Weitzman/Cencor


	Herb Weitzman		October 2009 WEITZMAN,/CENCOR CELEBRATES 20 YEARS BY LOOKING FORWARD TEXAS—Twenty years ago, Weitzman/Cencor opened its doors in the midst of the worst downturn the Texas commercial market had ever seen. Against the odds, the company saw double-digit growth right out of the gate. For example, in 1989, Weitzman negotiated a total of 61 deals, and Cencor managed a portfolio of 3 million square feet. A year later, in 1990, Weitzman negotiated 595 deals during its first full year of production, and Cencor’s portfolio had grown to 4.5 million square feet. COMPANY DEFIES THE ODDS Now, 20 years later, Weitzman/Cencor again is defying the odds and experiencing notable growth. During its 20 years, Weitzman/Cencor has been recognized as one of Texas’ fastest-growing companies, as one of the most entrepreneurial companies in real estate and with numerous “Best Deals” awards throughout the state. Why have we grown? Because property owners and investors understand that it takes a company with Weitzman/Cencor’s proven track record to find leasing and management success in a down market. PROJECT LEASING PORTFOLIO CONTINUES TO GROW Take our project leasing portfolio. During the first eight months of 2009, owners and investors entrusted us with 75 new retail project leasing assignments. Those properties, in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio, comprise a total of 3,104,900 square feet. As a result, we now serve as project leasing agents for a retail portfolio totaling more than 44 million square feet of retail in Texas. As a property manager, Cencor is responsible for a retail portfolio of more than 21 million square feet. Cencor’s managed portfolio also continues to grow. In D/FW alone this year, Cencor picked up new management assignments in Dallas, Frisco, Lewisville, Fort Worth and Murphy. “Our strategic approach gets results in any market, and our project leasing agents and property managers are the best in the market. Owners understand that,” said Herb Weitzman, Weitzman/Cencor Chairman and CEO. From its start with a handful of employees and associates, Weitzman/Cencor now operates with more than 240 people statewide, covering all areas of commercial real estate. In addition to its retail focus, Weitzman operates with divisions specializing in office and industrial properties, investment/income-producing properties and land. FOCUS ON TEXAS From its beginning twenty years ago, Weitzman/Cencor has maintained a focus on Texas commercial real estate. Despite client requests to expand services to additional states, the company realized the value of controlled, focused growth that played to its strengths and market knowledge. “From the start, we said we would meet the market’s need for a regional firm offering a high level of customer service with a focus on relationships,” Weitzman said. “We determined we would only grow if we could maintain the highest level of customer service and build strong relationships. We built a culture that operates with this philosophy – we never had the goal to be anything other than a company that provided excellent service. We took care of our clients, and client success enabled the company to grow. The company’s growth is a result of our customer service and client success, not out of a plan for growth.” Weitzman/Cencor offers a full-service, hybrid approach with complementary but stand-alone services. The retail focus is on non-mall projects – neighborhood, community, power, specialty, lifestyle and mixed-use properties. GREAT PEOPLE MAKE THE COMPANY SUCCEED “Above all, the company is only as good as our people,” said Marshall Mills, president and chief operating officer. “We work hard to provide a work environment that encourages growth and teamwork. We maintain programs and year-round training designed to make every person take pride and ownership in their work, whether they are a senior top producer or a new hire on the administrative side. “Our people are the key to our success. If we have strong, dedicated leadership and great people, we grow. If we don’t, the growth just isn’t there.” Of the fact that the company is celebrating its 20^th anniversary during an economic downturn, Weitzman said, “We were founded in a down market, the worst our state has ever seen. But because of that, we understand how the bottom of a cycle can often offer as many opportunities for our clients as an up market.” .