News
NO BROKERS ALLOWED
March 2, 2010
| Well, this is different. Duff & Phelps’s corporate services consulting division will have only consultants, no brokers. Of course, when Steve Stoner joined four months ago, he didn’t promise the same ol’, same ol'. (For one, that probably wouldn’t fly in the job interview.) | |
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| They're only advising clients, not making deals themselves, a neutrality Steve sees as an asset. This “best broker” system means they can recommend top brokers from any company in each market. Steve wants to focus on large national corporations with more than 250k-SF of real estate, more than 15 locations, and more than 1,000 employees. Duff & Phelps already has 25 real estate consultants in Chicago, as well as 75 others across the country. Steve's leaning on contacts from previous jobs at Arthur Andersen,Grubb & Ellis, and First Industrial to create the unique platform. | |
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Steve tells us starting the business during the recession was tough because consulting is a discretionary expense and very few companies have those dollars set aside. But since Duff is already building a solid client base, Steve's working towards growth when recovery starts and firms can look for more space. |
