The company is in the process of selecting a southeastern city for a new office, then scouting for sites in Arizona and possibly Mexico, which Mower is terming a "wild card" right now in Woodmont's long-range plans. For 20 years, the Ft. Worth office has been the sole hub for Woodmont projects nationwide.

A year from now, Woodmont Realty "will be a firm that will not be looked at as just a developer and brokerage company," Mower tells GlobeSt.com. "We will be looked at as a solutions provider." And, she emphasizes: "We will have a proven track record."

The company plans to be more client-driven than ever before, stresses Mower. Instead of finding land and then locating a client for the project, the new approach will be "to become part of the client's team and find what they need," she says. The shift will "take place soon," promises Mower.

By the end of 2001, Woodmont plans to beef up its near 100-member staff by 25% to 30% while developing "virtual" teams for the new focus. Woodmont is a member of Realty Resources, a high-tech national network alliance. Mower says Woodmont presently is re-evaluating its participation in that arena.

Woodmont's projects encompass all sectors, except multifamily and that is not expected to change. The Dallas-Ft. Worth's retail and industrial sectors are running fairly neck and neck, with the industrial market holding "a very small margin," Mower assesses of the region that is still reeling from being recently classified as "at risk" by the FDIC for overbuilding. Mower, like others, disputes that labeling, citing the region's prevailing high absorption rates. The absence of high-tech capabilities in many buildings--a situation being rectified on a daily basis--is the only reason there is a current excess office inventory, she says.

Woodmont has been particularly focused of late on the retail sector, steering the Staples Co. on its inroad to Texas. The first Staples has opened in Las Colinas and many more stores are planned, says Mower.

Mower has served as president and COO of Woodmont Property Management Co. since February, responsible for day-to-day operations and national development. Prior to joining Woodmont, she had been vice president for Insignia Financial Group Inc. where she oversaw national business development and internal marketing training and was involved with contract negotiations, portfolio takeovers and other real estate transactions. She is a 17-year veteran of the North Texas commercial real estate industry.

Instant Insights /

Woodmont Realty's New President First of Many Planned Changes

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