The Woodlands, TX - November 18, 2004 -- Founded in October 2003, the J. Beard Real Estate Company, LP is celebrating an unqualified success after its first year in business. Based in The Woodlands, the company has exploded on the commercial real estate scene. It now markets more than 30 retail, office, medical-professional, and other commercial properties primarily across Montgomery County and north Harris County. However, only a year ago, the future was less certain for CEO Jeff Beard and his associates.

When Director of Retail Properties Jeff Beard and his team were unexpectedly downsized in October 2003 by The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P., he rallied key players from his group and put together his own commercial real estate company. The Woodlands was headed in another direction, but Beard was confident that he and his other retail properties professionals still had a great deal to offer the marketplace.

“We all appreciated the opportunity to work for the company and it was a great place to work for many years, but it was time to move on,” explains Beard. “Although we were very good at what we did for The Woodlands, they no longer wanted to be in that area of the business.”

With over 15 years in the real estate business under his belt, Beard decided to craft his own firm taking advantage of his wealth of local contacts and experience with commercial properties. Joining him were Jeff Tinsley and Diana Gaines. The three developed fruitful relationships with major commercial clients within The Woodlands over the years. These relationships made it possible for Beard and his associates to strike out on their own, confident that clients would follow. And follow they did. “Our clients were extremely supportive, putting a great deal of faith into our abilities and entrusting us with their projects. I think the clients were especially comfortable with our expertise and intimate knowledge of commercial real estate in The Woodlands and the surrounding area and we were determined not to let them down,” he says. Beard also stated that the immediate influx of clientele “is testimony to the fact that personal relationships play a vital role in the success of any business”.

To meet the sudden flurry of business facing his new company, Beard added leasing professionals Karyn Jackson Stephens and Tim Maczko a few months later. Under Beard’s direction, the fledgling company has grown into the market leader for commercial real estate properties in The Woodlands and surrounding communities.

“We are fortunate to have assembled such a great team so quickly,” says Beard. “Because of our combined marketing and leasing experience dealing with various retailers, tenants and commercial owners, the team has enjoyed an unbelievable run.” Even though Beard is very pleased with first year marks, he believes 2005 will see even better numbers. He adds, “We’re looking to build on some key relationships with commercial clients over the next 12 months and expand our base.”

Beard and his associates specialize in the leasing of retail, medical, and professional office real estate for landlord clients, including major REITS, financial institutions, partnerships, joint ventures and private investors. However, the J. Beard Real Estate Company, LP provides a variety of commercial real estate services, including leasing and brokerage services, landlord representation, site acquisition, commercial land and building dispositions, development services, and tenant representation. The firm’s goal is to create and maximize value for its clients. For more information contact Diana Gaines at 281.367.2220 or visit jbeardcompany.com.