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Houston’s 3rd-largest brokerage closes year out as only Texas commercial real estate firm in history to achieve dual #1 rankings in the state’s most visible best workplace competitions

Houston, TX,  December 21, 2023 – Partners Real Estate (“Partners”), one of the largest independent commercial real estate firms in Texas, bids farewell to another strong year of achievements with an abundance of high-profile new hires; business initiatives; and accolades to celebrate, despite a challenging market.

Among the year’s signature accolades included becoming the first commercial real estate firm ever to rank as the #1 workplace in all of Houston by both The Houston Business Journal and The Houston Chronicle in the same year, and one of the only companies period to pull off a clean sweep of both awards.

“Throughout my career my natural inclination has always been to continually look forward—but it’s certainly nice to reflect on our achievements in 2023,” said Jon Silberman, Managing Partner of Partners. “It says everything about our people that even as we’ve grown at a rapid clip, we’ve managed to further enhance our appeal as one of the state’s most desirable workplaces. While it’s no secret that the real estate markets have been challenged in 2023, our ability to continue to grow and add talent in a soft market is something I am particularly proud of ”

In addition to its top workplace recognitions by both The Houston Business Journal and the Houston Chronicle, Partners also ranked as the #2 Small company in Austin on The Austin Business Journal’s BPTW rankings; and the #10 Small company in San Antonio per the San Antonio Business Journal’s BPTW list.

“Partners’ unwavering commitment to its people has shone brightly throughout this past year, as we celebrated continuous growth and success,” said Travis Rodgers, Partner and COO, Partners. “At the heart of our strategic growth plan lies a focus on adding and retaining elite talent. I’m grateful to be surrounded by an incredible group of hardworking folks — a group that puts positive collaboration into action daily, and understands we do our best work when we engage each other and all work toward the same goals.”

Added Mr. Rodgers, “From my first day at Partners, I’ve taken great pride in calling this my home. Even half a decade in, I continue to be amazed by how our team consistently raises the bar. Our focus on people permeates everything we do—whether it’s building relationships, shaping company culture, or ensuring the well-being of our clients. ‘At Partners, it’s personal,’ isn’t just our tagline, it’s a journey we embark on daily, forging a path that deepens with each step.”

Today, Partners stands tall as the third-largest commercial real estate brokerage in Houston. Celebrating its one-year anniversary since breaking away from NAI Global in September 2022, the company has evolved into one of the largest independent commercial real estate firms in Texas. With a workforce exceeding 250 real estate professionals across four locations—a nearly threefold increase in just over five years—Partners outpaces its competitors, orchestrating over 700 commercial lease and sale arrangements this year alone.

This year’s achievements don’t stop at brokerage. Partners Capital, the investment arm of Partners had quite a busy year, not only launching its latest value-add fund, Opportunity Fund V but also two brand new funds, Hospitality Fund I led by Adam Lair who joined the firm in April and Land Fund I led by Dan Moody. Jess Dickey was also brought on board in the firm’s Dallas office where he is responsible for sourcing and acquiring assets in North Texas.

In total, Partners Capital has sponsored seven investment funds across three investment strategies and completed more than $500 million in transaction volume.

During the past year Partners also unveiled a cutting-edge digital investment platform offered through its registered broker-dealer capital-raising entity Partners Finance. The Partners Finance website empowers investors to seamlessly engage in direct online investments in CRE funds sponsored by the company’s investment businesses, Partners Capital and Partners Development. Earlier this year, Partners Finance hired veteran securities and investment fundraising executive Jake Crater to spearhead its online fundraising initiatives in Dallas, TX.

“Partners’ remarkable journey of growth is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, and at the heart of our success lies the importance we place on people,” said Scott Lunine, Executive Vice President of Brokerage Services. “As we expand, we prioritize not just numbers, but the right fit—individuals who share our values, passion, and vision. It’s not just about growth; it’s about fostering a community where every member contributes to our collective success.”

In 2023, the firm welcomed multiple distinguished professionals to its ranks. The firm kicked the year off by welcoming four new partners. Steve Garza, Dan Gostylo, and Phil Crane joined Partners in San Antonio and Hanes Chatham Jr., previously of Stream Realty Partners joined in the Dallas office. In Austin, Stan Nowak previously of Avison Young joined as a Partner to strengthen the industrial team and the services they bring to their clients throughout central Texas.

Matt Steitz joined Partners as the firm’s first Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Steitz is responsible for driving Partners’ financial strategy, managing financial operations, and providing strategic financial guidance that complements the company’s growth.  Partners also deepened its client-facing research capabilities, adding Dallas-based commercial real estate thought leader Steve Triolet as Senior Vice President of Research and Market Forecasting.

Industry veteran Steve Druth came aboard as Managing Director to oversee the firm’s Central Texas operations, leading the day-to-day operations of the company’s Austin and San Antonio offices, and focusing on growing revenue, supporting the sales team, recruiting, providing office leadership, and coordinating efforts with other offices and teams. And the Houston office welcomed Ken Belden in the summer, who joined the firm as Associate Managing Director, augmenting the firm’s Houston brokerage management team.

For more information, please contact Ash Harley-Majic, Corporate Communications Manager, at 713.275.9641.