The company partnered with key principals of a Michigan-basedinvestment firm, Woodward Financial Group, to form the newdivision. Gu Chawney, Signature Capital vice president, says thetiming for forming the new business is good. "There's an abundanceof financing opportunities in the market today," he explains,adding that "banks are focusing their attention on long-termlending possibilities. Wall Street, with all its investment bankingfirms, is aggressively seeking conduit long-term loans. Lifeinsurance companies are continuing their active pursuit of thesedeals."

Signature Associates was founded by Steven G. Gordon as anindustrial real estate brokerage firm in 1989. Over the lastdecade, Signature has added office and retail brokerage, propertyand asset management, and investment sales. "Now we can not onlysell and lease properties for our clients, we can help them withthe financing, too," Gordon says. The company employs 65 people inits Southfield offices, including 34 agents.