Retail South

Herbert Weitzman

Executive Chairman
Weitzman

Herbert D. Weitzman is Executive Chairman of Weitzman. In 1990, after nearly 30 years in the real estate business, Weitzman founded the company, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm that now ranks as one of the largest retail-focused real estate services firms based in Texas. On the brokerage side, Weitzman leases a retail portfolio of approximately 44 million square feet in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. As a property manager, Weitzman is responsible for managing a statewide portfolio of more than 22 million square feet of retail and commercial properties.

Dave Kirchhoff

CEO
iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Dave Kirchhoff is the CEO of iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Prior to joining iFLY, Dave served as CEO of Austin-based health food retailer Snap Kitchen and CEO of Weight Watchers International. Kirchhoff also held several other leadership positions within Weight Watchers, including COO for the European and Asian markets. In addition, he was part of the original management team of WeightWatchers.com, Inc., and ultimately became its CEO. Prior to Weight Watchers, Kirchhoff was the CFO of the Enthusiast Media Group of Primedia, Inc., Director of Corporate Strategy and Development for Pepsico, Inc., and a manager and consultant with The Boston Consulting Group in Washington, D.C. Kirchhoff holds a B.S. in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering from Duke University and an M.B.A. with high honors from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Weight Loss Boss: How to Finally Win at Losing and Take Charge in an Out-of-Control Food World (Rodale).

Gar Herring

CEO
MG Herring

Gar Herring serves as President and CEO of The MGHerring Group, a Dallas, Texas - based developer of regional shopping centers and mixed-use projects in the United States and Mexico. Over the past 35 years the company has developed more than 30 regional shopping centers, primarily regional enclosed malls, comprising more than 25 million square feet of retail space. Prior to joining The MGHerring Group in 2004, Gar worked at Donahue Schriber in Newport Beach, California, developing and acquiring neighborhood shopping centers in California and Nevada. Previous real estate experience also includes positions with Guaranty Bank, The DeBartolo Corporation and The Staubach Company. This extensive background in real estate development, acquisition, leasing and financing provides the unique skillset required in his current role, where he is responsible for all aspects of development and operations of MGHerring properties and projects, as well as leading an in-house team that includes leasing, financing, construction management, architectural services, tenant coordination, asset management, marketing and operations.

Dale Schwartz

Founder & CEO
Pinstripes

Mr. Schwartz has extensive experience in the formation, financing and expansion of various companies. In 2006, he founded Pinstripes, Inc. and is currently CEO of this unique bowling/bocce/bistro venture. In 2000, he was Co-Founder, Co-CEO of Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Inc., a distinctive natural pharmacy retailer. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Schwartz was Chief Executive Officer of Infigen, Inc., a private biotechnology company developing its proprietary nuclear transfer/cloning and genomic technologies. From 1991 to 1996, he was Chief Financial Officer of Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company commercializing its Nobel prize-winning genetic engineering technology. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Schwartz was a Principal with Odyssey Partners, L.P., a private limited partnership engaged in leveraged buyouts, venture capital and recapitalizations. From 1983 to 1985, he was an Analyst in Morgan Stanley’s Mergers & Acquisitions department, and from 1979 to 1988 he was Founder and President of D & J Sealcoating, Inc., an asphalt sealcoating company. Mr. Schwartz has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University and a Masters in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.

Luis Olloqui

CEO
Cinepolis USA

Chris Roach

CEO
BBG

Chris Roach currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of BBG. His broad knowledge in the appraisal of multi-family, office, retail and industrial property types provide a solid foundation in understanding commercial real estate. With his diverse client base background, Roach is an essential asset to BBG. Roach began with Butler Burgher, Inc. in 2002 as a senior associate. His next role was serving as a Vice President and National Client Manager for LandAmerica Valuation Corporation. He currently holds the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute along with the ASA and CCIM. Today BBG has over 25 offices, nearly 300 employees and ranks in the top five national real estate valuation firms. He is a general certified appraiser in multiple states and is actively involved in Real Estate Council (TREC). Chris was elected into the Associate Leadership Council, class of 2010-11. Roach is also an active member of the North Texas Chapter of The Appraisal Institute where he currently serves as President on the Executive Board of Director. Additionally, he is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC) and Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Roach has also been designated as an expert witness in numerous states and has testified in multiple courts regarding real estate valuation matters.

Syd Hurley

Founder/ CEO
Vista Property

Greg Vlahos

SVP, Leasing
Simon Property Group

Sumner Billingsley

Partner
Billingsley Company

Sumner Billingsley is a Partner at Billingsley Company in Dallas, Texas. Sumner is responsible for the company’s 8,567 units in the Multifamily portfolio. Her responsibilities include construction, design, operations, marketing, brand development and portfolio strategy. In addition, she is also responsible for overseeing the company’s retail development, marketing and leasing. Sumner began her real estate career working in development and acquisitions at Trammel Crow Company in Los Angeles, followed by CBRE in New York, before finally joining Billingsley Company in 2014. Sumner earned her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Southern California and her Masters in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Sumner serves on the Urban Land Institute’s Mixed-Use Council, the Board of the Dallas World Affairs Council, The North Texas Food Bank’s Young Professionals Board, and is a member of the Associate Leadership Council Class of 2016.

Denton Walker​

Regional Partner
Transwestern

CRE veteran Denton Walker joined Transwestern Development Co. (TDC), taking on the role of Regional Partner for the company’s National Logistics Group. Prior, Walker spent 30 years at Trammell Crow Co. (TCC). In his role at Transwestern, Walker is responsible for logistics development projects throughout the Southwest, with a focus on Texas. He operates out of Transwestern’s Dallas office.

Bryant Siragusa

VP, National Restaurant and Entertainment Leasing
Starwood Retail Partners

Bryant Siragusa is responsible for all restaurant and entertainment leasing throughout the company’s 30-center portfolio, planning, budgeting and implementing a well-rounded mix of dining and entertainment for all properties. Prior to joining Starwood Retail, he served in senior roles with UCR Urban, CBL & Associates Properties and Foremark Limited. Bryant launched his career as the first in-house real estate professional at Panera Bread, and has completed more than 300 restaurant deals across the United States.

Sharon Herrin

President
Herrin Commercial Real Estate

Sharon Herrin has spent over 38 years in commercial real estate. Her experience spans a career in numerous real estate disciplines among which are owner representation, tenant representation, project leasing, retail and office development, management and investment brokerage. Sharon’s understanding of this broad range of real estate disciplines brings knowledge, experience, and strong skills that are beneficial to servicing her clients. Herrin Commercial Real Estate (HCRE), launched in 2002, specializes in commercial real estate property. HCRE currently represents owners of properties totaling over 400,000 sf of retail, and a broad range of specialty properties such as daycares, restaurants and fast-casual restaurants. Notable clients have been Yum!Brands, Taco Bueno, Luby’s Cafeterias along with Shepler’s Western Wear, Carter’s Children’s Clothing and other local and regional clients. Prior to establishing HCRE, Sharon was Vice President of Stanford Realty and Management, B & L Management and Norman Luterman Interests in positions with those related entities that spanned a 22-year career in development of retail, multi-family, office and planned unit developments, management, brokerage and leasing.

Greg Blandford

Senior Director
Venture Commercial

Greg Blandford is Senior Director at Venture Commercial, specializing in retail, restaurant and entertainment tenant representation. He also serves as Strategic Officer for Venturetainment, a division of Venture Commercial specializing in market planning and site selection for food and beverage and the entertainment industries. Greg specializes in representation for casual and fast casual, existing and up-and-coming restaurant brands. He works throughout Texas and is working with several restaurants in their rollout on a regional basis in Texas and Oklahoma.

Greg is the "Master Broker" for the Chalak Mitra Group, LP which owns and operates such national and regional restaurant brands as Genghis Grill, Fireside Pies, Ruby Tequila's and Pepper Smash. The Chalak Mitra Group, LP is a franchise of La Madeleine Country French Cafe and YUM Brand's KFC restaurants. Greg also represents Dallas-based restaurants including Fadi's Mediterranean Grill, Andalous Mediterranean Grill, The Lion & Crown Social House, Gipsy Lime Taco Lounge, Brooklyn's Pizza, Catrina's Cocina & Tequila Bar, Wholesome Grub and Anamia's Tex-Mex. With over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, Greg’s work includes disposition, investments sales, project leasing and tenant representation.

JD Granger

Executive Director
Trinity River Vision Authority

JD Granger is the Executive Director of the Trinity River Vision Authority (TRVA) which manages a massive flood control and river redevelopment project that creates 12 miles of public urban waterfront in Fort Worth’s central business district. Mr. Granger currently serves as board member for Streams and Valleys, Inc., the Fort Worth Zoological Society, Cowtown Marathon and The American Institute of Architects, Fort Worth Chapter. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute and after serving as Public Member Director for the American Institute of Architects Fort Worth Chapter he was named an Honorary Member in 2008. In addition, the USACE Fort Worth District and the TRVA led by Mr. Granger received the USACE “Good Neighbor” GreenGov Award for outstanding partnership efforts between the two agencies on the TRV project. From 2003-2008, he served as board member for Historic Fort Worth, Inc., and previously served on the Downtown Design Review Board as well as the Cabella’s and Downtown TIF boards. Mr. Granger has also contributed to the City of Fort Worth’s Downtown Strategic Action Plan on Housing, Access & Circulation Committee, and Open Spaces/Public Art Committee. He earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law and was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star by Texas Monthly Magazine. Mr. Granger also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Texas A&M University.

Doron Valero

Managing Partner
Global Fund Investments

Mr. Valero has been in the retail real estate business since 1985. Prior to founding Global he served as the President and COO of Equity One (NYSE:EQY). Mr. Valero joined Equity One as a partner in 1994, when Equity One, then a small private company, acquired Valero’s South Florida retail operation. Under his direction, Equity One grew from a handful of retail properties, to an owner of over 200 shopping centers comprising over 20 million square feet of retail space in 14 states. In May 1998, Equity One went public as a self-managed REIT, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with a market cap of $90 million. By the time Mr. Valero left Equity One in December 2006, Equity One’s total market cap grew to over $2.7 billion. Mr. Valero is a prominent figure in the retail real estate industry and throughout his career has developed close relationships with major national retailers, leading members of the investment community, property owners, developers and operators. Mr. Valero holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Nova University.

David Kahn

Managing Analyst
CoStar Group

David Kahn is a Managing Analyst for CoStar Group, concentrating on the Southern United States. David serves as the resident expert on the South, covering regional economic and real estate trends. He also leads a team of analysts that provide granular insights into all commercial property types on the market and submarket level. David presents on market conditions to lenders, developers, brokers and owners, and is a frequent speaker at industry events hosted by Bisnow, ULI, CCIM, ICSC and various Economic Development Corporations.

Sheri Blattel

Principal
Cushing Terrell

With over 30 years of architectural experience with an emphasis on retail design and planning, Sheri Blattel co-leads the Retail market sector at CTA Architects Engineers. Her extensive background in retail design provides a foundation from which she is able to deliver detailed services that guide the evolution of each client’s vision from inspiration to reality. Sheri’s passion is understanding client needs and finding integrated solutions that result in unique environments and successful projects. She is well versed in current retail trends and understands the power of the branded experience. Sheri designs retail experiences, but shows real strength in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and internal team members. A strategic and sincere communicator, she also leads a dynamic CTA Austin office. She is a fierce and outspoken proponent of the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion both at CTA and across the AEC industry.

Will Dyer

CIO
Bay Mountain Capital

As Chief Investment Officer for Bay Mountain Capital, Will's role includes directing an origination team responsible for sourcing and evaluating new debt investment opportunities across all asset classes, including non-owner occupied single family. In addition, Will is leading business development efforts to grow the firm by increasing loan volume and assets under management. Before Bay Mountain Capital, Will served as Vice President of Portfolio Management for Colony Capital. During his time there, Will managed a team accountable for underwriting and verification of risk associated with distressed commercial real estate debt while also working with delinquent borrowers to restructure and resolve non-performing debt. Additionally, Will was responsible for the value creation and disposition of commercial real estate across multiple portfolios, as well as management of hospitality constructions loans in the Southeast. Earlier in his career, Will worked as a Real Estate Financial Consultant for IPL Consulting, a Financial Analyst for Gables Residential and a Senior Associate for Transwestern Realty Finance Partners. Will has an MBA from the University of Wisconsin Real Estate and Urban Land Economics program and a BA in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also currently involved with multiple real estate industry groups including, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association (WREAA).

Steven Levin

Founder & CEO
Centennial

Steven Levin is a 36-year veteran of the real estate industry with experience in investment, management, and financing of commercial real estate. Prior to the formation of Centennial in 1997, Mr. Levin served as executive vice president of Patriot American Corp., a real estate investment, and management company. From 1987 through 1994, Mr. Levin was the founder and chief executive officer of Hampton Real Estate Group, Inc., a national real estate investment, asset management, and property management company with a portfolio of commercial properties in excess of $500 million. In 1982, Mr. Levin co-founded The Levin Companies, Inc., a Texas-based real estate investment, and property management company. Prior to that, Mr. Levin held the positions of CFO, and subsequently President, of a women’s apparel retailer with 60 stores located in malls and community shopping centers throughout Texas and the Southwest. Mr. Levin graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He has been a licensed certified public accountant for 30 years. Mr. Levin is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and is a member of the Urban Land Institute where he served previously on the Urban Development/Mixed-Use Council.

Jennifer Frank

President
Segovia Retail Group

Jennifer Frank, President of Segovia Retail Group brings over 25 years’ experience in national retail tenant representation and shopping center leasing to her Dallas based team. Tenant representation is her specialty throughout Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi where her talents range from small market placements to major market entries for big box retailers. In addition to her expertise on the tenant side, Ms. Frank has a successful track record for pre- leasing large scale developments as well as disposing or repurposing vacant boxes. Jennifer is consistently a top performer within the Dallas/Fort Worth market, being recognized by “Heavy Hitters” and “Hot Brokers.” She was responsible for IKEA’s initial debut in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio area markets and most recently handled IKEA’s 2 nd market store in Grand Prairie.. She was responsible for rolling out Staples market entry into Texas with over 50 stores and Conn’s Appliances market entry into Dallas/Fort Worth and Oklahoma City with over 25 stores. Over the past decade, Jennifer has led an aggressive expansion program for Ulta Beauty in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, completing over 100 new store locations including the chain’s top performing store. Today Jennifer remains focused on the Dallas/Fort Worth market and has formed an alliance with Site Source Retail Brokers Network to service her broad range of client’s needs. Jennifer works in Texas with IKEA, ULTA Beauty, Skechers, Public School on Tap, Roti Modern Mediterranean, Black Rifle Coffee Company and Sun & Ski Sports. Experience Prior to forming Segovia Retail Group, Jennifer was allied with Princeton Partners, and for 17 years prior to that, she was with The Woodmont Companies where she was recognized multiple years as top producer and was promoted to Executive Vice President. As EVP, she was responsible for new business development, national account representation and managing a team of over 15 brokers. Jennifer began her career in 1992 working as an Associate for the Paragon Group in Dallas. While with the Paragon Group, she was responsible for leasing a retail portfolio for GE Capital that included 23 retail centers and office buildings throughout Texas. Education Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance, University of Texas at Dallas. Family: Jennifer spends her free time devoted to her two sons, Nico Paramo (15) and Alex Paramo (14) where they enjoy traveling to the beach and mountains, exploring caves, national parks and spending time in Spain.

Steve Williamson

Managing Director, Retail Services
Transwestern Central Region

Steve Williamson is Managing Director of the Retail Services division for Transwestern's Central Region, and oversees retail project leasing, tenant representation, site selection, retail development and retail investment sales. He manages the identification and acquisition of retail development sites, marketing and lease negotiations for big-box retail clients, and dispositions of raw land and improved properties. As President of the North Texas Land Council, Steve is also an industry expert in land transactions for new retail, office, multi-family, townhome, hotel and self-storage development sites.

Steve Zimmerman

Managing Director
The Retail Connection

Steven H. Zimmerman serves as The Retail Connection’s Managing Director in Brokerage. Zimmerman is responsible for business development and maximizing the potential of the company’s brokerage platform and its linkage to the overall operation. A 20-year veteran in the commercial real estate industry, he is a nationally recognized production leader who has negotiated hundreds of transactions across the United States. Prior to joining The Retail Connection, Zimmerman was a Principal at Trammell Crow Company where he was one of the company’s Top National Producers. Active in numerous professional and charitable organizations, he is a member of International Council of Shopping Centers [ICSC], a former executive board member of North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors [NTCAR] and The Real Estate Council [TREC]. He has been involved with Easter Seals, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Little Heroes Organization, K. Life Arise Africa and several other local charities. Zimmerman graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He loves spending time in Colorado with his wife Lisa and their three children either skiing or fly-fishing.

Dan Sheridan

Partner
Hoffman Strategy Group

Daniel Sheridan is nationally recognized as a trusted advisor at the executive and corporate board room levels of the retail real estate industry. Sheridan is currently a Parner in the Hoffman Strategy Group, a national real estate consulting firm. Prior to joining Hoffman, he served as the President of Retail Properties for Irvine Company where he managed the Retail Properties’ portfolio of 38 neighborhood community centers and three regional open-air retail centers. Sheridan joined General Growth Properties in 1998 as an attorney and served in various legal capacities, including vice president and assistant general counsel. He transitioned to asset management and ultimately served as Executive Vice President of Asset Management responsible for the overall financial and operational performance of a 50M sf portfolio. Sheridan holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with distinction from the University of Michigan. He earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. Sheridan is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Illinois State Bar.

Taylor LeMaster

Partner
Inroads Realty

Taylor LeMaster is a Partner at Inroads Realty. With over 13 years of experience, Taylor has an in-depth knowledge of Landlord Representation, Tenant Representation and Investment Sales. His expertise is wide ranging across all retail asset types, including mixed use developments, power centers, grocery anchored and neighborhood retail. As a Partner, Taylor helps to guide and direct the growth strategies at Inroads and ensure that company objectives are achieved. Prior to Inroads, Taylor was Senior Vice President of Retail Services at Colliers International. Before Colliers, Taylor was with The John Bowles Company and then CASE Commercial Real Estate Partners where his performance consistently ranked him among the Top Producers. In 2010, 2011 and 2013 he was named a Power Broker by D Magazine and has been recognized numerous times since 2006 as a Heavy Hitter for retail project leasing by the Dallas Business Journal.  Taylor is also an ICSC Next Generation Board Member. Taylor is a Parishioner at St. Rita Catholic Community and a Volunteer at Austin Street Center. Awards  2010, 2011, 2013, 2017 D Magazine Power Broker  Dallas Business Journal Heavy Hitter  2011 Costar Power Broker.

Jennifer Sanders

Co-Founder & Executive Director
Dallas Innovation Alliance

Jennifer Sanders is Cofounder and Executive Director of the Dallas Innovation Alliance (DIA) a public-private partnership dedicated to supporting the design and execution of a smart cities plan for Dallas. She brings expertise across a broad array of industries including energy, technology, economic development, nonprofit and finance, serving in functions including communications, stakeholder and community relations, strategic counsel, change management and operations. DIA’s goal is to elevate Dallas as a city that is not only prepared for – but a driving force in shaping – the future of cities, and provide opportunities for prosperity for its citizens. While at the DIA, she has collated a network of three dozen member organizations, and works with over 20 departments within the City of Dallas to accomplish an aligned smart city strategy, which began with the implementation of the Smart Cities Living Lab [phase I], in the West End District in downtown Dallas. This Living Lab incorporates nine smart city projects into a compressed corridor, and the resulting platform will pull in startups, entrepreneurs and university researchers to develop and test additional products and solutions. The Living Lab is the fastest-to-market smart cities initiative in the country. The DIA is now focused on its Phase II projects in Southern Dallas focused on challenges to underserved residents around mobility, public safety and the digital divide. She is actively involved with numerous civic organizations in Dallas, serving as Past President of the Mayor’s Star Council, President of the Board of the Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas, Board Member of Better Block, an Ambassador for the Dallas Entrepreneur Center (DEC) and the Advisory Board for Dallas-based retail and lifestyle startup, Edition Collective, among others. She has been named to the Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Top Women in Technology, State Scoop’s Top Women in Technology, the Tech Week 100, and the Dallas 500. She has been honored to speak to groups at conferences around the globe including South by Southwest, Smart Cities Week and the Smart City Global Congress and Expo in Barcelona. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor concentration in Economics.

Larry Leon

Principal
Venture Commercial

Larry Leon is a Principal in Venture Commercial, and the founder of Venturetainment, specializing in entertainment and hospitality tenant representation. He also serves as the company’s lead member for X Team, an international real estate services network. Larry started the first retail tenant representation firm in Dallas/Fort Worth. Larry more recently founded Venturetainment, a division of Venture Commercial, specializing in strategic market planning and site selection for firms in the food service and entertainment industry. He and his teams have an exceptional track record of picking winning locations for the best in the business. Bringing Nebraska Furniture Mart to North Texas has been one of the high points of Larry’s career. The Berkshire Hathaway‐owned retailer purchased 433 acres in The Colony for their fourth and largest store (1.9 million square feet) as well as a major retail, restaurant and entertainment complex. Venture provided an enormous amount of research and information to the client, requiring a huge team effort to do the assemblage and entice Nebraska Furniture Mart to DFW. With over 40 years of experience in commercial real estate, Larry’s work ranges from disposition of portfolios and sales of shopping centers to project leasing and tenant representation. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS/AWARDS: • International Council of Shopping Centers • North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors  X‐Team International Retail Services Network and Advisory Board  “2011 New Development Deal of the Year” Award, Dallas Business Journal  “2011 Heavy Hitter” Award, Dallas Business Journal  CoStar Group Power Broker SIGNIFICANT ASSIGNMENTS:  Founder of Leon & Associates, Inc., the first retail tenant representation firm in DFW  Master Broker for Whole Foods Market, Pinstripes, Dave & Buster’s and Rock & Brews • Dispositions for Highland Appliance, Toys R Us, Border Books, Darden Restaurants, Applebee’s and Luby’s • Development and Leasing of West Village Shopping Center COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: • Conscious Capitalism (CEO Summit) • Social Venture Network (Board) • Big Thought! (Board) • Co‐Creator of Bad Actors Game  Executive Producer of Chicken Fried State • Stand Up Comedy EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • BBA and MBA – University of Texas, Austin • Landmark Education, Lifespring, Peak Potentials.

Frank Bullock

Executive Vice President - Retail
Henry S. Miller