Caudill is quick to point out his departure has nothing to do with G&E's larger picture and other exits nationwide. "I have nothing but good things to say about Grubb & Ellis," he tells GlobeSt.com.

Caudill says he shifted affiliations because NAI Partners has a development arm. Before working for Grubb & Ellis, Caudill spent about three years as a small business lender with Bank of America.

For G&E's part, Robert Kramp, regional services manager with the Houston office of Grubb & Ellis, said "Chris came to Grubb & Ellis as a rookie broker and moved up through the ranks quickly. He is a very dedicated individual and I expect to see great things from him in the Houston brokerage community in the years ahead."

The Weitzman Group also added Kirby Attwell as an associate for the Houston team. Prior to joining Weitzman, Attwell was COO for New Regional Properties, where he was responsible for all aspects of a property management company specializing in retail properties in the Houston area. Attwell also is a G&E alumn, having worked there as an associate.