CBRE announced today that Russell Hodges has been promoted to Senior Managing Director for Investor Services in the company’s Houston office. In this role, he will lead CBRE’s investor leasing, capital markets and property management business lines. 

Mr. Hodges will replace Mark Taylor who has served in the role since 2007. Mr. Taylor, who spent the last 40 years in the commercial real estate industry, will retire in March. 

“Russell is highly regarded by his peers and clients for his deep market knowledge and his strong leadership abilities,” said Peter Mainguy, CBRE’s Houston Market Leader. “I am confident that his expertise and strategic mindset will be a differentiator to our team and clients as he builds on the legacy left by Mark Taylor.”

Mr. Hodges has 19 years of commercial real estate experience, most recently as an executive vice president on CBRE’s Investor Leasing team in Houston.

“Our office continues to be a place where top industry professionals thrive, and I’m excited for the opportunity to partner with and serve all of our teams and clients in this regard,” said Hodges. “Our teamis second to none, and we are well-positioned to expand our leading regional market share and provide exceptional service to our clients.”

Senior Managing Director Todd Marix of Berkadia Houston Investment Sales retired at the end of last year after 36 years in the commercial real estate industry. Todd is Houston’s longest tenured broker and has successfully negotiated sales in excess of $22 billion in 700 transactions totaling 223,000+ units throughout the United States.

Todd began his career working at Greystar and small brokerage firms, before finally joining with Craig LaFollette and Todd Stewart at CBRE in 1998 and starting the first large multifamily focused investment sales team in Houston. Since then, the team has grown to 16 members. The team moved to HFF in 2009, which was then acquired by JLL in 2019, and then moved to Berkadia in 2021. Todd’s team has been #1 or #2 in market share in Houston for the last 25 years.

“In reflecting on my start in the industry back in 1987, I remember facing challenging market conditions, much like today,” said Marix. “I hope this serves as a reminder for younger producers to stay in the business and work hard because the market always comes back.”

Todd built deep long-standing relationships with all of his clients. His major clients include Gables Residential, Hines, and OHT Partners. Some of his most significant transactions include the Gables Sugar Land Portfolio (1,410 units) in 2011 and Gables West Ave in 2018. Todd and his team represented Hines in the disposition of their first multifamily development, WaterWall Place in 2018, and their first portfolio of suburban assets in 2021. Furthermore, the team represented OHT Partners in four transactions since 2018, including Lenox Clear Lake in 2022.

“Todd’s been a prolific broker in this market for 36 years,” said Senior Managing Director Chris Curry. “He played a huge role early in my career as a mentor, a great partner, and a trusted friend. Todd’s been through multiple cycles, including the rise of apartments to the number one asset class for real estate investors – he’s really seen it all. His presence will be missed.”

“Todd’s exceptional leadership and the legacy he has built has not gone unnoticed in Houston,” said Senior Managing Director Tucker Knight. “He has fostered a strong collaboration between investment sales and mortgage banking, truly acknowledging our ‘One Berkadia’ values.”

Todd plans on staying connected to the industry, hopefully investing and continuing relationships with the very smart and hardworking people he has met along the way. He looks forward the most to spending more time with his wife and family.

“I am honored to have worn the Berkadia badge and been a part of such a hardworking team in Houston,” said Marix. “I am very proud of the team we’ve built, and the young, seasoned group taking it forward.”

The Greater Houston Builders Association proudly announces Matthew Reibenstein as its 2024 President. Matthew served on the GHBA Executive Committee from 2022-2023 and on the GHBA Board of Directors in 2017 and 2015. His leadership with the GHBA dates to 2012, serving on the Northern Counties Builders & Developers Division Board of Directors. As President of Royal Build Design, Matthew has been building & developing custom homes and communities throughout Montgomery County and beyond since 2006.

Welcome Group is thrilled to announce Cody Smith, CPA, as its new Chief Financial Officer. With over two decades of CFO experience, Mr. Smith is well-poised to contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization. He began his career in public accounting and moved his skill set to multiple industries before joining Welcome Group. He has earned a reputation for building and inspiring strong teams across disciplines, and we look forward to experiencing his strategic leadership.

Palladium USA, a prominent player in the multifamily real estate development sector, proudly announces three accomplished professionals from Dynamic Commercial Real Estate have joined Palladium as valuable additions to our expanding team. 

Kim Parker joins Palladium as its Executive Director, bringing with her a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the firm. As the Director of Real Estate Transactions, Keith Pomykal will spearhead transaction oversight, ensuring seamless orchestration and closure. Elizabeth Deitchman, assuming the role of Manager of Land Acquisitions, will lead the charge in land sourcing and vetting, as well as providing valuable insights into Texas’s Qualified Allocation Plan. 

“Together, this dynamic trio forms a cohesive team that’s instrumental in site selection strategy, land acquisitions, transaction oversight, and community outreach activities for Palladium making us even more successful than we have already been.” said Thomas E. Huth, President and CEO of Palladium USA.  

This strategic expansion reinforces Palladium’s long-standing dedication to delivering transformative real estate developments and creating meaningful communities for the future. 

Austin, TX – SRS Real Estate Partners has announced the addition of Teddy Leonard as Capital Markets Managing Director, National Net Lease in its Austin office. Leonard brings 10 years of net lease investment sales and leasing experience with over $740 million transactions closed, and more than 215 properties leased or sold during that time.

“Teddy is a well-respected peer in the industry with an incredible track record and we’re thrilled to have him on our team as we continue to grow our national presence.  He is the epitome of a trusted advisor to his clients, one who has a deep knowledge of the asset class he works on with a professional approach to net lease brokerage.  His experience goes beyond his roots in Texas as one of the most experienced brokers in the C-store space nationally,” said Patrick Nutt, Executive Vice President, SRS Capital Markets / Market Leader, South Florida.

“SRS’ track record working with developers and REITS is exceptional. They take a high-level approach to the transaction process which I’ve seen firsthand and was a big driver in joining their team. Working alongside Patrick and the other SRS brokers will provide an opportunity for me to continue to build my network, especially as I work to leverage my experience to maximize the firm’s presence in Texas,” said Leonard.

As noted, Leonard specializes in net lease investment sales nationally, with a focus on new construction retail properties. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and is a member of ICSC.

In 2023, SRS Capital Markets completed approximately $2 billion in deal volume comprised of 500 transactions in 43 states. SRS has in excess of 600 properties actively on the market with a market value surpassing $2.85 billion.