George S. Dutter Jr. and Mark D. Miller have bought the Robert Lynn Co. Dutter, formerly CFO and principal, takes over the CEO's role and Miller, formerly vice president and principal, becomes president. The long-time friends are splitting the duties held by Tom Lynn, who says the time has come for a change. The firm's founder, Robert W. Lynn, remains as board chairman.

Dutter confides to GlobeSt.com that more change is right around the corner for the 39-year-old brokerage firm. As he puts it, "in a week or so...a high-profile broker" will join the 39-year-old company's team. Dutter isn't saying "who" is being courted, but it's sure to be a name recognized by most professionals in the region. The soon-to-be-hired executive will team with Miller, who is one of the metroplex's leading industrial brokers and consistently the firm's top producer.

Dutter will take charge of the firm's operations, recruiting and training. Miller will direct client development and identify new business opportunities. Dutter says the plan is to hire a controller/bookkeeper and one or two more brokers. Currently, there are 18 licensed brokers. While change is coming, the moniker will remain the same and so will the office location at 3030 LBJ Freeway.

A brainstorming session is set for Thursday to review strategies in the marketplace and prioritize projects, says Dutter. The company holds 137 industrial property listings for an aggregate 5 1/2 million sf and 19 land listings totaling 136 acres, all in the metroplex. Tom Lynn will aid with the transition and serve as consultant. Dutter says the departing president will continue to be a part of the region's commercial real estate industry. Will Tom Lynn turn to development? Possibly, says Dutter. "He was ready for a change and that was the driving force behind this," he explains.

In a prepared statement, Tom Lynn says it was "a difficult decision...made easier knowing that George and Mark will continue to build on the foundation we've established through the years. I was realized that I wanted to make a change and now is a good time."

The company has grown 500% since 1994. In 2000, it handled more real estate transactions in the DFW metroplex than any other firm, says Dutter. "We've enjoyed great success in the Dallas-Ft. Worth market," Robert Lynn says in his prepared statement. "Much of that success is due to the talents of people like George and Mark.