HOUSTON: Hines

Hines was founded in Houston in 1955, and it's been home ever since, says CEO Jeff Hines. Besides simply avoiding the burden of moving, he tells us the Space City checks a lot of boxes for the firm: Texas' minimal taxes, Houston's business-friendly environment, and low cost of living for employees. And Jeff says it's wonderful to be in a city where Hines has made such a significant mark. (It's built nearly 20 buildings in the Galleria submarket, where it's HQ'd, alone.) In an extra show of staying power, the company has HQ'd out of the same building since 1983... and just renewed.

BOSTON: Cresa

Cresa's ties to Boston go way back, CEO Jim Leslie tells us. Company founder Bill Goade, born and bred there, started the predecessor firm—tenant rep Avalon Partners—in his hometown, and in '93 formed Cresa. Two years ago, the company considered a relo but decided to stay. "It's our grounding," has a critical mass of support services, and with today's technology the firm doesn't need a central location, Jim says. Many Cresa clients around the country like Boston as an East Coast location because of the skilled labor produced by the city's unparalleled higher ed community, he says.

DC: Cassidy Turley

The relative newcomer to the brokerage block (it was formed in 2010 from eight different former Colliers affiliates) is based in DC since CEO Joe Stettinius works out of the firm's downtown office. But Joe tells us that with "technological advances and a relatively flat organization, the actual location is less and less important." Nevertheless, Joe says the firm loves DC since it's a gateway market offering great access to clients and a broad perspective. And it gives Joe a chance to see his own backyard continue to transform: "As a native of the Washington region, personally witnessing this transformation has inspired me."