JAY SEARS Fresh out of Baylor University and packing a determination to carve his niche, Jay Sears arrived in Houston in 1983. Little did he know that this journey would lead him to co-found NewQuest Properties and leave an indelible mark on the retail real estate scene. In 1996, at the age of 35, Sears realized his career goal by establishing Sears Realty Company. Specializing in commercial brokerage and development, the company swiftly became a key player in the greater Houston area. With projects catering to renowned names like Albertsons, HEB Grocery Company, Kroger and more, Sears solidified his position as a developer and owner. The success of Sears Realty Company caught the attention of Steve Alvis, leading to a strategic merger in 2001 and the birth of NewQuest Properties. Over the next 22 years, Sears and his team embarked on a journey that saw the development of 130+ retail projects, primarily in Texas. The company's growth didn't just stop at projects; it extended to building a team of 160+ talented individuals, making NewQuest Properties a powerhouse in the Texas real estate scene.
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
NewQuest Properties Houston, Texas
The retail industry's complexity brings constant challenges, but Sears faced two significant crises head-on: the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2008, with 2 million square feet of retail space under construction and amidst frozen financial markets, Sears and his team weathered the storm without a single delinquency or default. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, causing 1100 tenants to stop paying rent. Through resilience and adaptation, Sears and his partners led their team to support tenants, enabling them to access PPP funds, adapt their businesses and survive the pandemic. For Sears, the thrill of seeing a project transform and enhance communities never gets old. Yet the heart of his success lies in the relationships built over the years. Recognizing that success is a collaborative effort, Sears acknowledges the pivotal role of his team. With Kim, his trusted assistant of 19 years, and a dedicated team at NewQuest, Sears values the joy of serving clients, leading the team and being a partner in their collective success.
Apart from his real estate endeavors, Sears is deeply involved in philanthropy, focusing on micro-finance, community development and water wells in Africa. Locally, his principal focus is on education, providing scholarships to underserved students and supporting organizations like AVDA, Brighter Bites, Toys Fore Kids and TEAM Catapult. In his pursuit of giving back, Sears emphasizes the importance of supporting education, epitomizing his commitment to nurturing future leaders. As he continues to travel extensively and enjoy his passion for fitness, Sears stands as an inspiration for those navigating the ever-evolving tides of the real estate industry.
C I N D Y S I M P S O N , F I I D A , L E E D A P, L E E D A P I D + C , N C I D Q , R I D Cindy Simpson's achievements in commercial real estate exemplify the power of compassionate and intuitive leadership. Her ability to navigate challenges, foster innovation and leave a positive impact on communities showcases the essence of her success. A visionary leader, mentor and philanthropist, Simpson has not only shaped the trajectory of Gensler but has also made lasting contributions to the industry and the next generation of leaders. As the Co-Regional Managing Principal of Gensler's South Central Region and a distinguished member of Gensler's Board of Directors, Simpson's journey spans more than 25 years, marked by her unique approach of leading with compassion, intuition, and diplomacy. Under her exceptional leadership style Gensler’s Dallas office has expanded significantly, boasting more than 225 employees. Her positions on Gensler's Board of Directors, including the Talent & Compensation Board Committee and Compliance Board Committee, have contributed to the firm's success, culture, recruitment, and financial stability.
Regional Managing Principal
Gensler
Dallas, Texas
Simpson's passion for commercial real estate transcends traditional boundaries. For more than 25 years, she has found joy in creating purposeful designs that define the fabric of communities. From local libraries to global sustainability initiatives, Simpson sees her role as a designer as an opportunity to make a positive impact on people, place, and planet. Throughout her career, Simpson has met and overcome numerous challenges – from supply chain issues and inflation to the unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Simpson remains excited about the future growth and transformation in North Texas and beyond. She takes pride in Gensler’s resilience during the pandemic, emphasizing a One-Firm Firm culture centered on the human experience. Simpson attributes her success to leading with compassion, intuition, and diplomacy. Working alongside talented individuals, she has contributed to making the Gensler Dallas office into one of the largest in the region and the firm. Her leadership philosophy empowers and trusts those around her to engage in bold, innovative ideas, fostering a people-first culture that invests in teams and inspires forward-thinking, resilient design.
Beyond the boardroom, Simpson is deeply passionate about the social impact of design. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders is evident in the Cindy W. Simpson Loyalty Scholarship at Mississippi State University. This scholarship supports incoming freshmen exhibiting academic excellence and leadership potential. Simpson also actively supports the Interior Design Program through the Cindy W. Simpson Endowed Scholarship, contributing to the advancement fund in the College of Architecture, Art, and Design. Simpson's influence extends beyond Gensler as she passionately supports women's and children's charities having served on the Board of Directors for HopeKids to contribute to the mission of restoring hope and transforming the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families.
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