Commercial Realtors assert their independence

In the dog-eat-dog world of commercial real estate, many brokers are lured by independence.

Just ask Hannah Textor, a commercial real estate broker, who took the plunge in December when she opened the doors to Hannah Textor Brokerage LC.

"I launched my company in the middle of an economic recession, understanding that great risks offer opportunities for great rewards," Textor said.

The boutique commercial firm, 3654 E. Cromwell Lane, negotiates land, retail, office and industrial deals between buyers and sellers. Among her current listings is Highland Park Town Center in Republic.

Making the jump

After pursuing a marketing career and taking time off to stay home with her family, Textor became a commercial Realtor in 2006, working at Maples Properties LLC.She chose independence so that she could utilize her own marketing ideas and develop clients how she chooses.

"I'm also enjoying the excitement and challenges associated with running my own company and having a more personal connection and responsibility to my clients," she said. "Being a smaller, independent firm allows me time to focus on my clients and broker deals without the distraction of inter-office meetings of a larger firm."

Textor recently hired an employee to help with her budding business.

"It is imperative, particularly in a down economy, to establish a reputation for excellence that causes people to want to engage you and continue to utilize you," Textor said, noting that technological tools help her compete effectively. "I have found that in this advanced technology age, small firms have access to the same marketing tools and resources as the large firms."

Gregg Stancer, owner of Gregg Stancer Commercial Realty, said technology has afforded him more freedom and flexibility in doing business. "You have the capability of selling property anytime, whether it's using a smartphone or your desktop," he said.

Stancer worked for Wilhoit Properties, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtors and CJR Commercial Group for 20 years before opening his own firm in 2004 to focus on commercial sales and leasing.

"I was developing a lot of projects for myself, and it no longer made any sense ... having fees go to my broker," Stancer said.

Developing strong relationships with other Springfield-area brokers also makes Stancer's job easier.

"I have done deals with brokers outside of the Springfield area, but they don't have a lot of kind words to say. In our area, we get along," he said. "We have to cooperate to get deals done."

Given the often long selling cycles in commercial real estate, persistence is the name of the game for big deals.

"We just closed a deal in the Nixa area that will soon be going on two years," Stancer said. "You have to have the ability to stick to a deal though thick and thin. Every once in a while we are blessed with a quick transaction."

Gaining a foothold

Commercial Realtors often gain experience working for larger established firms before striking out on their own. Todd Chambers, owner of Chambers Real Estate Services LLC, worked with McLoud & Co. LLC for five years before opening his firm in December 1998. He works on retail and office leasing and investment properties. Chambers' listings include property at the Wilson Creek Marketplace, located on the northwest corner of FF and M highways in Battlefield. The 26-acre development is to be anchored by a Price Cutter grocery store.

Chambers said the market doesn't affect him differently than it does the larger commercial firms.

"The challenges I face don't have much to do with being a sole practitioner," Chambers said. "The real estate brokers associated with larger firms are facing the same ups and downs in the market."

The market is beginning to show signs of recovery, said Stancer, who recently handled the sale of Applebee's on South Glenstone Avenue.

"Times are much leaner than they were when ... banking attitudes were different," he said.

Surviving comes down to networking and communication, said Tom McLoud, owner of McLoud & Co. LLC.

"I don't know that our business is any different than anyone else's," he added. "It's about hard work, integrity and honesty."

McLoud cut his teeth in real estate negotiating land deals around the country for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. before opening his own firm in 1992. Today, he handles commercial sales and leasing with the help of six employees.

Among the properties leased and managed by McLoud & Co. is the 240,000-square-foot Corporate Centre on Sunshine Street and the 69,000-square-foot Sheid's Plaza on South Campbell Avenue.

"It's really just about getting out and meeting people in the community, talking with business owners and people who want to start businesses," Chambers said. "I like being solely responsible for the decisions I make."[[In-content Ad]]