HOUSTON—In a newly created office investment sales leadership role within JLL as international director, Michael Zietsman's primary focus is on advancing the company's growth strategy, executing large transactions and managing client relationships, with a particular focus on the Texas and Denver regions. He is now based out of JLL's Houston office.

Zietsman has been instrumental in growing JLL's investment sales in Southern California since re-joining the company in 2007. He led teams that executed such notable transactions as Williams Tower in Houston, Crystals at CityCenter in Las Vegas and Republic Plaza in Denver.

“The Texas and Denver regions are experiencing tremendous population and employment growth, which is driving increased office investment sales demand,” said Jonathan Geanakos, president, JLL Capital Markets Americas. “Under Michael's guidance, we are establishing a unified office investment sales practice in the region to accelerate our business development efforts and enhance our knowledge and execution capabilities.”

Zietsman has 34 years of experience in the sale, joint venture and financing of various property types, with an aggregate value in excess of $11 billion. He was the president of Zietsman Realty Partners from 2004 to 2007. Prior to that, he was a managing director of Lehman Brothers' global real estate group where he was responsible for the real estate asset finance business. Zietsman started his career with JLL in Los Angeles in 1983, serving various roles in Los Angeles and Tokyo.

In this exclusive, Zietsman recently discussed the new role, his plans for the future, investment opportunities and how Harvey will impact Houston long term.

GlobeSt.com: You've had tremendous success in Los Angeles. What is the reasoning behind JLL creating this new role and what do you hope to accomplish?

Zietsman: We were able to grow our business in Los Angeles by 256% between 2012 and 2016. Looking at opportunities in other areas of the country, we found that there is an exceptional amount of commonality between the owners of properties in Texas and Colorado. The markets in Colorado–especially Denver–and Texas are similar in many ways. In my new role, I will foster a unified team that will provide consistent, connected service to our clients throughout the region.

GlobeSt.com: Why are Texas and Denver primed for large transactions, and what kinds of investors are targeting those areas?

Zietsman: Both regions are now fully on the radar of investors ranging from domestic institutions to foreign pension funds and life companies. As job growth continues, creating demand from credit tenants and investors looking for high-quality product, I would expect to see a higher volume of larger deals. Dallas alone saw $2.5 billion in volume last year and we have continued to see foreign investment pour in.

GlobeSt.com: How will Hurricane Harvey's impact affect the city's commercial real estate environment moving forward?

Zietsman: It is still too early to tell what the impact will be. We do know, however, that the people of Houston are resilient and that investors will not count the city out. We're confident the city will continue to be an important hub for commercial real estate activity.

In this exclusive, Zietsman recently discussed the new role, his plans for the future, investment opportunities and how Harvey will impact Houston long term.

GlobeSt.com: You've had tremendous success in Los Angeles. What is the reasoning behind JLL creating this new role and what do you hope to accomplish?

GlobeSt.com: Why are Texas and Denver primed for large transactions, and what kinds of investors are targeting those areas?

GlobeSt.com: How will Hurricane Harvey's impact affect the city's commercial real estate environment moving forward?

Instant Insights /

Texas is Fully on the Radar of Investors

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