The Face of DFW Retail

Exploring Market Trends, Growth Opportunities And Investment Insights in DFW's Booming Market

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  Bob Young

  Professional Background Robert E. Young, Jr., is Executive Managing Director for Weitzman. Young utilizes his extensive brokerage and management experience on Weitzman business development and brand promotion. Young also directs the statewide initiative to grow all of the business lines of the Weitzman platform. Additionally, through active International Council of Shopping Centers involvement and national leadership in the Retail Brokers Network, Young works to extend the firm's reach and presence with clients, prospects and the overall industry at large. Prior to joining Weitzman, Young was senior managing director for Kennedy‐Wilson. His extensive commercial real estate career also includes service as executive vice president and managing director in charge of the Dallas operation for Grubb & Ellis and as executive vice president for BEI Management, Inc Professional Organizations Young serves on the Board of Directors and was the 2009 President of the Retail Brokers Network, a nationwide retail networking group whose member companies specialize in retail real estate brokerage. RBN’s independent firms work together on a regional and national level in tenant representation, project leasing and investment sales. Young also is a member of the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors (NTCAR) and is past president of its board of directors. In addition, he is a member of the Realtors Commercial Alliance national board of directors and is active in The Real Estate Council, the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Urban Land Institute and the International Development Research Council. Young co‐authored a chapter in “Leasing for Non‐leasing Professionals,” a book published by the International Council of Shopping Centers. He is a regular instructor for ICSC nationwide educational programs and was dean for the ICSC University at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and is now a faculty member of ICSC's John T. Riordan School for Retail Real Estate Professionals. Education Young received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

  Weitzman

  Executive Managing Director

  Bob Young

  Executive Managing Director

  Weitzman

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  Mark Masinter

  Mark is a Managing Member of Open Realty Advisors and founded the firm in 1987. Mark leads Open Realty’s principal investment endeavors, hotel development and new business generation. He was a founding venture investor of Restoration Hardware and a founding partner of Retail and Restaurant Growth Capital, an SBIC lending fund focused on growing retail and restaurant ventures. Mark has served on many corporate and philanthropic boards including The Dallas Stars Ownership Advisory Group, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Temple Emanu-El, Time For Dallas, Retail and Restaurant Growth Capital, Beauty First, The Walking Company and Le Gourmet Chef. Mark received a Bachelor of Political Science degree from Southern Methodist University

  Newmark

  Chairman, Global Retail

  Mark Masinter

  Chairman, Global Retail

  Newmark

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  Lauren Dannemiller

  At 7-Eleven, Inc., Lauren Dannemiller serves on the Real Estate & Development team where she specializes in site selection and development within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Within her team, Lauren works closely with landlords, brokers, developers, municipalities, and other strategic partners to ensure the success of a new store. Prior to joining 7-Eleven, Lauren was on the Acquisitions and Asset Management teams at Spirit Realty Capital (NYSE: SRC). Throughout her 4 years at Spirit, Lauren specialized in single-tenant, net leased retail and industrial investments. During this time, she assisted in the acquisition of $2bn retail and industrial NNN assets, while supporting a $9.3bn portfolio of single-tenant properties across the United States. In Jan 2024, SRC was acquired by Realty Income (NYSE: O). Lauren is a graduate from Texas Christian University (TCU) where she received her BBA in Finance with a Real Estate Concentration. While at TCU, she demonstrated her leadership skills and passion for real estate by serving as the President of the TCU Real Estate Club.

  7-Eleven

  Real Estate & Development

  Lauren Dannemiller

  Real Estate & Development

  7-Eleven

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  Vivek Sinha

  Vivek Sinha is a Partner at Banyan, a privately held real estate investment firm specializing in upscale retail development across major Texas markets. Vivek leads Banyan's new developments and strategic initiatives, focusing on curating high-end retail destinations within master planned communities (MPCs) across the state. Most recently, prior to Banyan, he was a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group, advising Fortune 500 corporations and retailers on growth strategy and operational excellence.

  Banyan

  Partner

  Vivek Sinha

  Partner

  Banyan

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  Mick Granlund

  Mick, Principal and Director of Planning at O’Brien Architects, works with our clients during the early stages of projects, lending his expertise with visioning, planning, design, and entitlement. A member of the O’Brien team since 1995, his diverse project experience includes retail, office, residential, industrial, mixed-use, visioning, and interiors. Mick has been active in the professional community with NAIOP (Trends in Real Estate Development National Forum member), with ULI (past Retail Product Council member), and with ICSC. He has a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Indiana and also completed a two-year study at the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin in Arizona. Mick has been married to his wife Laurie since 1987, with whom he has four daughters. He loves to travel and the idea of a new adventure – his favorite vacation spot is someplace he hasn’t been.

  O'Brien Architects

  Principal and Director of Planning

  Mick Granlund

  Principal and Director of Planning

  O'Brien Architects

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  Jason Moore

  Jason Moore joined the Mansfield Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as Executive Director in October 2021. In this role, he leads the organization’s efforts in business recruitment, retention and expansion, marketing, research, and workforce development. Jason plays a pivotal role in cultivating strategic partnerships between business leaders, city stakeholders, and regional development allies to advance Mansfield’s position as a premier destination for investment and innovation. Since joining MEDC, Jason has been instrumental in bringing transformative projects to Mansfield, including the $1.5 billion Staybolt Street entertainment and sports district and development of The LinQ Innovation District, a next-generation hub designed to foster collaboration between business, education, and technology. These major developments are helping reshape Mansfield’s future by attracting top-tier talent, enhancing quality of life, and positioning the city as a leader in forward-thinking, sustainable growth. Jason began his public service career with the City of North Richland Hills, managing major capital projects across various departments. He went on to serve in key administrative and economic development roles in Richland Hills and Lewisville, where he led targeted recruitment strategies, collaborated with visionary developers, and strengthened economic resiliency through tax base diversification. Jason holds a B.S. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas. He and his wife, Amy, are proud parents of three children.

  Mansfield Economic Development

  Executive Director of Economic Development

  Jason Moore

  Executive Director of Economic Development

  Mansfield Economic Development

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  Zach Sams

  Zach Sams joined Kensington Vanguard in November of 2016 after serving as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Fidelity National Title’s Dallas/Fort Worth division from 2012-2016. Zach is focused on expanding KV’s footprint in the D/FW, Texas, Arizona and National markets. From selling real estate for to business development roles at prominent local and national title insurance companies, Zach has been active in the in the real estate market since 2005. Prior to the title industry, Zach attended The Golf Academy of America in San Diego, then spent two years playing professional golf on various mini tours in Southern California. Zach is a Veteran of the US Army. Zach lives in Argyle, TX with his wife Amber and their two boys 11&13. In his free time Zach enjoys playing competitive amateur golf and traveling with his wife and kids.

  Kensington Vanguard National Title

  EVP

  Moderator

  Zach Sams

  EVP

  Kensington Vanguard National Title

The Rise of Mixed-Use

The Future of Multifaceted Projects in the Metroplex

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  Tristan Simon

  About Tristan Simon: Tristan Simon is a Managing Partner at Rebees. He founded Rebees in 2014 and leads strategy and business development. Tristan grew up in London and Virginia and graduated from Duke University with degrees in English and Economics. Prior to starting Rebees, Tristan founded and spent 15 years leading Consilient, a restaurant and hotel management company best known for creating acclaimed dining and entertainment brands in Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Tristan is also credited with the transformation of Henderson Avenue in Dallas from a benighted neighborhood into a vibrant dining and retail district. About Rebees: Rebees is an ideas-driven commercial real estate company with offices in Dallas and Houston. Founded in 2014 by Tristan Simon, Rebees envisions, develops, and operates landmark mixed-use real estate projects that meaningfully enrich their tenants, patrons, owners, and surrounding communities. Rebees also creates, finances, and operates entertainment, hospitality, and workplace concepts.

  Rebees

  Managing Partner

  Tristan Simon

  Managing Partner

  Rebees

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  Mikial Onu

  A finance graduate from SMU with a Masters of Science from the University of Colorado, Mikial brings six years of direct development experience to Onu Ventures. Leveraging his financial knowledge and educational background, he leads the development side of the firm. Mikial has led the development and financing of over 300 housing units and 75,000 sq. of commercial space since 2019. Since Onu Ventures' inception in 2021, he has strategically led the acquisition of over 75 acres across the Sun Belt, projecting a stabilized value of over $200 million.

  Onu Ventures

  CEO

  Mikial Onu

  CEO

  Onu Ventures

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  Rex Tullius

  SVP

  Premier

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  Erin Gendt

  Erin is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in multi-family, senior living, retail, and historic renovation sectors. She has demonstrated proficiency in all stages of project development, from Schematic Design to Construction Administration. Among her most recent undertakings are the EpicCentral development in Grand Prairie, Drever Larkspur Active Adult Community in Pearland, Texas, the Entrada mixed-use development in Westlake, Texas, and the historic Ohio City Post Office adaptive reuse project in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, Erin is occupied with the Uptown Dual Brand Hotel located in Dallas, Texas, and the Meuse Kimpton Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas. Her duties encompass conducting feasibility studies, researching zoning and codes, documenting historical research, managing projects, coordinating with consultants, developing designs, preparing construction documents, managing client relations, and overseeing construction projects. Erin's technical expertise includes Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite, providing her with valuable tools to achieve project objectives.

  Merriman Anderson Architects

  Associate, Team Leader

  Erin Gendt

  Associate, Team Leader

  Merriman Anderson Architects

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  Christy Pennington

  Christy Pennington leverages her in-depth knowledge of today’s real estate market to guide developers, owners/landlords, and end users—including retailers, healthcare systems, industrial firms, and corporate headquarters—through complex, high-level transactions from inception to closing. With experience in both private practice and as in-house counsel, Christy utilizes her combined legal knowledge and business acumen to assist clients in driving forward their business so they can meet goals while minimizing risk. Christy’s experience and ability to actively listen to her clients enables her to better understand client priorities, anticipate needs, and offer practical and timely advice and counsel that her clients have come to rely on and trust. Christy provides thoughtful, cutting-edge counsel, helping her clients traverse today’s dynamic real estate market, both in Texas and nationally. From sophisticated ground lease transactions to large portfolio acquisitions, Christy is known as a deal maker and a “mover and a shaker.”

  Clark Hill

  Senior Counsel

  Moderator

  Christy Pennington

  Senior Counsel

  Clark Hill

Experiential Retail & F&B Spotlight

Crafting Destinations That Captivate & Inspire

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  Ari Lowenstein

  Ari’s career in product development began as a young scout in Rhode Island at Camp Yawgoog. None of the injuries caused permanent scars. He was on the team that designed cufflinks for President Ciampi of Italy to present to heads of state, and advocated the controversial plan to make them in the shape of the Italian flag. His idea to give away bunny ears during the Easter weekend opening of a shopping mall outside Dublin was very popular with 8,000 shoppers, then 16,000 shoppers, then 32,000... Ari headed a team that reproduced George Washington’s death mask solely using photographs in order to preserve the original from contact and handling. This representation was purchased by The Morgan Library & Museum in New York and now makes relatives uneasy in hundreds of homes in the U.S. and abroad. For five years Ari worked with the Unemployed Philosophers Guild, one of the few companies in Brooklyn, New York that does not produce artisanal cheese or require its employees to grow beards. Ari currently resides in Dallas, TX. In his role as Chief Disruption Officer for Emergent Workshop he looks forward to turning your business on its head, shaking it a bit and seeing what happens.

  Ari’s Pantry

  Chef and Owner

  Ari Lowenstein

  Chef and Owner

  Ari’s Pantry

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  Brett Neu

  Brett Neu is a real estate development leader specializing in scaling innovative concepts in hospitality, entertainment, and retail. He currently serves as Vice President of Real Estate at State of Play Hospitality, where he leads the U.S. rollout of Flight Club—an upscale, tech-enabled social entertainment venue that pairs dynamic Social Darts® with elevated food and beverage. Originally from Texas, Brett has lived in Chicago, California, and Vienna, driven by a passion for retail real estate, urban planning, and global travel.

  State of Play Hospitality

  VP Real Estate

  Announcing Flight Club Dallas in Addison coming early 2026

  Brett Neu

  VP Real Estate

  State of Play Hospitality

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  Kevin Lillis

  Kevin Lillis is the CEO of Hospitality Alliance and has over 24 years’ experience in the Hospitality and Real Estate industries. Hospitality Alliance is overseeing the master-planning for the 200,000 SF repositioning of the Jersey City Waterfront for Mack-Cali Realty, developed and is managing a 18,000 SF Food Hall in Fort Worth (that won “Best New Restaurant by Fort Worth Magazine), launched the #BeyondFood Campaign for MasterCard, and overseeing the development of the Food Hall and Beer Garden at AT&T’s Discovery District headquarters campus in Downtown Dallas. Previously Kevin was the Head of Real Estate, Food & Beverage (and only US-based executive) for Sahara, the majority owner of the iconic Plaza Hotel and Dream Downtown in Manhattan. Kevin was the sole representative for Sahara overseeing The Todd English Food Hall, The Plaza Food Hall, Palm Court Restaurant, Champagne Bar, Rose Bar, and the retail spaces (totaling over 165,000 SF). Prior to his time at The Plaza, Lillis spent five years as the Executive Vice President of Food & Beverage and Real Estate for what was then the largest private owner of hotels in NYC (Hampshire Hotels). Projects there included the creation and launching of Dream Downtown Hotel, Dream South Beach, The Chatwal Hotel, and many others. Prior to his time with Hampshire, Lillis worked in real estate investment banking for nearly ten years with Rockwood and CB Richard Ellis and was responsible for closing nearly 100 real estate and financing transactions totaling over $6.5 Billion in value, including the largest real estate transactions in both Connecticut and New Jersey history. Lillis is also the Founder and CEO of New England Sports Marketing Group. He produced the first legally sanctioned mixed martial arts (MMA) event in New York state history (May 2013) as well as the first MMA event in Madison Square Garden history (November 2014), setting the record for the largest non-boxing combat sports event in New York history. Lillis has produced sporting events for a television audience exceeding 120 million households. Kevin has been a keynote speaker/panelist for Urban Land Institute (ULI), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), ShopTalk!, Independent Lodging Congress, and NYU’s Masters in Real Estate program.

  Hospitality Alliance

  CEO

  Kevin Lillis

  CEO

  Hospitality Alliance

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  Ranjin Mathew

  Ranjin Mathew is a Senior Vice President at Partners’ Dallas office, specializing in retail tenant and buyer representation. He focuses on helping restaurant owners and operators secure ideal locations nationally and negotiate favorable lease terms aligned with their business goals. Ranjin works closely with brands looking to expand beyond Texas as well as those initially entering the Texas market.

  Partners

  SVP and Retail Specialist

  Ranjin Mathew

  SVP and Retail Specialist

  Partners

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  Steven Baker

  Steven Baker has been a driving force at HFA for over a decade, pushing the boundaries of architectural design in the restaurant and retail sectors. As an Architect, he has led high-performing teams on projects for industry leaders like Chick-fil-A, Walmart, and Walgreens, to name a few. Steven’s journey at HFA began with overseeing a team responsible for executing hundreds of retail remodels for a national client, but he has since taken on a pivotal role as Hospitality Lead, developing prototypes and innovative remodel designs that are reshaping the quick service restaurant (QSR) landscape. Steven is widely respected for his expertise in design, project delivery, and his ability to foster strong client partnerships. His collaborative approach has made him a key player in delivering impactful solutions in fast-evolving industries. Beyond his technical skills, Steven is passionate about mentorship, playing an active role in guiding and developing the next generation of architectural professionals. Bachelor & Master of Architecture, Tulane University, 2013

  HFA Architecture & Engineering

  Hospitality Lead

  Steven Baker

  Hospitality Lead

  HFA Architecture & Engineering

• Moderator

  Brad Litteken

  Co-Founder

  Lightview Designs