The State of Montgomery County

Market Trends, Investment and Development Drivers And Projects to Watch

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  Rob Banzhaf

  Rob Banzhaf is the Founder and CEO of Newcor, and his leadership has propelled the company to the forefront of the commercial real estate industry. With over 24 years of commercial real estate experience, Rob has leveraged his expertise from working with some of the world's largest Real Estate Firms to build Newcor into a vertically integrated platform that streamlines the investment process to maximize efficiency and value. His entrepreneurial spirit is guided by a simple yet profound question: "How can we serve to create and add value for our clients and partners?" This relationship-first approach has been the cornerstone of Newcors remarkable success. Rob's extensive resume has blessed him with a perspective of every side of the transaction. His ability to deeply understand the motivations and decision-making processes of all parties sets him apart as a leader in the field. Throughout his career, Rob has served a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from large corporations and private companies to non-profits, and both institutional and individual investors. As a former NCAA Division, I soccer player, Rob's competitive spirit and teamwork ethos have translated into his professional life. He is an active member and past President of several prestigious organizations, reflecting his commitment to both his industry and community. Rob currently serves as board member on several organizations and non-profit endeavors. He cherishes time spent with his wife, Angela, and their children, Parker, Austin, and Lucille. In his free time, Rob enjoys golfing, fishing, running, and competing in triathlons. Rob Banzhaf isn't just a real estate mogul; he's a community leader, a family man, and a relentless innovator dedicated to adding value wherever he goes. Working with Rob and Newcor means partnering with a leader whose expertise,

  Newcor

  Founder & CEO

  Rob Banzhaf

  Founder & CEO

  Newcor

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  Peter Barnhart

  As the President and Chief Development Officer, Peter Barnhart brings more than 30 years of expertise in the acquisition, development, and sales. His extensive financial, construction, and marketing skills, coupled with a unique combination of experience in both commercial and community development, helps the team create environments that are appealing to live, work, and play. Within Caldwell Companies, Barnhart plays a lead role in identifying, acquiring, and developing properties across the company’s entire platform. He is highly involved in the acquisition process for all projects. Peter's broad real estate background includes a six-year tenure with RealtiCorp Commercial Investment Fund in Greenville, SC. Starting as the Director of Sales and Marketing and progressing to Regional Partner, he was part of a team that managed many land development transactions across seven different cities, involving thousands of acres of land. Peter also gained experience with Byzance, Inc. and Plantation Homes. A Houston native, Peter earned his bachelor's degree in Construction Science and his master's degree in Land and Real Estate Development, both from Texas A&M University. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, Texas A&M Real Estate Development Association Professional Advisory Board, and Texas A&M University’s Century Club. Beyond his professional life, Peter enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, flying, and various outdoor activities. Residing in Brenham, TX, he and his wife Debra enjoy spending quality time with their daughters, Jordan and Grace

  Caldwell Companies

  President & Chief Development Officer

  Peter Barnhart

  President & Chief Development Officer

  Caldwell Companies

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  Aaron Alford

  Aaron Alford is Executive Vice-President of Woodmere Development Co. As a leader of the land team, Aaron is responsible for Woodmere/Long Lake’s single family residential development activities. Aaron started his career at Woodmere/Long Lake in 2000 and has overseen acquisition and development of 6000 acres in over 50 Long Lake Communities, providing 26,000 lots for Long Lakes homebuilding team. In addition to his work at Woodmere/Long Lake, Aaron is a Partner in SpecTech LLC, which offers bespoke software and automation solutions, AI process integration and consulting for small to mid-sized businesses in all industries. Aaron is an alumnus and graduate of Letourneau University in Longview Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Aaron is an active member at The Conroe Mission Lutheran Church and is currently a member of the GHBA Homeaide project selection committee. He enjoys traveling, fishing and snorkeling with his wife of 27 years and three children. He is an avid wildlife, landscape and astrophotographer and loves to share his work.

  Woodmere Development Co.

  EVP

  Aaron Alford

  EVP

  Woodmere Development Co.

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  Lee McCormick

  Lee is a registered municipal advisor with more than 25 years of experience in domestic and international finance. Lee founded Lone Star PACE to serve as a program administrator to the cities and counties within the State of Texas that elect to implement a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. He works with public and private entities to help them achieve their energy and water conservation goals via the PACE financing program in their regions. Prior to founding Lone Star PACE, Lee created Community Development Associates, Granite Municipal Advisors and Sierra Management Group to help public, private and nonprofit entities navigate the requirements for various state and federal tax-advantaged financing programs. Since then, these entities have helped finance more than $40 billion in private activity bonds across 35 states. Lee also served as assistant treasurer for USA Waste Services, where he assisted with the aggressive growth strategy that involved acquiring more than 300 small to midsize companies, taking the company’s revenue from $600 million to $3 billion during a four-year period. The company successfully completed a reverse merger in 1998 with Waste Management Inc., bringing total revenues to more than $13 billion. Lee received his BA in finance with honors from Sam Houston State University and his MBA with honors from the University of Houston. He is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, and he has served as an advisor on the Department of Energy C-PACE Working Group.

  Lone Star Pace

  President

  Lee McCormick

  President

  Lone Star Pace

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  Stephen Arredondo

  Stephen Arredondo, CMI, has more than two decades of experience in state and local tax property tax matters. He focuses on providing expertise and specialized property tax solutions to help clients navigate property various property tax processes, from multistate tax compliance and planning to valuation and appeals. Stephen’s has extensive experience in serving taxpayers in diverse industries, including commercial real estate, oil and gas (ad valorem), retail, technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, industrial, distribution, chemical, agricultural, financial, healthcare, and hospitality. Stephen is a certified member (CMI) of the Institute of Professionals in Taxation, which recognizes professional achievement in property tax. He holds his senior property tax license in Texas along with licenses in Arizona and Tennessee. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Texas A&M University.

  Weaver

  Partner-in-Charge

  Moderator

  Stephen Arredondo

  Partner-in-Charge

  Weaver

Driving Urban Growth Through Retail & Mixed-Use

How Experience is Driving the Future of Commercial Development

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  Jim Carman

  Jim Carman is President of the Houston Region at Howard Hughes. He is responsible for leading the development of three award-winning master planned communities: The Woodlands, Bridgeland and The Woodlands Hills. Mr. Carman joined Howard Hughes in 2012 and has overseen more than $3 Billion in development projects located within The Woodlands and Bridgeland. He was responsible for leading multiple teams in the 79-acre development of Hughes Landing, and recently announced the record-breaking sales achievement for The Ritz-Carlton Residences The Woodlands. In 2019, Mr. Carman led the team in a $565M acquisition of The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway. Mr. Carman has over 20 years of construction and development experience on projects across all asset types of real estate. His work includes mixed-use and commercial projects such as The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman, The Hughes Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida. Mr. Carman received his Bachelor of Science as well as Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He proudly serves within the community as Chairman of the Board for Montgomery County Food Bank. He served as Chaiman of the Board for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce from 2022-2023 and was the 2018 Montgomery County Light the Night Corporate Walk Chair. Mr. Carman lives in The Woodlands with his wife Leigh Ann and daughter Grace.

  Howard Hughes Communities

  President, Texas Region

  Jim Carman

  President, Texas Region

  Howard Hughes Communities

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  Louis Tannos

  Prior to the start of Tannos Development Group, Mr. L. Tannos spent many years in the offshore oil and gas industry as a commercial construction diver. The specialized skills he gained from his experience led him to start his own construction development company in 2000. ​ As President, Mr. L. Tannos is responsible for the growth of the company. From location viability, to plans, designs and the entire construction process, he aims to vertically integrate new developments from conception to design and completion. ​ Mr. L. Tannos' projects over the last 25 years have included remodeling residential and commercial buildings, custom homes, retail centers, industrial, commercial and mixed- use developments and master planned urban developments. In the last 12-14 years, the company has constructed and maintained a portfolio of several commercial real-estate holdings including: office buildings, retail centers, industrial, mixed-use buildings, and multi-family. The newest and most impactful products over the last few years have been the master planned mixed-use town center developments. The thoughtful master planning of 100 to 400 acres transforms the area into a vibrant, multi-use town center with all the needed and valued elements & amenities. Cohesive design prioritizes responsible growth and makes it possible for the community to develop and thrive with the added services & tax revenue. Louis Tannos is fully committed to a very ambitious growth projection over the next decade, including an estimated 2.5 billion in master planned development, as well as multiple stand-alone wholly owned long hold assets in multiple states. Tannos Development Group will forever be a family-owned company, and we will always work in partnership with cities to develop in a manner that is cooperative and in the best interests of the community.

  Tannos Development Group

  Founder

  Louis Tannos

  Founder

  Tannos Development Group

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  Aaron Bludorn

  Chef & Partner

  Bludorn Restaurant

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  Gregory Wattson

  Greg Wattson brings more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry with a focus on commercial real estate development. He has successfully led the acquisition, development and management of more than 6.3 million square feet of retail, mixed-use, commercial, multifamily and industrial projects across the United States. Before joining The Signorelli Company, Greg served as Executive Vice President of Development at McCord Development, where he directed the vertical development and repositioning of the company’s key assets. He was also Senior Managing Director and Partner at OliverMcMillan, overseeing high-profile mixed-use developments, such as River Oaks District and Buckhead Atlanta in addition to identifying new commercial real estate opportunities for acquisition and redevelopment. Greg's experience also includes a partnership at Opus West, where he served as Senior Vice President of Retail Development, managing the entire development and acquisition process for the western region. Prior to that, he spent 18 years as Senior Vice President at Wattson-Breevast Company, where he led all commercial development efforts and spearheaded the implementation of development and acquisition strategies for retail, office and industrial projects. Some of the notable projects under Greg’s leadership include River Oaks District, Buckhead Atlanta, The Shops at Tanforan, Foothill Market Place, Firecreek Crossing, Shoppes at Chino Hills and Provo Towne Center. More recently, he led the entitlement and redevelopment of a 33-acre site in Charlotte, NC.

  The Signorelli Company

  SRV of Commercial Development

  Gregory Wattson

  SRV of Commercial Development

  The Signorelli Company

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  Greg Little

  Greg Little is the President of Lumos, a new social entertainment company focused on redefining family and corporate fun through elevated food, immersive experiences, and meaningful social connection. A former Sales and Marketing executive with Shell Oil Company, Greg brings over two decades of experience in consumer strategy, including leading Shell’s global sales strategy and closing the largest deal in Shell Lubricants history. After retiring, he spent five years developing the Lumos concept, meeting with family entertainment leaders nationwide and local guests to deeply understand what makes a guest experience truly exceptional. Greg believes unforgettable experiences are the key to customer loyalty and business growth—a belief that drives every aspect of Lumos. He and his wife are proud parents of six children and grandparents to six, who inspire his passion for creating joyful, shared moments.

  Lumos

  President & CEO

  Greg Little

  President & CEO

  Lumos

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  Ben Gehlbach

  Ben Gehlbach is a member of Winstead’s Real Estate Development & Investments Practice Group. He is experienced in all facets of sophisticated real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, redevelopment, finance, industrial, retail, and office leasing, and corporate formation.

  Winstead’s Real Estate Development & Investments Practice Group

  Of Counsel

  Moderator

  Ben Gehlbach

  Of Counsel

  Winstead’s Real Estate Development & Investments Practice Group

Montgomery County’s Housing Boom

Demographic Shifts, Site Selection And Development Opportunities

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  Matt Wanzeck

  Division President

  Forestar

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  Keith Luechtefeld

  Keith Luechtefeld is the President of the Houston Division of Shea Homes. He joined the company in 2013 to start up Shea Homes’ operations in Houston. Mr. Luechtefeld brings 35+ years of experience to Shea Homes. He is a leader of division senior management team and is responsible for all activities of the Houston Division. His key responsibilities include:  Division profit and loss responsibility  Division strategic and vision planning  Division operations  Personnel hiring, training, and development Since joining Shea Homes, Mr. Luechtefeld has been successful obtaining and developing product positions in some of the top master planned communities in Houston. He started building the local Houston team in early 2014, and Shea commenced construction of its first homes in Houston in the second half of 2014. Since then, they have delivered nearly 1,500 homes to new homebuyers. Prior to joining Shea Homes, Mr. Luechtefeld was President of the Houston operations of Darling Homes, where he increased sales by 20% and increased gross profit dollars by 80% during a market decline of 50%. He also achieved a voluntary employee turnover rate 40% better than the industry average. As Division President, the Houston operations of Darling Homes sold and closed approximately 1200 homes representing $500 million in revenue. Mr. Luechtefeld is a Past President of the Greater Houston Builders Association, and a member of the Project Selection Committee of HomeAid Houston, an organization dedicated to help build dignified housing for Houston’s homeless. Mr. Luechtefeld earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Illinois Wesleyan University.

  Shea Homes

  Division President, Houston

  Keith Luechtefeld

  Division President, Houston

  Shea Homes

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  Kirk Laguarta

  Houston Advisor

  Land Advisors Organization

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  Tom Woliver

  Tom Woliver strives to take placemaking to a whole new level. With nearly 30 years’ experience in the real estate industry, Woliver works passionately to unlock potential value, growth, and impact in community development. In 2019, Woliver founded Oxland Advisors as a real estate development and consulting company. Oxland Advisors eventually evolved into Oxland Group, a full-service capital investment and real estate development firm with principal-level expertise in land acquisition, entitlements, development, land transaction, and value creation. Through Oxland Group, Woliver spearheaded a variety of projects across the country, offering a unique approach to capital investment and community building focusing on creating the highest and best use of the land. Under his leadership, Oxland Group delivered the largest phase one in Dallas-Fort Worth history of 1,100 homesites at Painted Tree, its first development in McKinney, Texas. Prior to the community’s grand opening, Painted Tree debuted on RCLCO’s list as the 47th top-selling master-planned community in the US. Most recently, Oxland announced the acquisition of 1,860 acres in the Houston market to be developed as a master-planned community of 4,000 homes. Prior to Oxland, Woliver served as Vice President and Director of Planning and Development at Hillwood, where he developed over 10,000 lots in various markets in Texas and across the US. Woliver was the driving force behind Hillwood’s “Live Smart” vision, a fresh holistic approach on developing the next generation of Master Planned Communities. At Hillwood, Woliver launched top-selling master-planned communities including Harvest, Union Park and Pecan Square in North Texas, Pomona in Houston, and Wolf Ranch in Georgetown. Woliver is known by developers, homebuilders, and landowners alike as a pioneer in implementing various technological strategies, startups and partnerships in the real estate industry. He has built a vast network of best- in-class consultants, vendors and relationships throughout the industry to be able to thoughtfully assemble the right team for the right project. Woliver began his career as a Land Planner and Landscape Architect at TBG Partners in Austin, Texas. His role at TBG Partners shaped his ability to look at real estate solutions in a more unique, forward-thinking manner, including helping build and grow the Dallas office of TBG Partners. Woliver is an active member on the National level of Urban Land Institute (ULI) and currently serves as the Chair for one of ULI’s Community Development Councils. He is an invited speaker for industry events and is often featured in articles on topics such as community development, technology, healthy living, and the food and real estate movement. Woliver graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Landscape Architecture.

  Oxland Group

  Co-President

  Tom Woliver

  Co-President

  Oxland Group

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  Colleen Ellison

  Colleen Ellison is the co-founder of Ellison Development, a forward-thinking leader who blends data-driven strategy with a heart for service to create thriving communities. With a career spanning more than 25 years (though she swears she started when she was 10), Colleen has been at the forefront of shaping commercial, industrial, retail, and residential real estate. Known for her analytical expertise, she has mastered the use of GIS and technology-driven solutions to transform lead generation, marketing, and community development—work that played a pivotal role in the growth and eventual acquisition of ALL her previous companies. Today, Colleen leads Ellison Development alongside her husband, Bill, building unique communities that reflect their shared mission of supporting the American dream. For 27 years, their partnership has been the foundation of both business and family life, and together they are raising five children—including three adopted and two stepchildren—each cherished as a true gift from God. Colleen’s work is deeply rooted in her faith and her passion for supporting children in foster care. She views community development as far more than a business endeavor; for her, it is a mission to provide families with stability and belonging through attainable homeownership. By creating communities where homes are designed to be within reach, she is not only building neighborhoods, but also opportunities for families and futures for generations to come.

  Ellison Development

  Co-Founder

  Colleen Ellison

  Co-Founder

  Ellison Development

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  David Oliver

  Practice: David’s clients construct, finance and operate water, sewer, drainage, road and park facilities across Texas. David’s practice focuses on urban development, with an emphasis on the acquisition and financing of critical infrastructure facilities to serve residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects. David also serves as Chair of the firm’s Executive Committee. In David’s words: “The great aspect of our practice is to see something – in a meaningful and measurable way – begin from a blank canvas and go on to become a thriving community where people live, work, and play.” Representative Matters: David serves as general counsel and bond counsel to special purpose local governments that provide water, sewer, drainage, road, and park facilities to developments of all types across the greater Houston region. David also represents private developers in negotiations with local government entities for public participation in various land and economic development matters. Education: Attorney-Advisor, Honorable D. Irvin Couvillion, United States Tax Court (1999-2000); Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M. in taxation, with honors distinction, 1999); Louisiana State University (J.D. 1998, B.S. 1995); Beta Alpha Psi; Omicron Delta Kappa Memberships/Affiliations: State Bar of Texas; Louisiana State Bar Association; Houston Bar Association; American Bar Association; National Association of Bond Lawyers; Also admitted to practice in Louisiana. Assistant Contact info: Cindi Meek, cmeek@abhr.com Office Location Address & Contact Info: Houston Office, 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2600, Houston, Texas 77027

  Allen Boone Humphries Robinson

  Partner

  Moderator

  David Oliver

  Partner

  Allen Boone Humphries Robinson