Saying Goodbye To Bisnow's DFW Reporter Tonie Auer

A farewell letter from DFW/Austin & San Antonio/National Student Housing Bisnow reporter Tonie Auer to readers and colleagues, alike, on her last issue.

In October 2009, Bisnow called me with an incredible opportunity to launch a new all-digital publication in my stomping grounds of North Texas. Little did I know that more than six years later I'd have made friends (like the Ladies in CRE group, pictured), learned more about commercial real estate than I ever thought possible, and watched this pub go from zero readers to more than 22,000. You've made DFW the third-largest circulation among all the Bisnow publications and for that, I'm humbled. 

This is how most of you probably saw me at any Bisnow event. I've loved those early morning meetings with the movers and shakers of DFW commercial real estate. The personalities in DFW commercial real estate are even bigger than the deals you make. I wish I could list every one of you that has made an impact on my life. From the encouragement and advice of E Smith Realty's Susan Arledge to the kindness of the Colliers International team for sending me flowers when my mother passed away, there are too many meaningful relationships I've formed to list them all.

There's no experience quite like covering ICSC RECon in Las Vegas. Here are Bisnow vice chairman Ryan Begelman, Atlanta reporter Jarred Schenke and me...still smiling despite walking miles upon miles and writing up coverage after the after-after hours parties in 2013. I can't extend thanks enough to Ryan and Bisnow founder Mark Bisnow for taking a chance on me to help them grow their brainchild forward-thinking e-pub. I'm a better writer (and definitely more tech-savvy) because of their leadership. And, I will never forget Mark's icebreaker: yes, his real name is Bisnow. If his name were Mark Plumber, he'd be in a different business and wearing his pants a lot lower.

I've had the dream opportunity to write about a wide variety of topics from student housing to the sites and real estate involved in the filming of The Walking Dead (that's me with my BFF and one of the sets of twins that portrayed baby Judith on TWD).

Bisnow allowed me the opportunity to meet some of the coolest celebs, too. Sports heroes like Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, LT, George Foreman and these guys: Cowboys head coach and former QB Jason Garrett and TV personality and former QB Babe Laufenberg (at Al Biernat's in a Stemmons Award winner after-party with the Colliers International gang.)

I've enjoyed being a part of Team Texas and getting to know each of you. You'll still get great coverage as Bisnow Central Region editor Catie Dixon (center) will oversee the news and Texas business manager Karen Pierre (right) will help you grow your business. Catie joined Bisnow just a few months after I did and our relationship has grown from my mentorship of her as a cub reporter to the complete flip side of her guidance of me as my editor. I'm guessing it's obvious that I'm going to miss all of you from colleagues to sources and readers.

But, don't fret too much. You'll still see me around as I'll be joining Kathy Permenter and Moody Younger at Younger Partners starting today. You can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tonieauer

Thank you for all of your kindness over almost seven years. God bless each of you.

Fondly, Tonie