Category: News

Younger Partners is growing again. As the Dallas-based boutique commercial real estate firm expands service lines, it has increased its multifamily division expertise with the creation of a new team led by long-time industry veterans Lew Wood and Bob Helterbran. The full-service team capitalizes on their market knowledge, experience and past success to maximize value for their multifamily clients.

Beyond Wood and Helterbran, the team also includes research analyst Cole Bradford and the support of YP’s talented marketing department featuring Britnai Stegall, Vickie Wiltcher, Lacey Queen, Felecia Miskell and the public relations efforts of long-time CRE reporter Tonie Auer.

“Bob and Lew make a great team,” says Younger Partners co-founder Moody Younger. “Our goal is to provide a professional service platform to investors, developers, buyers and sellers. Under Bob and Lew’s leadership, we anticipate overall organizational growth creating value, driving excellence and providing unparalleled customer service.” The multifamily team handles development, acquisitions, dispositions, research and brokerage for all types of multifamily assets.

Lew joined Younger Partners in 2017 with more than 38 years of commercial real estate experience in Dallas. He handles investment sales with a focus on multifamily and office. Previous companies Lew has worked for are Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate/CBRE (8 years), Cushman & Wakefield (3 years) and Henry S Miller (10 years). Lew served as an Investment Advisor with the previous companies.  Additional activity includes 10 years as president of Pan American Capital Corp, developer of Deep Ellum Lofts and TVO North America as director of acquisitions (5 years) where Lew directed the acquisition of more than 3,500 apartment units in the TX and LA markets. Lew has closed more than $1 billion in sales of more than 30,000 apartment units, 3,000,000 square feet of office buildings and developed more than 1,500,000 square feet of industrial warehouses into iconic loft projects. Lew served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a non-commissioned officer prior to joining the real estate business.  Lew’s continuing education has earned him a graduate marketing certificate from SMU.

Bob joined Younger Partners in 2015. He specializes in providing acquisition and disposition services for apartment owners. Prior to joining Younger Partners, Bob formed the multifamily platform at Colliers International. Bob’s experience includes REO dispositions, HUD assumptions and land development. Bob was a senior vice president in the multifamily investment service at Colliers and Grubb & Ellis. Before his tenure at Grubb & Ellis, he worked at Transwestern as a senior member of the multifamily investment sales division. During the 1980s, he was a consistent top producer at Coldwell Banker receiving top investment salesman designation for the Central Region three times. Bob’s real estate career began with Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate (now CB Richard Ellis) in the mid-1970s. Bob has earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, which means he is a recognized expert in the commercial and investment real estate industry.

Cole recently graduated from TCU with a BBA in finance with an emphasis in real estate. He interned with the land team doing market analysis, prior to graduation.

You can reach Lew at 214-294-8006 or lew.wood@youngerpartners.com and Bob at 214-294-4418 or bob.helterbran@youngerpartners.com

Proud of our own Tanja Ivandic and Garrett Marler. Tanja competed in her rookie year of BvB (Blondes vs Brunettes, which is a powder puff charity football game) and Garrett coached for his second year on Saturday night. The organization’s 2017 event raised more than $650,000 to support finding a cure for Alzheimer’s! #TeamBlonde took home the Dolly Cup. Garrett coached and Tanja made an interception! Here are just a few event photos. #TackleAlzheimers

Team Blonde won the Dolly Cup, which is a cumulative award for the entire season of serving from raising funds to attending events, etc.

Pregame pep talk

Ready to play!

A little intimidation of the opponents never hurts.

Some Younger Partners positivity.

On the field prowess!

Who let a little rain stand in the way of fun and charity efforts! For more on BvB, click here.

Check out our ad in today’s DFW Bisnow. We are always here to guide you and help you with your commercial real estate needs. We are always in season.

Sam Kartalis talks EB-5 in D Magazine CRE opinion; his conclusion is to expect more Chinese investors putting money in local projects. Read his column below.

I believe it’s common knowledge that the Chinese have been very involved with the EB-5 program for quite a few years now, mostly on the East and West coasts. However, more recently we’ve all been exposed to EB-5 Chinese monies being invested here in Dallas-Fort Worth. For example, they are participating in high visibility projects such as the Statler Hilton renovation by the Centurion group. With the EB-5 program having been extended recently by Congress, for at least another year, we should continue to see EB-5 monies from China being invested in local projects, especially because of our region’s dramatic growth, both in jobs and available Class A commercial real estate projects.

In the meantime, the attraction of Chinese Dollars to North Texas via the EB-5 program has not gone un-noticed in China by wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions who prefer to invest their dollars personally and directly into the U.S. More importantly, and seemingly all at once, the Chinese investors are now aware of a lot of smart money from around the world being directed to that magnet called DFW; and, they want a piece of it. Because of the massive growth of jobs due to the explosive migration of major companies to North Texas, they now have an option for investments other than the East and West Coasts. Even Better, they can now fly directly between DFW and the Chinese mainland!

I’m not implying that this all started at once and instantaneously at an imaginary starting line just recently. I can name many local developers who have been involved with Chinese investors for a longer period of time, but compared to what we’re seeing now, and excluding EB-5 dollars, we are seeing a major increase in visits to DFW by Chinese nationals. Additionally, Chinese who already live in the area are encouraging Chinese nationals to join them in co-investing their dollars, or they are helping them locate and invest in local projects.

Interestingly enough, one of our investors participated in the EB-5 program years ago and, as a result, his children now attend U.S. colleges and will locate here, while he transitions himself, his company, and his investments directly to the U.S. I believe that this program works in our (the U.S.’s) favor by attracting proven and sophisticated entrepreneurs and their families to our country without becoming a burden to our tax rolls.

Another Chinese investor of ours, from California, tells us how and why he came to DFW to invest. He had just completed a purchase of a property in California. During the transaction, he asked the seller what he was going to do with his money from the closing? The California seller responded, “I’m taking it to Dallas!”

During this past year, we have been meeting with Chinese investors weekly for a variety of needs and wants. We have invested equity monies for individuals for as low as $250,000 and up to $1,000,000 for commercial LLC’s. They have contracted through us to purchase office buildings and multifamily properties. Land is our specialty, both for development and long term appreciation based upon confirmed projected growth; they have expressed an interest in both. These investments require patience and strong investment skills, which they possess. Their initial preference is for multi-family and single-family developments, both as investors and developers. Other Individuals like to buy homes here and then lease them out as a “hedge” to inflation and to protect their saving; many are purchased “sight unseen”. In effect, they are like all other investors with a few “quirks”. They do have some restrictions for “moving” assets and cash, but it’s all done with their government’s approval and subject to U.S. laws and disclosures.

My experience with the Chinese investors, both with those living in China and those living here, has been very “eye opening” and pleasant. They are friendly, respectful, well-informed, and very current about our local economy. I can tell you that they know what they’re talking about, and they do a thorough review and research on the particular asset they’re considering! They are very familiar with financing, cap rates, debt service coverage, LTV’s, LLC’s, LP’s, FAR’s, cost per-square-foot, NNN’s, CAM, demographics, etc.—again, very sophisticated.

After so many meetings and dealings with them through Younger Partners Global Manager, I feel that I can trust them, and I know that “trust” is a huge reciprocal requirement for both parties. They are great business people and can “pull the trigger” quickly when necessary. More than that, I really enjoy working with them! These are good people who impress me with their work ethic and intelligence.

They’re looking for a “piece of America” that most of us enjoy, and they would be great partners in continuing to build our country. My guess is that they will be very active and successful in the local and national commercial real estate arena for years to come.

Sam Kartalis is an advisor at Younger Partners. 

NO CHILD SHOULD GROW UP HUNGRY IN AMERICA. But one in six children struggles with hunger. Last week, Younger Partners and the ownership of 122 West in Irving teamed up to raise funds for the No Kid Hungry campaign. The goal: to end childhood hunger in America by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. You can help surround kids with healthy food where they live, learn and play.

To this end, Younger Partners joined forces with 122 West to bring in a catered buffet line for the tenants. The ownership provided the lunch free to tenants and the Younger Partners team led a fundraiser for No Kid Hungry, asking tenants to make a donation to the organization in lieu of buying their lunch that day. The ownership at 122 West agreed to match the contributions raised by the tenants. Sean Dalton and Kathy Permenter (the leasing team for 122 West) helped solicit the donations during the event.

Here are a few snapshots of the lunch line.

The best part? The tenants of 122 West contributed more than $1,400 and 122 West ownership will match that. That’s a win-win for a great organization.

Today, we wear blue to honor the memory of the Dallas PD & DART officers who died 7/7/16 #DallasStrong #backtheblue #DPD

Today’s DFW Bisnow featured three Younger Partners deals in the This Week’s Deal Sheet.

Plano-based Greenbrick Partners purchased 14 acres at the southeast corner of Plano Parkway and Parker Road in Carrollton with plans to develop 86 single-family lots. Younger Partners’ Tom Grunnah, Michael Ytem, Kevin Harrell and Jeremy Lillard represented the buyer. Sabre Realty’s John West represented the seller, Mustang Carrollton Properties.

MedNetwoRx renewed 8K SF at 3 Park Central in Dallas. Younger Partners’ Kathy Permenter and Sean Dalton represented the landlord, McKnight Realty Partners. CBRE’s Harlan Davis and John Ellerman represented the tenant.

Calhoun, Bhella & Sechrest renewed and expanded its lease at Republic Center, a 704K SF Class-A office building at 325 North Saint Paul Street in Dallas. The firm will double its 6K SF office. Stream’s Todd Noonan represented the tenant. Kathy Permenter, Sarah Savage and Trae Anderson with Younger Partners represented the landlord, Four Point Star.

BOMA Dallas is pleased to announce that Younger Partners Property Services President Greg Grainger was named a 2017 BOMA Fellow. Mr. Grainger joins the latest class of BOMA Fellows, a group of selected individuals who have displayed exemplary and sustained contributions to commercial real estate, their profession, the community and BOMA at all levels and have continually answered the call to leadership and service throughout their careers.

The honorees will use the “BOMA Fellow” credential after their names and will be called upon to serve BOMA in a variety of capacities, including teaching, mentoring new members and young professionals, identifying future BOMA leaders, authoring articles and serving as thought leaders to address industry trends.

“Greg Grainger has demonstrated continued leadership and a longstanding commitment to both BOMA and commercial real estate,” said BOMA International Chair Brian M. Harnetiaux, senior vice president of Asset Management at McCarthy Cook. “Through his serve as a BOMA Fellow, Greg will have the opportunity to continue to advance the association and the industry through their indispensable guidance and expertise.”

“Under Greg’s leadership, our property management division has grown and continues to set industry standards,” says Moody Younger, co-founder of Younger Partners. “We aren’t surprised that he has been selected for such an illustrious award. He’s a valuable asset to our team and to BOMA Dallas.”

This latest class of BOMA Fellows will be honored at BOMA International’s annual conference this week in Nashville, Tennessee.

To learn more about the BOMA International Fellows Program, visit the BOMA Fellows webpage.

About Younger Partners

Younger Partners is a full service real estate boutique providing investment, leasing, and management services to investors and tenants of office, industrial, and retail properties in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. We also specialize in the acquisition and disposition of land, multifamily, office, industrial, and retail properties.

About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 90 BOMA U.S. associations and 18 international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types including 10.5 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 1.7 million jobs and contributes $234.9 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge. Learn more at www.boma.org.

Plano-based Greenbrick Partners purchased 14+ acres at the southeast quadrant of Plano Parkway and Parker Road in Carrollton with plans to develop 86 single-family lots. Younger Partners’ Tom Grunnah, Michael Ytem, Kevin Harrell, and Jeremy Lillard represented the buyer. The seller, Mustang Carrollton Prop Ltd (Folsom) was represented by Sabre Realty’s John West.

The currently vacant land will be among more than 100 acres extending from Parker Road on the north, Plano Parkway on the west and the south, and the BNSF tracks to the east, that is currently being developed for single-family and townhome residences by various builders, Mr. Grunnah says. Construction should start in July.

Both men and women in the commercial real estate industry know that you increase your chances for success when you surround yourself with great mentors and colleagues. The Ladies in Commercial Real Estate networking group brought in Younger Partners co-founder Kathy Permenter at the June 21 event in the Haworth showroom at McKinney & Olive in Uptown to talk about her rise as co-founder of a very successful boutique CRE firm and what she’s learned over the years to match the event hashtag #BuildYourTribe.

Kathy (between YP’s Lacey Queen and Sarah Savage) says she wouldn’t change one thing about her career because each step has led her to this place from working late nights, so she could take her twin sons to and from school, to taking the leap into owning and running her own firm. One piece of advice she’d offer young businesswomen: have confidence in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Define what you’re best at, but give yourself some grace because things will go wrong at times; don’t beat yourself up.

You can check out more photos at the Ladies in CRE #BuildYourTribe photo album here.

You can read more about Kathy and five other great CRE women in this Bisnow article.

The future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades. The market is hot, let us help you heat up your investments. #firstdayofsummer

Monday afternoon was a great day for golfing. Younger Partners sent almost a dozen team members to volunteer at KidSwing at Brookhaven Country Club to benefit Scottish Rite Hospital.

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 to commemorate the adoption of the US flag, which happened on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Now, you know a brief history of the holiday … so, enjoy and honor our nation’s flag.

Younger Partners celebrated its fifth anniversary of serving the Dallas-Fort Worth commercial real estate community on May 31.  Some highlights since the company’s 2012 launch:

YOUNGER PARTNERS IN 2012
– 4 associates
– 2 million square feet under leasing and management
– Expertise: Office Leasing

YOUNGER PARTNERS IN 2017
– 63 associates
– 8 million square feet under leasing and management
– Expertise: Office Leasing, Property Management, Industrial Leasing, Retail Leasing, Land Brokerage, Multifamily Brokerage, Investment Sales, Tenant Representation, Project Management

The Hamburger Man cooked up some tasty burgers & grilled chicken.The festivities moved inside as unexpected showers blew in.Michael Ytem braved the rain for a winning burger & wine combo.Patio seating provided shelter from the showers while enjoying the lovely temps.

Cheers to Five Years with much more in store!

We want to thank all of our staff, partners, and clients for helping us mark this fifth anniversary. There is more to come! CHEERS!

Over Memorial Day weekend, Younger Partners team members gathered to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day by honoring military and first responders who gave all for our safety and freedom at the Carry the Load walk in Dallas. You can learn more about Carry the Load here.

The Younger Partners team. You can still contribute to the cause here.

The Younger Partners team joined NTCAR on Friday morning for a broker bus tour of office space in Las Colinas.

Here’s the YP gang with Granite’s Robert Jimenez (in blue).

Younger Partners leases 122 West, which fronts John Carpenter Freeway. Space available ranges from 1,500 to 87,000 contiguous square feet. Kathy & Sean will be happy to help you find the best fit for your client 214-294-4400. Since it was the last time we’ll see the Byron Nelson played at nearby Four Seasons in Las Colinas, a golf theme was pretty appropriate.