Colorado Real Estate Journal - November 19, 2014
A local commercial real estate firm is in a growth mode after teaming up with the largest broker-owned company in the nation to become Lee & Associates Denver. John Bitzer, formerly of Bitzer Real Estate Partners, will lead the new office – Lee & Associates’ 51st office in the nation – as managing broker. JR Bitzer and Ron Webert are principals in the firm. “We are very proud of our expansion into the Denver market with this outs t a n d i n g g r o u p , ” said Jeffrey Rinkov, Lee & Associates CEO. “We believe we have the best professionals in the market. They bring an incredible amount of experience and knowledge of the Denver market, which is crucial in our expansion plans and our links to our other 50 offices.” John Bitzer said recruiting experienced office, industrial and retail brokers interested in the ownership opportunities that Lee provides is a top priority. “The more good people we have, the better office we’re going to be. It’s all about hiring good people and eventually making them our partners. “We are fortunate to have an excellent pool of brokers in this region and we hope Lee’s progressive platform will offer a meaningful and distinct alternative.” In addition to owning a stake in their local offices, Lee & Associates brokers have the opportunity to invest in new offices nationally as they come on line. The company expects to open a 52nd office in the Midwest or Southwest this year, Rinkov said. Lee & Associates’ Phoenix office, a 25-year-old firm with approximately 50 brokers, provided major financial backing for the new office in Denver. Rinkov said it was important for Lee & Associates to be able to service inbound business in Denver. “Exposing the brand to another geography is very helpful nationally,” he added. Offices also have opened in Cleveland, New York, New Jersey, Charleston, Atlanta and other U.S. cities. Lee & Associates Denver will be located at 1610 Wynkoop St., Suite 450. John Bitzer founded Bitzer Real Estate Partners in 1995 and has 30 years’ commercial real estate experience. JR Bitzer is an office specialist who focuses on tenant representation for local and national clients, and Webert is an industrial specialist whose cients have included Big O Tires, First Industrial Realty Trust, Industrial Developments International, Whirlpool and others.