today's renters turn there for information on their next move

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD MANAGEMENT Moderator: Christopher Daugherty-Altus Group Panelists: Martin Bronstein-BHW Capital; Stacy Hunt-Greystar

Takeaway: Problems which arise with Multi-Family (MF) tenants are more urgent than with other classes of tenants, since they involve peoples immediate lives. Growth, efficiency, and profitability are essential to

remaining compeåtive. Now 40% of MF tenants work from home, so their premises are all the more important/crucial to them from the standpoint of functionality. MF managers need to be very sharp to avoid being gamed by some of today's tenants. The central office should macro-manage and leave micro-managing to the property manager.

• The best asset managers LISTEN to their staffs

• The central office staff needs to respect the unpredictability of the onsite manager's day and be there to support him if he calls on them; know the difference between a one-time problem and a 'baked-in' problem The goal should be to stabilize the operations in the field so there is less reliance on the central office

• Management companies need to know how to roll with the competitive punches and ride the roller coaster of the market place

• Some renters game the system, being evicted from one location while applying to another; management needs to 'know all the tricks' and be wary

• Some management companies are eliminating onsite assistant managers and routing their routine duties to a central office; this can save $55-60k per year

• Currently inflation and money markets are a detriment to new development as many a new proposed deal does not pencil out; costly interest rates are keeping people in MF when they really would prefer a single family home Some management companies attract good onsite managers and maintenance personnel by offering them apartments at 20-40% discounted rent

• There are 25,000 MF units under construction now in Houston; where will staffing for this expansion come from? A good property manager may or may not make a good regional manager-the required talents are not exactly the same

• A large enough management firm can create an attractive upward mobility ladder for its employees

• Property management is MUCH more sophisticated than in the past

• Don't lose the personal touch with your employees or tenants by going too fast or too deep into technology! Example: don't abandon in-person new tenant tours to technology unless the tenant requires it...but today 50% of units are leased by tenants without an in-person visit

• A good property manager has a thick 'black book' of reliable repair technicians for use in case of an emergency Turnover rate is very costly in lost rent and refurb costs; people stay longer at nicer and better-kept properties, but they will 'migrate' to newness and free rent concessions

• You must have a robust and attractive Web site; college grads expect a first class tech experience online, and your Web site is your intro to them

• Onsite security is very important and cameras are everywhere; good security keeps good tenants

• Tenant insurance is mandatory; don't hesitate to confront tenants who are suspected of breaking the rules with too many pets, with drugs, or even trafficking of people

BEST PRACTICES IN MARKETING, LEASING, MAINTENANCE, & OPERATIONS

Moderator: April Daniel-REDnews Panelists: Ashlyn Booth-JLL; Lizette Negrin-Lee & Associates; Shenea Bankhead Brookfield Properties/Retail

Takeaway: The main goal here is to increase the value of the asset. Be sure to understand your tenant, whether MF or Retail, and know what they want and be sure to give it to them. Realize the difference between sophisticated national tenants and local mom and pop, and gear your service accordingly.

Bullets:

• Make sure your leasing agent is highly educated as to the needs of each prospective tenant before going into the negotiating session

• Landlords in all CRE need to pick and choose tenants to have the right mix

• Never stop interacting with your tenant; have an easy to use online maintenance request portal for orders and for the tenant to check on progress

• Show your tenant 'love' and celebrate with him his milestones of success, business and personal; notice the personal things in the tenant's office and that will give management an opening to 'connect' on a personal level Management also has to be a 'good cop-bad cop' at ämes to ensure adherence to property rules and standards

• Management can make subtle inquiries around the industry if confronted with a questionable prospective tenant

• Make sure your Web site and social media present your property in a bright competitive way

• Surprise and delight your shoppers and your tenants with unexpected kind acts-they don't have to cost a lot of money

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS & BUILDING UPGRADES Moderator:

April

Daniel-REDnews, Panelists: Alyse Makarewicz-AMB Architects; James Hill-Kirksey Architects

Takeaway: Owners and property managers must be alert to the everchanging market demands, as they vary from urban to suburban, and even by location withing these broader areas. Location, location, location is still the by word, since you cannot ever fully overcome a mediocre or bad location, no matter how many amenities you pile on. Make sure there is an exact meeting of the minds on Tl, and architects can offer 3D presentations of space.

• Locations near pre-existing off property amenities trump all else

• Restaurants, shops, parks, hike & bike trails, pubs, transit stops...all of these are examples of a super amenity package for a MF development, and without these your project may not ever be an over the top winner

• Try to stay on top of the evolution taking place in the market and try to stay ahead of what is happening and be a leader

• Examples of revenue producing amenities are private car parking and private storage areas and EV charging stations

• Other appreciated amenities include plush gathering areas; conference space; plush 'we work' type seating; outdoor grilling area

• Many office owners are having great luck with pre-built spec suites in the 1200 SF range Give your project 'character, color, and pop'

• Remind your tenants that some extras in buildout will be their responsibility, such as internal cabling and extra security locks on the door to their suite

• Trends are shifting from front of the house amenities to more back of the house amenities for staff

• Any amenity such as lots of glass in a street level office that is attractive to tenants may lure them back to the office from home

• It is possible for your architect to do energy efficiency modeling for different size and shape of buildouts and this helps on energy savings down the road

• In MF, it is essential to know your market at a given location...for example, what mix do you need of micro-units for first time tenants and what mix of oversized roomy units for empty-nesters moving out of a free standing home?

4th Annual REDnews Houston Property Management Summit September 22, 2023

Panel 1: April Daniel – REDnews, Leslie Sinclair-Kaye – Alley Theatre, Andi Perry - Transwestern, Todd Jurek –Keen Realty

Panel 3: April Daniel – REDnews, Shenea Bankhead –Brookfield Properties/Retail, Lizette Negrin – Lee & Associates, Ashlyn Booth - JLL

Panel 2: Martin Bronstein – BHW Capital, Christopher Daugherty –Altus Group, Stacy Hunt – Greystar

Panel 4; Alyse Makarewicz – AMB Architects, April Daniel –REDnews, James Hill – Kirksey Architecture

Panel 1: Bill Kitchens - costar, Bob Young – Weitzma, Jesse Pruitt – Somervell Commercial Realty, John Lettieri- Dalfen Industrial, Matt Heidelbaugh – Cushman & Wakefield, Steve Zimmerman – The Retail Connection

Panel 3: Andrew Doster – International Capital, Nadia Christian – Wolverine Interests, Kevin O'Boyle - CBRE, Ryan Davis – Witten Advisors LLC, Todd Franks – GREA

Panel 2: Arthur Mironchuk – The Beck Group, Clay Roby – Stillwater Capital, James Craig – Craig International, Matthew Kiran – REX Real Estate, Scott Armstrong - Gensler

3rd Annual REDnews Houston Retail & Restaurant Summit

August 29, 2023

Panel 2 (L to R): John Cadenhead AIA, Goree, Sasha Levine, Levcor, Gin Braverman, Gin Design Group, Anita Amin, The Blue Ox Group, Nathaliah Naipaul CCIM, XAG Group, Nikhil Dhanani, Dhanani Private Equity Group, Tenel Tayar, Fifth Corner

Panel 1: (L to R); Aaron Morris, Oldham Goodwin Group, LLC, Jake Dutson, STRIVE, Matt Berry, CBRE, Hannah Tosch, Colliers, Jonathan W. Hicks, Edge Realty Partners, Chris Burns, JLL, Matt McKinnerney, Read King, Eric Lestin, Cushman & Wakefield, John Nguyen, NewQuest Properties

Panel 3 (L to R) : Haley Golden Bresser, Evergreen Commercial Realty, Ben Berg, Berg Hospitality Group, Greg Jasper, Hurricane Entertainment Group, Aaron Lyons, Five 12 Restaurant Concepts

Panel 1: April Daniel, REDnews – Brian Ashby, CBRE – Paul Layne, Paul Layne & Associates – John Flournoy, McCord Development

Panel 4: Paul Layne – Paul Layne & Associates, April Daniel, REDnews, Bruce McClenny – MRI Apartment Data

Panel 2-3: Danielle Scheiner, Executive Director, Conroe EDC, Vince Yokum, Executive Director Waller County, Stephanie Wiggins, Chief Economic Development Officer, Lake Houston - April Daniel – REDnews

2023 Retail and Restaurant Summit

BY RAY HANKAMER

Navigating the Dynamics of Today’s Retail & Restaurant Market Moderator: Eric LestinCushman & Wakefield Panelists: Aaron MorrisOldham Goodwin Group; Chris Burns-JLL; Hannah Tosch-Colliers; Jake Dutson-STRIVE; John NguyenNewQuest Properties; Jonathan Hicks- EDGE Realty Partners; Matt McKinnerney-Read King Commercial; Matthew Berry-CBRE

Takeaway: Retail/restaurant is extremely active, and it is a landlord’s market, often with multiple tenants vying to lease the same space. Landlords are focusing on tweaking their tenant mix to maximize traffic by leasing to tenants which draw the most shoppers and diners with the newest and most ‘experiential’ concepts. Availability of affordable development sites is slim, and maddeningly slow permitting and tenant buildout costs cause headaches for everyone involved. Rents are at an all-time high, which jeopardizes the ability of many tenants to create a sustainable business.

• Fitness, fancy spa/nail salons, trendy restaurants with drive-thru, take-out, and patios are some of the current favored tenants

• More health and wellness concepts are creeping in to retail centers, and even some children’s educational concepts are coming into centers

• Houston is increasingly ‘on the radar’ of national restaurants and retail concepts, but the more specialized the concept, the longer and costlier the build-out

• Demand for space exceeds supply and rents are at an all-time high, but we may be reaching a plateau beyond which tenants cannot pay; vacancy stands at 4.9%; rents are 15-20% higher that 2-3 years ago

• Houston is second in the country for new retail construction underway; this year 4 million SF will come on line; going forward many landlords and investors are only estimated 3-5% vacancies in their long-term pro formas

• Even the far suburbs are asking for high rents, and getting them

• One of the biggest challenges is for all parties to a build-out to work together as a team to get the space open and the tenant paying rent; this includes landlord, tenant, space designer, permitting department, mechanical/furniture/décor suppliers, etc.

• Material shortages such as air conditioning and vent hoods for restaurants still linger on; TI buildout can reach $30-50 SF

• With higher interest rates and all the other variables, it is hard to pencil out deals now with any real accuracy

• Some retail developments are seeing 40-50% equity, avoiding excessive leverage due to high interest rates which are new to this generation of developers and investors; there are new capital sources such as independent investors, some of whom are patient and interested in more long term value appreciation than immediate cash-on-cash return; some investor categories which were active in the past are on the sidelines now, waiting for the ‘development turmoil’ to settle down a bit

• Some tenants actually can go broke if buildout time and costs spiral up too much

• It is very difficult for a mom & pop tenant to get into a top quality center, as landlords seek proven national credit tenants

• On top of the aforementioned variables, insurance costs have soared, and can be driven by events which are far from Houston but which affect the insurance underwriters’ bottom lines

• Growing detention requirements can make less of the surface of a site usable, and anchor tenants can blackball smaller tenants which are felt to be in conflict with the needs of the anchor

• So, bottom line, there are squeezes coming from many directions that can impede deals being finalized

• Overall there is cooperation and communication among the different categories of retail brokers, designers, buildout contractors, and architects who are involved in deals, because with collaboration everyone can ‘win’ when a tenant finally opens for business in his new space

• Brokers who are deeply connected in the industry can steer their clients away from deals which may contain pitfalls for them

• Some ‘parking hogs’ such as fitness and some restaurant tenants are refused leases depending on the center and the landlord

• Because of the unknowns in the current market, the old ‘rules of thumb’ do not always apply-it is a new day in retail

Ray Hankamer

All Nomination forms are due: November 11, 2023

scan to nominate!

< RETAIL SUMMIT Continued from Page 32

Building Houston’s Future: Unveiling Retail & Restaurant Development

Trends Moderator: John Cadenhead-Goree Panelists: Anita Amin-The Blue Ox Group; Gin Braverman-Gin Design Group; Nathaliah Naipaul-XAG Group; Nikhil Dhanani-Dhanani Private Equity Group; Sasha Levine-Levcor; Tenel Tayar-Fifth Corner

Takeaway: There is no shortage of tenants who want to be in the market, and to find space some tenants are turning to far-out suburbs or neighboring towns. Second generation space is in high demand for restaurants. Landlords are very picky on their tenant-applicants, and “exciting ones” are in demand. Cost of capital for landlords is a big challenge. Tenants are hiring interior designers to make attractive ‘design boards’ to try to win the attention of landlords, and competition for lease space is strong.

• Lots of coordination needed among all the team players to keep buildout time to a minimum, so lease payments can start

• City codes are changing and the 6 month permitting and buildout is a thing of the past; now it can take 12-15 months!

• Some landlords must build underground boxes to meet detention requirements to keep surface area free for parking

• Appraised tax values are soaring and there is more litigation as ‘informal sessions’ with the tax man are less likely to result in valuation reductions

• Retail investment sales are in flux, as investors wait for the interest rates and cap rates to settle; investors who are invited to take higher risks naturally are requiring higher returns

• Existing building conversion to retail can work, but it takes a lot of creativity; an example was given of an 85,000 SF big box which was divided

into a 60,000 SF fitness center and a 25,000 SF sporting goods store; reconcepting older buildings takes creativity

• Restaurant tenants are seeking drive-thru windows and patio seating, even overflowing onto sidewalks

• Some small town city permitting departments have to be educated on new concepts that are foreign to them in order to get permits

• Landlords are working harder than ever to help tenants expedite their buildouts

• Houston’s continued population growth is a ‘gift’ to the retail industry

• EV chargers will be a consideration for future retail developers

• Landlords want their tenants to bring a unique experience to their customers close to their homes, so the customer does not have a long drive to go to get the experience

• Prospective tenants are relying on their design and architect teams to convince the landlord to sign a lease with THEM

• Convenient access to retail centers is key, whether customers arrive by car, transit, Uber, or on foot

Thriving in the Houston Retail and Restaurant Landscape: Insights

From Owners & Operators Moderator: Haley Bresser-Evergreen Commercial Realty Panelists: Aaron Lyons-Five 12 Restaurant Concepts; Ben Berg-Berg Hospitality Group; Greg Jasper-Hurricane Entertainment Group

Takeaway: Space buildout and permitting is taking a long time. Some fixtures and design items have a long wait time. Banks are not lining up to finance restaurants and bars. Challenge is how to create high value for guests without backbreaking investments.

• If costs double for the restaurateur, he cannot always double his sales and profit to stay ahead

• There is some automation creeping into the back of the house

• It is hard to find kitchen help, but not so much for servers and front of the house tipped employees

• It is key to analyze competitors and their sales before going into the market with YOUR restaurant; the delivery services can help a new restaurant analyze the feasibility of a new restaurant since they are serving existing ones

• Storage in a restaurant is always a problem, since operators always try to maximize the barstool and table seating count out front

“Retail investment sales are in flux, as investors wait for the interest rates and cap rates to settle; investors who are invited to take higher risks naturally are requiring higher returns”

• In urban restaurants, 40-50% of sales are ‘to go’, but only 10-15% in suburban locations

• Some local restaurateurs look far afield from Houston for F&B talent: cities like Las Vegas and New York, where there are many highly trained professionals

• A successful restaurant should feed a customer AND feed his ego; the customer pays for lighting, décor, and ambiance and a place to go and be relaxed and feel good about himself

• Restaurateurs are always looking to be more efficient with fewer but higher quality employees; giving employees a career ladder where they can grow in the job (and in income) is key to quality employee retention; one should always try to promote from within

• Keeping an ongoing PR program for your restaurant is highly important, and it can be done in many ways; and owner should work on PR at all times to keep his property’s visibility high

• Establishing loyalty clubs for customers creates a data base which helps to categorize and to reach out to the various categories of customers and respond to their needs; the operator needs to stay relevant to his customer base and its segmented parts

• Customers are beginning to react negatively to ‘tip-flation’, resenting among other things being expected to tip a cashier for counter service when the customer completely serves himself; servers and bartenders can make $25-50 per hour

OUR NEW LOOK REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE TRUSTED ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS TO OUR CLIENTS.

Phase Engineering couples its small company culture with its large organization's principles and experience to help clients manage and overcome environmental risks and obstacles. Our new website and rebranding reflect an invigorating and bold vision for the future while emphasizing our core values. This vision for the future supports our commitment to be the trusted name in the industry providing comprehensive consulting services that support environmentally responsible growth.

SCOOP/PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Stream promotes development expert to lead its central region industrial development team ates Arnot will lead Stream Realty Partners’ central region Industrial Development Services division in his elevated role as Managing Director.

In his new role, Arnot will continue sourcing development opportunities throughout Texas and Colorado and other markets in the region. Arnot will manage the Industrial Development Services platform’s largest team, continue to source new development talent, and contribute to Stream’s national IDS platform’s leadership and overall growth strategy.

“We knew when Stream set out to build its Industrial Development platform that we needed Bates on our team,” said Cannon Green, National Head of Industrial Development Services for Stream. “He is a tremendous asset, and I am very proud to see him lead the central region team now. Bates is smart, hard-working, humble, and a strong leader who is able to teach. He also thoroughly understands the brokerage side of the business and can execute deals. Talent like Bates is truly unique. I look forward to watching him continue to succeed at Stream.”

Arnot originally came to Stream, a national commercial real estate firm offering an integrated platform of services, as a young industrial leasing broker in Dallas in 2009. Green, a fellow leasing broker at the time, took the initiative as Arnot’s professional mentor and business partner. The duo saw great success together.

“Since joining Stream in 2009, the firm has grown its service offering considerably, and now boasts a significantly larger portfolio,” said Arnot. “Even with this substantial growth, Stream’s unique collaborative culture driven by a talented roster of professionals, still remains it’s most powerful differentiator.”

In 2013, Arnot left Stream to learn more about industrial development at Hillwood (a Perot Company), a multinational industrial, commercial, and residential real estate development company based in Dallas. While there, Arnot was responsible for leasing, land acquisitions, development, and property acquisitions in multiple markets, including DFW, Denver, Houston, Austin, and Memphis. He was involved with over 28 million square feet of leasing and 1,170 acres of land acquisitions, representing 14.5 million square feet of industrial development.

Armed with seven years of development experience at Hillwood, Arnot rejoined Stream in 2020 to help build its new Industrial Development Services platform. Since his return, the team has accumulated 10 current projects in the central region with a total cost basis of ~ $1.1 billion. His most recent success was a start-to-finish development and forward-sale of a 300,000-squarefoot industrial building to Westcore Properties executed earlier this year.

“I’m eager to lead the central region Industrial Development Services team during this incredible time of growth,” added Arnot. “When I came back to Stream three years ago, I already knew Cannon and the capabilities of this very talented team. I was confident we could accomplish great things together, and I’m proud of the work we’ve achieved so far and anticipate many more successes in the future.”

CBRE adds four-person retail team in Austin CBRE announced that a four-person retail leasing team has joined CBRE in Austin, Texas, to expand the firm’s presence in the region.

The team is led by Will Majors, who is joining CBRE as an SVP. His team includes Vice President Carson Hawley, Senior Associate Adelaide Ehrlich, and Associate Davis Franklin. They have all joined CBRE from SRS Real Estate Partners and will focus on representing both landlords and tenants in the leasing of retail property throughout Central Texas.

Majors, who previously led the Austin and San Antonio offices for SRS, brings with him 20 years of experience in the retail real estate industry and has been involved in many notable projects in the Austin market. He has been recognized as a “Heavy Hitter” by the Austin Business Journal for the last 10 years and his clients include some of the largest retailers in the U.S.

Hawley brings with him 10 years of brokerage experience, having represented dozens of tenants, landlords and land buyers across Central Texas. He is known for his strong analytical, negotiating and project management skills, having delivered exceptional results for both local and national clients.

Ehrlich and Franklin have both recently begun their real estate careers in 2019 and 2023, respectively. They will support the team on tenant and landlord representation efforts.

Chelby Sanders joins Cresa

Industry veteran Chelby Sanders has joined Cresa, the world’s leading occupier-centric commercial real estate firm, as a managing principal, announced Sharon Morrison, managing principal, and Texas market leader. She will be based in the firm’s Dallas office.

A well-respected advisor who has negotiated some of the largest, highest-profile deals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area over the years, Sanders was most recently an executive vice president with CBRE’s transaction advisory services group. She focuses on corporate work, helping her clients navigate the complex, post-pandemic world of office occupancy. A prolific dealmaker, she and her team averaged more than 100 transactions per year for office users. During her career she has arranged more than 40 million square feet of transactions valued at $4.0 billion plus. Notable transactions Sanders has secured are: American Airlines’ 1.5 million-square-foot headquarters campus lease in Fort Worth; JC Penny’s 1.2 million-square-foot sale-leaseback in Plano; Charles Schwab’s 500,000-square-foot lease in Westlake; and Hilton Worldwide’s headquarters relocation from Los Angeles to Tysons Corner, VA. Her diverse client list also includes: Gainsco, Enovis, Riveron, KnollMiller, Goosehead Insurance and Brunswick.

While at CBRE, Sanders was awarded the Gary J. Beban Teamwork Award, which recognizes an individual’s multidisciplinary approach to client service (2017). She was also an annual Americas and Dallas Top Producer.

Prior to CBRE, Sanders served as a vice president at JLL and a vice president at The Staubach Company.

Sanders is committed to philanthropic endeavors, and currently serves on the board of directors at Fair Park First, working to preserve and enhance Dallas’ cultural and civic landmark which serves as the permanent home of the State Fair of Texas. She also served as the chair for the annual Go Red for Women lunch, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, in 2015-16 and chair emeritus in 2016-17. In addition, she has devoted time to the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas serving on its board of directors from 2006-2012.

Cresa continues to grow its Texas operations and Sanders’ addition to the team is just the latest in a series of moves the firm has made to bolster its services in the state in the last 18 months. In 2022 Cresa expanded its Dallas footprint with the acquisition of esrp and in Austin with the acquisition of Elevate Growth Partners.

ASSET/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FIRMS

CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES

945 Bunker Hill, STE 625 Houston, TX 77024

P: 832.856.4779

Website: centerpoint.com

Key Contacts: Nate Rexroth, Executive Vice President, Asset Management; nrexroth@centerpoint.com; Danielle Radtke, Senior Vice President, Asset Management; dradtke@centerpoint.com

Services Provided: CenterPoint Properties is an innovator in the investment, development, and management of industrial real estate and multimodal transportation infrastructure. CenterPoint acquires, develops, redevelops, manages, leases, and sells state-of-the-art warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing facilities near major transportation nodes. Our experts focus on port-proximate distribution infrastructure assets near America's major population centers.

Company Profile: CenterPoint Properties continuously reimagines what’s possible by creating ingenious solutions to the most complex industrial property, logistics, and supply chain problems. With an agile team, substantial access to capital, and industry-leading expertise, we give customers a competitive edge to ensure their success — no matter how great the challenge.

HIFFMAN NATIONAL

One Oakbrook Terrace, Suite 400 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

P: 833.HIFFMAN

Website: hiffman.com

Key Contacts: Dave Petersen, CEO, dpetersen@hiffman.com; Bob Assoian, Executive Managing Director of Management Services, bassoian@hiffman.com

Company Profile: Hiffman National is one of the US’s largest independent commercial real estate property management firms, providing institutional and private clients exceptional customized solutions for property management, project management, property accounting, lease administration, marketing, and research. The firm’s comprehensive property management platform and attentive approach to service contribute to successful life-long relationships and client satisfaction. As a nationally bestowed Top Workplace, and recognized CRE award winner, Hiffman National is headquartered in suburban Chicago, with more than 250 employees nationally and an additional six hub locations and 25 satellite offices across North America. For more information, visit hiffman.com

ARCHITECTS/DESIGN-BUILD FIRMS

KDS de stijl interiors, LLC

2006 E Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78702

P: 512.457.1332

Website: kdsaustin.com

Key Contacts: Jill Laverentz, Owner, jill@kdsaustin.com; Clark Kampfe, Principal, clark@kdsaustin.com

Services Provided: Programming & Client Process Analysis – Due Diligence & Building Analysis – Schematic Design – Test Fit & Pricing Notes – Project Scheduling Goals – Consultant Team Formation – Cost Analysis & Value Engineering – Design Development – Construction Documentation – Racking, Commodity, & Equipment Coordination – Permit Processing – Project Management – Construction Administration – Project Budgeting & Cost Tracking – As-Built Documents

Company Profile: KDS is a full-service commercial design firm with 30+ years of experience including 25,000,000+ SF of Industrial/Flex and 3,000,000+ SF of Office Projects. We are committed to responsiveness and to providing well designed and implemented solutions. Our extensive knowledge base and adept management of critical milestones creates consistently successful projects.

Notable/Recent Projects: American Canning – Austin, TX – 101,000 SF –Manufacturing & Distribution

FlightSafety International – TX & OK – 186,000 SF Combined – Manufacturing GT Distributors – Pflugerville, TX – 58,000 SF – Retail, Office, Fabrication, Storage & Distribution

BROKERAGE FIRMS

CMI BROKERAGE

820 Gessner, Suite 1525

Houston, TX 77024

P: 713.961.4666

Website: cmirealestate.com

Key Contacts: Trent Vacek, tvacek@cmirealestate.com; James Sinclair, jsinclair@cmirealestate.com

Services Provided: Central Management, Inc. is a full-service commercial real estate firm providing Brokerage Services; Property, Facility, Construction and Asset Management Services; Landlord and Tenant Representation; Land Sales; Receivership and Real Estate Recovery. Services are available for Industrial, Land, Multifamily, MOB, Office and Retail. Licensed in Oklahoma and Texas.

Company Profile: Central Management, Inc. (CMI) was founded by Houston real estate professional Vic Vacek in 1978. Our team understands the intricacies of the markets that offer investors an edge both from a leasing and an asset management perspective. Certified AMO® 1984, IREM, CPM, CCIM, NAR, HAR, NALP, ICSC, and TREC.

Notable Transactions/Clients: Armada Big Springs Ptnrs, Barbour Invts., Baytown ISD, Core Real Estate, Hoffpauir Estate, JLC Properties, KBR, Prudential, Rawson Blum & Leon, Subway, Texas Hearing Institute, Triple Crown Invts., US Oncology, Vigavi Realty, Walgreens.

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES/GENERAL CONTRACTORS

ALSTON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

HOU: 1300 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S Suite 225, Houston, TX 77042

DAL: 10440 North Central Expressway Suite 720, Dallas, TX 75231

Website: alstonco.com

Key Contact: HOU: Nick Dwyer, Director of Business Development, ndwyer@alstonco.com

DAL: Brittany Schneider, Director of Business Development, bschneider@alstonco.com

Services Provided: Alston offers a diverse background of design-build experience, general contracting and construction management of industrial, commercial, healthcare, retail, and municipal projects.

Company Profile: Alston Construction’s success begins and ends with our approach to planning, scheduling, and choosing the right team. We have been adhering to an open and collaborative approach since our founding more than 35 years ago.

Notable/Recent Projects: Innovation Ridge Logistics Park, a 1.1 million SF 3 building industrial business park in Forney; 610 Business District, a 388,795 SF industrial park located in Houston; 1.2 million SF logistics facility located in Conroe.

SUMMIT DESIGN + BUILD, LLC

98 San Jacinto Blvd, 4th Floor Austin, TX 78701

P: 512.872.6698

Website: summitdb.com

Key Contacts: Adam Miller, President, amiller@summitdb.com; Doug Hayes, Project Executive, dhayes@summitdb.com; Amber Autumn, Business Development, aautumn@summitdb.com

Services Provided: Summit Design + Build, LLC is a provider of full service general contracting, construction management and design/ build construction services for the commercial, industrial, multifamily residential, office/tenant interiors, hospitality and institutional markets.

Company Profile: Located in downtown Austin and with offices in Tampa, FL, Chicago, IL and North Carolina, Summit Design + Build has been involved in the design and construction of over 400 buildings and spaces totaling more than 10 million square feet over the firm’s 18 year history.

Notable/Recently Completed Projects: Montage – 2323 S. Lamar (Multifamily), Congress Lofts at St. Elmo (Multifamily), UpCampus Student Housing Tallahassee (Multifamily), WeWork (Office TI), Eli’s Cheesecake (Industrial), Lockheed Martin (Industrial), Stadium Lofts North Carolina (Multifamily).

PROJECT

PROJECT AWARDS

Greater Houston

Coterra Energy

GMN Bearing USA

WINNER! ALEX KATZ FLOWERS MURAL & GATHERING PLACE

Industrial / Manufacturing / Science

GMN Bearing USA

WINNER! PARK 225 AT BELTWAY GREEN

Interior Design, Energy / Natural Resources

Waterbridge

REV Renewables

WINNER! COTERRA ENERGY

Interior Design, Law Firm

WINNER! GRAY REED

Spencer Fane

Interior Design, Mission-Driven User

WINNER! THE CENTER FOR PURSUIT

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Hirsch Library

Interior Design, Office

DPWPR

WINNER! CORPORATE OFFICE - COLLIERS

HOUSTON

Cadence Bank

Coolidge Family Office

Lifestyle

WINNER! THE PAVILION AT THE ALLEN

Medical Property

WINNER! T.T. AND W.F. CHAO FOUNDATION HOPE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Mixed-Use Property

336 Marketplace & Fidelis | Grand Central

4411 San Felipe

WINNER! TMC HELIX PARK

The Center for Pursuit

Houston’s

Redevelopment / Reuse / Historic

WINNER! JPMORGAN CHASE TOWER

REPOSITIONING

Sea Star Swim Center Restaurant

Porter’s Restaurant

Hamsa

TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar WINNER! MARMO

Burger Bodega

Real Agave

Kirby Ice House The Woodlands

Suburban Multifamily

WINNER! REMY ON THE TRAILS

Starling at Bridgeland

The Park on Napoli

Urban Multifamily

WINNER! BRAVA

Retail / Restaurant

Minonite Retail Phase 1

Mahesh’s Kitchen

WINNER! THE HOUSTON FARMERS MARKET

Bludorn

Suburban Multifamily

WINNER! CLEARWATER AT BALMORAL

Urban Multifamily

The Parker

WINNER! ST. ANDRIE

The Sterling at Regent Square

JUNCTION

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

DAVID HARVEY, JR.

David Harvey, Jr. was born and raised in Houston and is one of 11 children of Pat and David Harvey, Sr. (founder). David joined D. E. Harvey Builders in 1977 after attending Notre Dame where he studied Architecture, and the University of Colorado where he received a B.S. Degree in Architectural Engineering. In 1986, he assumed the presidency and currently serves as Chairman of the Board and CEO. D.E. Harvey Builders has been named #1 General Contractor in Houston Business Journal ten times since 2005. David’s wife, Mikki, is a college professor at Rice University. He has three sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren. He is a current board member of Catholic Charities, Founding Board member of Cristo Rey High School, Rice Design Alliance (previous Chairman of Board) and University of St. Thomas (Life Board Member). He is the recipient of the 2014 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the 2018 Houston Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2021 he was honored by the University of St. Thomas at their annual Mardi Gras Gala and received an honorary Doctorate Degree.

CORPORATE

CORPORATE AWARDS

Brokerage Company of the Year

Colliers

WINNER! LEE & ASSOCIATES - HOUSTON

Alpine Partners

Newcor Commercial Real Estate

NewQuest Properties

Developer of the Year

WINNER! DHANANI PRIVATE EQUITY GROUP

NewQuest Properties

XAG Group

General Contractor of the Year

WINNER! ALSTON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

O’Donnell/Snider Construction

Corvus Construction

CIVE Owner / Landlord

WINNER! NEWQUEST PROPERTIES

Professional Service Company of the Year

WINNER! PRD LAND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, LLC

Property Management Company of the Year

Lee Management Services

Hiffman National

Disrupt Management

WINNER! GRANITE PROPERTIES

NewQuest Property Management

Fidelis Property Management

AUGUST 24, 2023

PEOPLE

PEOPLE AWARDS

Architect / Engineer of the Year

WINNER! MICHAEL KOPECKY, INVENTURE

Broker of the Year, General Brokerage

Meredith T. Cullen, Cushman & Wakefield

WINNER! JIM AUTENREITH, MOODY RAMBIN

Broker of the Year, Investment

WINNER! REED VESTAL, JUNCTION COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Andy Flack, HomeLand Properties, Inc.

Broker of the Year, Leasing

WINNER! JOHN NICHOLSON, COLLIERS

Reggie Beavan, Newmark

Kristen Barker, CCIM, Edge Realty Partners

John Nguyen, NewQuest Properties

Brandon Clarke, JLL

Champion of Diversity

WINNER! FOWLER KNIGHT, WAN BRIDGE

Emerging Leader of the Year, Female

Devon Rodriguez, Sugar Land Office of Economic Development

Christen Vestal, Provident Realty Advisors

Elle Guerrini, WFG National Title Insurance Company

Kendall Dunwell, Inventure

Amber Carter, Seven Fourteen Realty Inc

WINNER! HANNAH TOSCH, COLLIERS

Kendall Wallace, JLL

Emerging Leader of the Year, Male

Thomas Erwin, Moody Rambin

Stephen Ghedi, Moody Rambin

Troy Rucker, Junction Commercial Real Estate

JC Hearn CCIM, ALC, RENE, Homeland Properties Inc.

Thomas Nguyen, CBRE

Joshua Brown, Newmark

John Nguyen, NewQuest Properties

WINNER! JOHN ERCK, JUNCTION COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Jake Dutson, STRIVE

Matt Brock, Fidelis

Sam Rayburn, Moody Rambin

Executive of the Year, Female

Nathaliah Naipaul, XAG Group

WINNER! KIMBERLY BARROW, O’DONNELL/SNIDER CONSTRUCTION

Crystal Pye Adams, PRD Land Development Services, LLC

Executive of the Year, Male

Marc Perilloux, O’Donnell/Snider Construction

WINNER! NICK DHANANI , DHANANI PRIVATE EQUITY GROUP

Raymond A. Romero, Inventure

Ben Suttles, Disrupt Equity

Feras Moussa, Disrupt Equity

Project Manager of the Year

WINNER! NEIL POTTER, COLLIERS

Justin Bailey, O’Donnell/Snider Construction

Rachel Ternois, O’Donnell/Snider Construction

Property Manager of the Year

Kaci Hancock CPM, ACoM, REIS ASSOCIATES, LLC

WINNER! LIZETTE NEGRIN CPM, LEE & ASSOCIATES - HOUSTON

Real Estate CPA of the Year

WINNER! JANIE FRANCO, WAN BRIDGE GROUP

Social Media Influencer of the Year

WINNER! COY DAVIDSON, COLLIERS

Volunteer of the Year

Carrie Prati, Colliers

WINNER! LISA CLARK, WAN BRIDGE

Woman of the Year

Kimberly Barrow, O’Donnell/Snider Construction

Catherine Bellshaw, Inventure

Kendall Wallace , JLL

Sonya Bly, Anchor Construction and Management

WINNER! CHRISTEN VESTAL, PROVIDENT REALTY ADVISORS

Caitlin Jones, NewQuest Properties

Sarina Landers, Corvus Construction Company

TRANSACTION/CITY AWARDS

Most Significant Investment Sale Transaction in 2022

10497 Town & Country

Dosch Marshall Real Estate

191 acres land

WINNER! 13600 HEMPSTEAD COMPLEX

Most Significant Lease Transaction in 2022

American Wire Group WINNER! APACHE

Jim Autenreith Executive Vice President

PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD

PROJECT

PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD

NICK DHANANI , DHANANI PRIVATE EQUITY GROUP JPMORGAN