People & Culture

Some Of Stream’s Top-Producing Brokers Talk Motivation, How They Plan To Tackle 2023’s Commercial Real Estate Challenges

National
February 18 7 min read

When we asked some of our top producers to describe their 2022, we got a wide variety of answers. A rollercoaster year? For some. A year of change? For a few. A year of “playing chess while sprinting”? That is a colorful way to say just how busy everyone agrees they were. Most agreed, too, that the year was exciting and successful.

Stream Realty Partners had a productive year as a company. We saw a surge of growth in our industrial business, a reawakening in our office properties and services, and an explosion of hiring that resulted in our now 1,200+ strong workforce consisting of commercial real estate’s top talent. We continue to recognize that our high-caliber professionals are the keys to our success and celebrate them often.

We recently asked some of our highest-performing brokers of 2022 what motivates them to stay at the top of their game and how they plan to tackle 2023, a year that could offer some challenges and many opportunities. Here is what they had to say:  

Peter Beugg, Managing Director, Denver

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Hard-charging. Collaborative. Client first.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

I am highly motivated to treat my clients as if I have ownership interest in their real estate and business. Everything seems to work out well when the clients’ best interest is made the priority.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

I am making a concerted effort to surrender the outcome. Closing deals will be more challenging in 2023, and deals can often make or break completely outside my control. I plan to put more of an emphasis on manufacturing deals in a more creative fashion and think outside the box.  

Carter Byrnes, Executive Vice President, Northern Virginia

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Refreshing. Exciting. Rewarding. 

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

The opportunity for creativity and innovation as I help build and grow our Northern Virginia office. Last year was a transitional year as I joined Stream in the NoVA office. In year two, I’m looking forward to showing my clients the Stream difference.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

There is going to be an increased focus on tenant retention in 2023, so I will have to be more proactive in maintaining strong relationships with existing tenants and reducing turnover while guiding my clients’ strategies to invest in amenities that attract new tenants. I will continue to focus on customer service, delivering a high level of support, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Last year at Stream was the most fun I have had in decades in this business. I definitely plan on continuing that trend in 2023!  

Forrest Cook, Senior Vice President, Fort Worth

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Back to the basics.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

Being part of a team and watching members succeed and excel motivates me every day. Having a growing family is easy motivation to succeed so I can provide for them.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

I will continue to do the “blocking and tackling” I have done since I started my career at Stream. The industrial market has been active, and the team’s plan will be to continue to maintain relationships with our existing customers while strategically pursuing new business.   

Randy Cooper, Vice Chairman, Dallas

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

One of the good years!

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

This business is still a blast. I wouldn’t have been doing this for as long as I have if it weren’t so much fun.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

Our business is the same whether the economy or market is good or bad. We still make calls, and we still problem-solve. It is just a bit easier to solve problems when tenants have a bit of leverage.   

Michael T. Kent, Executive Vice President and Partner, San Antonio

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Market expansion and big wins.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

I enjoy finding creative ways to get deals across the finish line for my clients.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

I believe that San Antonio is well-positioned for continued growth in 2023. We have a lot of product coming online this year, and demand is still strong. I’m confident that our industrial market is poised for continued expansion.   

John Klinke, Senior Vice President, Washington, D.C.

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Way better than 2020.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

Providing for my family.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

Remain focused on customer service and frequent communication. Last year’s plan was to work my tail off regardless of the difficulties in the office market, and this year I’ll deploy the same strategy. Every transaction matters.  

Matt Lerner, Executive Vice President, Chicago

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Rollercoaster. Motivating. Challenging. Humbling. 

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

I work with amazingly talented professionals, and we are always pushing each other to be the best at what we do. The last few years have been challenging for everyone, especially our clients. The trust they have put in us to guide them through difficult times means everything. It’s about doing the job and doing it right to reward that trust.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

Just like anything, one foot in front of the next. The state of the market can be overwhelming if you allow it to be, but we’ve seen there are deals out there. Difficult times also create opportunities to test our abilities to be as proactive as possible and put ourselves in the best position to be successful.  

Tyler Maner, Managing Director, Houston

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Playing chess while sprinting.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

People. Ultimately, any type of transaction is the culmination of a project that affects a number of people (landlords and tenants). If you are not actively trying to be better at your craft, you are knowingly cheating the people involved in the transactions you are managing.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

Ultimately, the goal has been to grow my knowledge of the industry and my network (tenants, landlords, and brokers), and production should follow. 2023 will be no different in that regard.  

Sam Owen, Managing Director and Partner, Austin

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Creative and timely industrial matchmaking.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

I am motivated to be an example for my teammates and our brand. I am motivated to support my family. I am motivated by a desire to compete and win.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

There will likely be more deal friction in 2023. It will take more work and creativity to get deals done. Competition is increasing, and it will be important to leverage our resources, experiences, and relationships to tackle unforeseen challenges.  

Stefan Pastor, Senior Vice President, Southern California

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Successful. Dedication. Growth. Change

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

Client satisfaction. Recognition. Love for real estate. Personal growth.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

I will leverage my relationships and knowledge to come up with solutions for whatever challenges I face. I plan to think outside the box and be an excellent problem-solver.  

Brad Yates, Senior Vice President, Southern California

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Successful. Dynamic. Growth-oriented. Knowledgeable. Ethical.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

Recognition. Personal satisfaction. Professional development. Relationships. Passion for real estate.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

Our market is ever-changing, along with our business. The goal for 2023 is to be the best at problem-solving, building, growing, and keeping existing relationships. Now that I have moved to Stream, I want to grow the broker relationships within the firm.  

Nick Peacher, Vice President, Atlanta

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Busy in the best way.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

Building strong relationships with great clients.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

Focus on providing best-in-class service to our clients and partners. There are opportunities in every market environment.   

Adam Rumsey, Senior Vice President, Nashville

In 5 words or less, how would you describe your 2022 professionally?

Fulfilling. Eye-opening. Appreciative.

What motivates you to stay at the top of your game? 

The competition. If you aren’t knowledgeable, on top of your current listings, local market and product trends, and communicative with your clients, your competition will try to take your market share.

2023 could be a challenging year for CRE. How will you tackle any challenges of the year? What do you plan to do differently/keep the same? 

I believe with challenge comes excellent opportunity–opportunity to build new relationships with owners and the ability to show them tremendous value during turbulent times.

Media Contact

Brian Medricka

Related Stream Experts

Peter Beugg

Managing Director Contact

Carter Byrnes

Executive Vice President Contact

Forrest Cook

Senior Vice President Contact

Randy Cooper

Executive Vice Chairman & Partner Contact

Michael T. Kent

Executive Vice President & Partner Contact

John Klinke

Senior Vice President Contact

Matt Lerner

Executive Vice President Contact

Tyler Maner

Managing Director Contact

Sam Owen

Managing Director & Partner Contact

Stefan Pastor

Executive Vice President Contact

Brad Yates

Executive Vice President Contact

Nick Peacher

Senior Vice President Contact

Adam Rumsey

Vice President Contact