Exploring New Horizons: Spring 2024 REO Industry Trip to Houston

Recently, nine (9) students from the Texas Tech University - Rawls College of Business embarked on an educational journey to Houston, Texas with the Real Estate Organization (REO) and gained unparalleled insights into the commercial real estate industry. Guided by Jared H. , Carl Pankratz , Preston Hodges , Whitnie Hill, M. Ed. , and Randy W. , the students engaged with top-tier real estate firms and professionals, deepening their understanding of the industry's dynamics and building valuable professional connections.?

Day 1: Arrival and Networking

After landing in Houston, the group made their first stop at Texas First Bank in La Marque, where they discussed financial frameworks critical to real estate investments.? As a community-focused bank established in 1973, Texas First Bank has nurtured a solid foundation of trust and service within the Southeast Texas community. The bank offers a comprehensive range of services, making it a crucial ally for the commercial real estate community.

That afternoon, the group traveled to Galveston where they met with Moody Bank at the historic Galveston Artillery Club. With over a century of service, Moody Bank prides itself on helping Texans achieve their financial goals through a wide array of banking services and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and community involvement. This setting provided students with a casual environment to network with industry professionals and discuss the day's visits.

Day 2: A Deep Dive into Houston Real Estate

The second day was packed with visits to prominent firms across Houston, starting with the Commercial Real Estate Division of 富国银行 . Chris Garza introduced the students to varied commercial real estate markets and detailed credit considerations essential for large-scale developments.? Wells Fargo offers a comprehensive suite of services including capital markets, agency lending, and commercial mortgage servicing. Their expertise in handling complex commercial real estate financing and a deep commitment to community development through various lending programs cater to all types of real estate investors and developers.

At Colliers , Jordan Trout emphasized the importance of personal branding and emotional intelligence in real estate brokerage.? Known for its enterprising culture, Colliers provides brokerage, valuation, and property management services across the commercial real estate spectrum. Their focus on accelerating success for their clients and stakeholders makes them a key player in the real estate markets.

Next, the group visited Rycore Capital LP , where Ryan Urech, CFA provided insights into the nuances of real estate private equity, covering acquisitions to property management.? Rycore's approach combines disciplined investment strategies with proactive management to deliver high-quality real estate solutions.

The afternoon included a roundtable discussion at 世邦魏理仕 with Matt Phillips , Ryan Watson , Kristen Rabel , and Peter Mainguy , offering students a chance to engage in detailed conversations about the industry's current state and future directions.? CBRE's visit offered insights into their extensive real estate services, which include advisory, transaction, and project management solutions for property sales and leasing. As a global real estate services firm, CBRE leverages its significant market intelligence and technology to provide exceptional service to its clients.

The day's firm visits concluded with Partners Real Estate Company , where Travis Land, SIOR , Travis L. Rodgers, CCIM , Adrienne Carpenter , and Alison W. discussed the intricacies of brokerage and valuations.? Known for their client-centric approach, Partners offers comprehensive real estate services including brokerage, property management, and investment sales. Their deep market knowledge and commitment to innovation significantly enhance client outcomes.

To end the day, REO members were invited to a Center for Real Estate Networking Reception at King Ranch Texas Kitchen . This event allowed students to relax in a casual setting and interact with professionals they met earlier in the day, other local Texas Tech alumni, and potential employers.

Day 3: From Development to Disposition

The final day of the trip began by visiting with Berkadia , a leader in the commercial real estate industry known for its comprehensive real estate solutions including investment sales and mortgage banking. Berkadia's strong commitment to market innovation and tailored client services, especially in multifamily and affordable housing sectors, provides significant value to real estate investors and developers. Berkadia arranged for the students to tour Hanover Autry Park with Chris Curry , Clay Faust , Jed Dalton , Sarah Gregorcyk , and Tucker Fama . This gave the students a unique opportunity to see an exemplary multifamily development showcasing modern living spaces and community-focused amenities designed to enhance urban living. This site visit provided practical insights into high-end development and management in a competitive real estate market.

Next, the group visited 汉斯 , where they were introduced to the innovative approaches of a global real estate firm. Hines is renowned for its development, management, and pioneering building practices.? Meg Meliet introduced the real estate development process and gave students a tour of the new Texas Tower - Houston , a prime example of innovative office space design. This new skyscraper is a benchmark in office building innovation with its cutting-edge design features.

The trip's final visit was with Holcomb Properties, where Jim Holcomb and Brian Jarrard guided students through both single-family and multifamily developments at The Falls at Imperial Oaks.? This experience provided the students with a holistic view of large-scale community planning and development. The visit included a tour of the Holcomb Family YMCA, highlighting the community impact of thoughtful real estate development.

Reflections and Gratitude

As the trip wrapped up, students reflected on the intensive learning experiences and the broad spectrum of real estate careers they were exposed to. Each visit was not only an opportunity to learn but also a chance to see the tangible impacts of what they learn in classrooms applied in real-world settings.

REO extends its deepest gratitude to all the firms and professionals who took the time to engage with our students, and to Jim Holcomb of Holcomb Properties for his generous sponsorship of this transformative experience.

As the students returned to Lubbock, they brought back not only knowledge but also professional connections and a deeper understanding of the potential paths in commercial real estate that are available to each of them.