Get to Know Chris Bryan, Investment Analyst

Meet Chris Bryan, Investment Analyst and new HLC Team Member!

Chris Bryan joined Holt Lunsford Commercial in 2022 and serves as an Investment Analyst with the Holt Lunsford Commercial Investment (HCLI) team. He is responsible for underwriting and evaluating potential investments, supporting the team in the execution of transactions, and using data analysis to monitor industry trends. Before HLC, Chris interned with a single-family lot developer and completed various educational programs, including Argus Enterprise Training.

Chris was born and raised in Dallas and attended the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. He continued his studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, receiving a BBA in Finance and earning the Eddie Ary Outstanding Senior Finance Award. In addition to finance, Chris’ passions include piano, film acting, and a variety of sports.

What brought you to HLC?
During my time at Ouachita, I regularly attended networking meetings with various CRE professionals in DFW. After speaking with the HLC team, I wanted to stay in touch. I needed to join a group with similar Christian values who I felt believed in me as much as I believe in myself. It was, and still is, pivotal for me to work at a place where I can grow my talents and skills while receiving professional and personal mentorship from people I admire.

How do you hope to grow at HLC?
First, I want to become one of the most skilled young professionals in DFW industrial development. I am confident that the work environment at HLC (work reps, mentorships, networking opportunities, etc.) will allow me to execute my professional goals. I also hope to leverage the unique environment at HLC to grow spiritually because Christian values are integrated into my day-to-day work experience.

What about your role at HLC most excites or interests you?
I love working with this team and the work itself; my workdays are the longest, easiest days I have ever had. I am most excited that my day-to-day tasks involve various commercial real estate disciplines—financial modeling, site due diligence, construction financing analyses, building relationships with contractors and vendors, etc. I get to help with and learn about many different areas of the industry, which will help me strengthen my foundational commercial real estate knowledge.

Which HLC value resonates the most with you and why?
Value: WE WORK HARD, PRODUCE RESULTS, AND IMPROVE

I have always wanted to be a part of a high-achieving and hard-working group of people, so I am beyond excited to say that I have never been surrounded by a group of people that I look up to more than my team at HLCI. I look up to their drive, skills, values, etc. I noticed immediately upon starting at HLC that it was a culture of hardworking individuals who wanted to be the best at what they did without compromising their values; it is a team of people living the kind of life I desire for myself and my family.

What three words would you use to describe the HLC culture?
Extraordinary, Intentional, Tenacious

Who or what inspires you?
I want to be the best that I can be. I don’t know what it is about my wiring, but I am not satisfied unless I perform at the top of my ability. I enjoy being challenged, learning, and problem-solving, which this job certainly facilitates. The idea of being a top real estate developer in DFW continues to push me.

Additionally, I am very financially motivated. It is not that I want money for the sake of accumulating money, but I enjoy what money allows me to do. I have a dream life in which I can help the people I care about, taking my mom on vacation or buying my dad a classic car, for example. I want to be able to ask my wife, “when are we taking the kids to Greece?” I don’t want to have to ask if we can make it work.

What’s your secret talent no one at work knows about?
No one knows that I am classically trained in piano. I took lessons from when I was four to 18 years old, and I continued playing throughout college.

If you had to choose, what would your last meal be? No limits.
My last meal would be my mom’s fillet mignon, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. It has been my go-to meal since high school.

Welcome to HLC, Chris; we are glad you are here!