PHILIP SCHNEIDAU

Philip Schneidau knows the Houston commercial real estate market. After all, this CRE veteran is a native Houstonian and has lived and worked in the Houston area for most of his life. He also is passionate about serving the city and its surrounding areas. This combination of market knowledge and commitment to the betterment of the Houston area has helped Schneidau build a thriving career in the commercial real estate business.

No newcomer to the commercial real estate business, Schneidau has worked in the industry for more than 46 years. He’s also spent more than three decades at Woodbranch Management, a privately owned commercial real estate company that focuses on the development, asset management, property management and leasing of its own properties. The company's current portfolio consists of about 3 million square feet of commercial properties, including the high-rise multifamily building Market Square Tower.

What has kept Schneidau in the CRE business for so long? He points to the fact that no two days are ever the same.

"I enjoy the challenges," Schneidau said. "It is rare when any week is boring or repetitive. It's not always fun, but it definitely keeps me on my toes."

During his time at Woodbranch, Schneidau has showcased his versatility. His duties include asset management of Woodbranch's properties, coordinating the leasing efforts at these buildings and overseeing the acquisition of new properties. Schneidau also works on financing, accounting and construction and development issues. As his peers say, this industry veteran tackles anything that could ever come up during the day-to-day operations at Woodbranch.

When asked what it takes to succeed in commercial real estate for so long, Schneidau points to the importance of having a strong work ethic. "Perseverance matters," he said. "I generally keep fighting to solve a problem when others might give up. I have continually tried to keep up educationally, politically and in networking with others."

Before taking his position at Woodbranch, Schneidau worked as executive vice president for Ed Wulfe & Co. and regional vice president of property management for Grubb & Ellis/Houston.

Schneidau doesn't hesitate to serve his community, either. He is the past president and executive council member of IREM Houston, past board member with BOMA Houston and former Texas state director with the International Council of Shopping Centers. He's also served the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, both as a past board member and former co-chair of the redevelopment of Market Square Park in downtown Houston.

When the workday ends, Schneidau enjoys running. He is an accomplished long-distance runner, having completed 14 marathons, including the New York and Boston marathons. Schneidau also enjoys relaxing with a good book and volunteering for charitable organizations around the Houston area. He credits his parents with instilling in him this sense of civic duty.

Director, Development & Acquisitions

Provident Realty Advisors Houston, Texas

In the last 15 years, Timothy Veler has built one of the most successful commercial real estate brokerage businesses in the Dallas market and is now the owner of his own firm SVN | Veler Commercial. And while building a CRE business takes time and dedication,Veler has also found the time to serve his industry through his volunteer efforts with a wide range of commercial real estate associations.

What's behind this success? It's a combination of hard work, a willingness to study his local CRE market and a commitment to providing the highest level of service to his clients. That might sound old-fashioned, but this approach has paid dividends for this CRE Veleran, who originally began his Real Estate career in 1994 buying, renovating and leasing apartment buildings. Veler isn't stingy with sharing his industry knowledge, either. His peers say that Veler never hesitates to mentor younger CRE professionals or brainstorm with more experienced industry Velerans. Those who work with Veler say that this industry pro is always available to anyone who reaches out to him for support.

And when it comes to serving commercial real estate associations? Veler has never been shy about devoting his time. He has served on the National CCIM Board of Directors, the NTCAR Board of Directors, the Texas Realtors Association, while also volunteering on the board of the Stemmons Corridor Business Association. Veler has also been the past president of the North Texas CCIM Chapter.

How has Veler built his successful career while also giving so much time back to his industry? He points to the not-so-secret formula of working hard each day.

"Since I was 9 years old, with my first job delivering newspapers, which evolved into buying and selling cattle, hard work has been my go-to in business," Veler said. "I have always competed by working hard and understanding my market at a very high level." Veler also devotes the time needed to thrive in his career. He spends long hours studying the commercial real estate industry and analyzing new trends. He isn't afraid to master new technology, and constantly stays informed on the evolving needs of his clients.

This dedication to his industry, and his willingness to log extra hours to better provide for his clients, has served Veler well, and has led to a career that is still thriving even after the challenges of a global pandemic, rising interest rates and persistently high inflation.

When not building his business or serving his clients, Veler prefers to spend time with his family and hitting the trails on his bike. As he says, Dallas boasts some of the best paved bike trails in the country.

Christen Vestal

There’s only a handful of women industrial developers in Houston, and one of them is Christen Vestal.

The first women development partner at Provident Realty Advisors, Vestal joined the company in 2022 as the director of development & acquisitions and has developed over 700 acres and $1 billion of transaction value over the course of her decade-long career.

Her experience ranges from extremely specialized manufacturing facilities to speculative big box projects. Career highlights include a build-to-suit project for one of the largest e-commerce companies in the country.

She’s the 2022 RedNews Emerging Leader of the Year, RedNews Finalist for Woman of the Year and Bisnow Developing Leader for 2021.

Vestal’s secret to success? Consistency.

“Being consistent and committed to my word has helped me to succeed in the business,” she said. “When you are consistent, people know they can count on you.”

Aside from her career, her other full-time job is being a mother of two and a wife to a successful real estate entrepreneur. She’s also dedicated to giving to Sky High for Children, a special charity that raises money to fund cancer treatments for kids.

Michele Wheeler

Named by D CEO Magazine as “Commercial Real Estate Executive of the Year” in 2020, JacksonShaw President & CEO

Michele Wheeler is the primary leader of the firm’s commercial real estate development and is a presence in each of the firm’s markets sourcing business opportunities.

With a degree in marketing and management from Stephen F. Austin, Wheeler’s career began at Rosewood Property Company in 1987 before joining Jackson-Shaw in 2005. Through her involvement in land acquisition, entitlements, negotiation of tenant leases, construction contracts and management/leasing agreements, Wheeler creates value across the firm’s product offerings in diverse markets throughout the United States.

Wheeler’s favorite part of the business? Wearing many hats.

“I lead every aspect of JacksonShaw’s commercial real estate business development and am a presence in each of the firm’s markets sourcing new business opportunities,” she said, “but what I love most about the business are the people and the relationship side of the business and seeing the new generation of leaders develop and succeed.”

Her leadership roles have included President of the National Association of Industrial and Office Professionals (NAIOP); National Product Council Chair for the Urban Land Institute; Chair of The Real Estate Council (TREC); and Director of the TREC Foundation. She is also a member of CREW and the Real Estate Financial Executives Association and currently serves on the board of the Jackson-Shaw Foundation.

Outside of work, Wheeler has many hobbies.

“Being outdoors on the water or at my family’s ranch was something that I enjoyed with my father,” Wheeler said. “We spent a lot of time on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Lake Texoma and Possum Kingdom Lake. It wasn’t until I went fly fishing for the first time when Jackson-Shaw began developing its 2,100-acre Wilder on the Taylor ranch community near Crested Butte, Colorado, that I found true zeal while casting a line. Like real estate, fly fishing requires finesse. The sport has taught me to be more patient. You get rewarded for excellent presentations, preparations and practice, and all that translates to business.”