Peter Mainguy joins Partners as Executive Managing Director, Services, Texas Region & Partner—adding to the firm’s substantial growth and momentum

Among the commercial real estate industry’s best-known executives, Mr. Mainguy moves to Partners after nearly a decade at CBRE; will accelerate growth for all of Partners’ Services business lines across Texas in a regional executive role

Partners Real Estate (“Partners”), a full-service commercial real estate firm with an integrated investment and development platform, today announced that Peter Mainguy has joined the organization as an Equity Partner and Executive Managing Director, Services, Texas Region.

Mr. Mainguy, a veteran executive, will lead Partners’ aggressive expansion of its Services business across Texas. He will be based in the company’s Houston headquarters.

In one of the most significant endorsements of the company’s unique business model to date, Mr. Mainguy transitions from CBRE to leading Partners’ aggressive expansion of its Services business across Texas. He will be based in the company’s Houston headquarters.

As Executive Managing Director, Mr. Mainguy will oversee the growth and management of Partners’ Brokerage, Property Management, Valuation & Advisory, and Project Management services throughout the state. He will work closely with the firm’s Texas Managing Directors and services leaders.

Mr. Mainguy brings a wealth of expertise to Partners, having most recently served as Senior Managing Director of CBRE’s Houston and Louisiana markets, where he led a team of over 1,100 professionals. His leadership drove strategy across Advisory & Transaction Services, Asset Services, Valuation & Advisory Services, and Project Management. Prior to CBRE, Mr. Mainguy served as head of global real estate for Sysco Corporation, managing a 46-million-sq.-ft. portfolio across North America, Europe, and Asia. His earlier career as a successful industrial and land broker at CBRE further underscores his deep industry knowledge and client-focused approach.

“Peter’s appointment is a transformative moment for Partners as we continue to expand our footprint across Texas and further build our brand out at the national level,” said Jon Silberman, CEO of Partners. “He understands and appreciates that our partnership structure puts the client at the center of everything we do— dramatically increasing collaboration and significantly reducing silos, which are so prevalent in the traditional commercial real estate services model. Peter will work with former Cushman & Wakefield executive, John O’Neill, who leads the firm’s Southeast Region. We are incredibly excited and fortunate to have two highly experienced and regarded leaders dedicated to supporting the growth and success of our firm.”

“I am incredibly excited to join Partners at this pivotal time in its growth,” said Mr. Mainguy. “The firm is clearly disrupting the industry with its partnership model and client-centric approach. I’m a firm believer that alignment produces better client outcomes. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and beyond to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

Mr. Mainguy’s arrival signals Partners’ commitment to strengthening its position as a leading commercial real estate firm in Texas, in the Southeast, and across the country. His leadership is expected to accelerate the firm’s growth trajectory and enhance its reputation for delivering strategic, multidisciplinary solutions.

Professionals joining Partners appreciate that the company’s services platform is fully integrated with its investments and development businesses, and enables its brokers to participate in those opportunities.

Similar to the highly-regarded septet of Chip Colvill, Michael Anderson, Win Haggard, Damon Thames, Brad Beasley, Diana Bridger, and Connor Saxe joining Partners’ Office Agency Leasing practice in Houston from Cushman & Wakefield last spring, Mr. Mainguy’s decision to come to Partners represents another significant win for Partners and further demonstrates the significant drawing power of Partners’ distinctive business model, platform, and structure.

This announcement also builds on continued overall momentous growth for Partners, underscored by several high-profile announcements, including the sale of a 14-acre parcel housing Tesla’s 183,340-sq.-ft. industrial building and lease by Compal of the entirety of the remaining 366,000-sq.-ft. cross-dock spec building with Class 1 Rail Service at TaylorPort Rail Park—the most unique industrial park in Texas, developed by Partners Development; prominent Atlanta-based firm Seven Oaks joining the firm; arranging a 60,530-sq.-ft. lease for Mercedes-Benz R&D in Atlanta; winning the exclusive Office Agency Leasing assignment for one of downtown Houston’s most prominent buildings in 801 Travis St; arranging a massive pre-lease for a 420,510-sq.-ft. cross-dock distribution facility at TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park; being named the exclusive leasing agent for Atlanta’s next-generation trophy tower, 1072 West Peachtree; and earning the #1 Best Place to Work among Large Companies by The Houston Business Journal for an unprecedented third year in a row, with the historic three-peat making Partners  the first firm in the award’s 25-year history to rank #1 for three consecutive years.

About Partners

Partners is one of the largest privately-held and independently-owned commercial real estate firms in the U.S. with three key operating segments: 1) Full-service Occupier & Investor business; 2) Partners Capital, an investment management platform specializing in the acquisition and disposition of industrial, retail, healthcare, hospitality, land and office properties via multiple investment funds: which includes Partners Finance, a registered broker-dealer and FINRA / SIPC member engaged in offering real estate investment funds and individual investment opportunities to qualified individual investors, family offices and institutions; 3) Partners Development, which creates first-class development projects for our clients & investors. www.partnersrealestate.com.

Craig Knecht promoted to General Manager of South Texas at United Protective Services

United Protective Services is proud to announce the promotion of Craig A. Knecht to General Manager for South Texas, where he will oversee our Houston, Austin, and San Antonio branch offices. In this expanded leadership role, Craig will be responsible for guiding day-to-day operations, client relations, and business development throughout the region. Craig brings more than 30 years of experience in the service and security sectors, with the majority of his career focused on security management.

Cody Schneider, Peckar & Abramson, P.C.

P&A is pleased to announce that Cody Schneider has joined the firm’s Houston office as a Partner. Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held only by a limited number of qualified attorneys in Texas, he represents contractors, suppliers, and developers in construction disputes, commercial litigation, and project counseling. His experience spans industrial facilities, commercial developments, data centers, traditional and renewable energy projects, LNG expansions, and public infrastructure. Cody also advises clients on contracts, negotiations, and risk management throughout the project lifecycle. Active in Houston’s business and construction community, he serves on boards and committees for Central Houston, Downtown Houston+, the Greater Houston Partnership, and the Houston Bar Association.

Earl Latchley hired at Wilson Cribbs + Goren

Latchley joins Wilson Cribbs + Goren as a seasoned commercial real estate attorney who delivers practical, business-driven counsel to owners, investors, and developers. With deep experience in leasing, acquisitions, sales, and development matters across major asset classes, he brings a strategic, solutions-focused approach shaped by both in-house and law-firm experience—making him a trusted partner for clients navigating complex real estate needs.

Dallas Jagneaux Boyle hired at Wilson Cribbs + Goren

Boyle is a commercial real estate litigator representing property owners, investors, lenders, developers, and businesses in disputes involving leases, loans, construction contracts, and business partnerships. She guides clients from intake through trial and appeal and has secured significant wins, including major summary judgments and favorable settlements. With strong advocacy experience and a business-focused background, Boyle delivers strategic, results-driven representation.

Hillwood, BNSF Railway, Fort Worth create Alliance Logistics District in Forth Worth

Hillwood, BNSF Railway and the City of Fort Worth created the Alliance Logistics District in Fort Worth, Texas.

The district was officially designated and approved by the Fort Worth City Council at its Nov. 11 meeting. Effective immediately, the District will serve as a first-of-its-kind mobility logistics hub within the Smart Port at AllianceTexas, Hillwood’s 27,000-acre, master-planned, mixed-use development in north Fort Worth.

Benefits for District Operators and Customers

The Alliance Logistics District is designed to deliver tangible operational advantages to any operator or customer within its boundaries. Key benefits include:

  • The right to deploy semi- and fully autonomous vehicles along district roadways in the freight corridor, supporting next-generation logistics and automation.
  • The right to use private hostler vehicles without a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to shuttle freight between BNSF’s intermodal facility and District warehouses, increasing operational efficiencies and reducing regulatory barriers.
  • The right to perform heavy-haul freight movements (loads over 80,000 pounds) across District roadways without the need for special-use permits, enabling efficient transport of high-density or oversized goods.

These benefits are available to all users operating within the District, regardless of prior involvement or technical background, ensuring that the District’s innovative infrastructure and regulatory flexibility are accessible and understandable to both new and existing stakeholders. By being co-located with one of BNSF’s largest intermodal facilities, operators and customers can realize significant operational cost savings, enhanced connectivity and improved logistics efficiency.

District Impact and Vision

Anchored by North America’s largest inland rail port, BNSF’s Alliance intermodal facility, the Alliance Logistics District is the first of its kind within BNSF’s rail and intermodal ecosystem and will redefine how freight moves through North Texas while reducing traffic on public roads. By enabling more efficient and cost-effective cargo transport, including autonomous and semi-autonomous shuttle movements as well as overweight and private heavy-haul vehicles, the District will help customers save millions of dollars annually while solidifying North Texas’ position as a national leader in logistics innovation.

In its request to the Fort Worth City Council, Hillwood emphasized that the Alliance Logistics District aligns directly with the City’s 2023 Innovation Districts Policy, which encourages concentrated hubs of research, technology and entrepreneurship within defined geographic areas. Surpassing the City’s established criteria, the Alliance Logistics District will support industries including logistics, automation, and advanced manufacturing — anchored by Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport and the BNSF intermodal facility. The District will also advance innovation-driven employment, smart infrastructure and public-private collaboration to strengthen Fort Worth’s role as a global logistics and technology center.

Spanning nearly 1,400 acres, the District is purpose-built for next-generation industrial development, with direct BNSF rail access and flexible logistics infrastructure designed to support manufacturers and shippers handling heavy, dense or high-value goods — such as ceramics, plastics and auto parts — where speed, efficiency and connectivity are critical.

“By integrating advanced technology, modern infrastructure and regulatory flexibility, this initiative reinforces AllianceTexas’ standing as one of the most connected, forward-thinking logistics ecosystems in the country,” said Nicholas Konen, vice president of strategic development at Hillwood. “These advancements reduce costs for customers, improve logistics efficiency and take pressure off public roadways. Our long-standing partnerships with BNSF, the City of Fort Worth and regional transportation leaders are truly a testament to how public-private collaboration sparks innovation, accelerates industrial development and drives economic opportunity.”

The inland port at AllianceTexas serves as the primary port of entry for the southwestern United States, linking global trade directly to the region through intermodal rail connections from ports including Los Angeles, Long Beach and Houston. As one of only two intermodal logistics hubs in Texas that integrate air, ground and rail transportation, companies can efficiently move goods across all three modes of transit.

“The Alliance Logistics District aligns perfectly with BNSF’s vision to deliver transportation services that consistently meet our customers’ expectations, with these innovations delivering cost savings and additional supply chain value,” said Jon Gabriel, BNSF group vice president of consumer products. “By enabling the delivery of goods from rail to warehouse in a more efficient way, we’re increasing the traffic that can capitalize on the cost, capacity and sustainability benefits of intermodal while creating a scalable model for the next generation of inland ports. This strengthens the region’s freight infrastructure and keeps North Texas at the forefront of global supply chain innovation.”

According to a recently released study by the Texas Comptroller’s office, Texas ports generated $1 trillion in international trade in 2024, with AllianceTexas contributing $834.6 million — a 550.7% increase since 2016.

“Through this public-private partnership, Fort Worth continues to lead in smart, sustainable infrastructure that drives our region’s economic vitality,” said Lauren Prieur, Fort Worth’s director of transportation and public works. “The Alliance Logistics District strengthens our position as a global logistics hub while ensuring forward-looking, responsible transportation planning.”

Accompanied by these operational enhancements, Hillwood’s $20 million investment in a private heavy-haul bridge over FM-156 unlocks the District’s true value, directly linking its 15 million square feet of distribution, logistics, and manufacturing space to BNSF’s Alliance intermodal facility.

Planned to meet TxDOT standards and engineered for 120,000-pound axle loads, the three-lane bridge will enable the efficient movement of heavy-haul freight while reducing truck traffic on public roads. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026, reinforcing Hillwood’s commitment to next-generation infrastructure that supports industrial growth and regional mobility.