Meet the Speakers

Young Guns Forum: Design District

Meet the Speakers

MODERATOR

Kim Brooks

Principal
Transwestern

Bio

With more than 25 years of commercial real estate experience, Kim Brooks is an accomplished industry professional who oversees approximately 3 million square feet of high-rise office property. Known for her practical, relationship-driven approach, she combines deep market experience with strategic leadership to enhance property performance and create lasting value for her ownerships.

PANELIST

Amber Calhoun

Vice President
M2G Ventures

Bio

With more than a decade in commercial real estate, Amber is most passionate about creating a customized, unique experience for every tenant and prospect she works with. After earning her bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Texas Wesleyan University, she joined Transwestern’s Retail Team in 2015, where she built her career in hospitality and retail brokerage, focusing on urban mixed-use projects and emerging concepts in the market.

Amber has since expanded her expertise into industrial leasing. In this role, she leads the leasing process from first conversation to a signed lease, cultivating new prospects, drafting proposals, and negotiating new leases and renewals across M2G’s industrial and retail portfolio. Her years on the brokerage side give her a clear understanding of what tenants need to grow, and she brings that perspective to every deal. She takes pride in helping partners and clients build strategic growth plans for long-term success.

Amber lives in Fort Worth, TX where she enjoys everything outdoors. Whether that be on a lake or a mountain with family and friends.

PANELIST

Chad Cook

Founder
Quadrant Investment Properties

Bio

In 2012, Chad founded Quadrant Investment Properties (“QIP”), a Dallas-based commercial estate investment company that specializes in urban office centric mixed-use opportunities. The company has invested over $1 billion of capital through the acquisition and redevelopment of approximately three million square feet.

  • Over $1.17 billion invested
  • 3M square feet redeveloped
  • 15 projects completed
  • Founded 2012

Since 2019, QIP has been active in the Design District, purchasing 27 parcels, developing or redeveloping over 600,000 square feet.

Prior to founding QIP, Chad was Vice President of Acquisitions at Hillwood Investment Properties, where he focused on national acquisition & development opportunities, institutional joint ventures, and development partnerships. In addition to helping lead the company’s acquisition team, Chad oversaw the disposition of over $1 billion in commercial real estate assets.

PANELIST

Chas Martin

Founding Partner
Duro Hospitality

Bio

Chas Martin is a founding partner of Duro Hospitality and a driving force behind some of Dallas’ most celebrated restaurants. After beginning his career under chef Samir Dhurandhar, he found his calling in the front of house, rising from host to General Manager of Nick & Sam’s within four years. He later consulted for hotelier Tim Headington and served as Director of Food and Beverage at Hotel ZaZa Dallas.

In 2018, Chas opened The Charles as General Manager and Managing Partner, overseeing its development and operations. He has since helped launch Duro’s distinctive portfolio, including Sister, El Carlos Elegante, Café Duro, Mister Charles, Norman’s Japanese Grill, Chumley House and Scilla. Known for his infectious energy and instinctive approach to hospitality, Chas creates exceptional places to dine, drink, and work.

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