"I've had a wonderful relationship with Herb and the Dallasstaff," Stukalin tells GlobeSt.com. "It's been a tremendousjourney. And, I'm looking forward to working with the most prolificretail group in the state." The plan is to replicate the model thatthe Retail Connection has built in the past three years since itslaunch in Dallas.

Stukalin, who also gets a partnership stake, says he'sfinalizing an office lease for a spot in the Park Laurette Buildingalong Memorial Drive to ready the stage to start interviewingbrokers. The plan is to have six to eight veterans on board withinsix months. "My goal is to grow it responsibly," he says. "With theplatform that we're providing, we feel confident we will be able tofocus on hiring experienced personnel in the Greater Houstonmarket."

Stukalin says "the transition should be fairly swift" as heexits the top slot of Dallas-based Weitzman's 25-employee regionaloffice. Steve Chandler, city partner for affiliate Cencor RealtyServices, will be the team's acting chief, according to MarshallMills, president and COO of the sister companies.