Get to Know Olivia Barnes, Market Analyst

Meet Olivia Barnes, Market Analyst and new HLC team member!

Olivia Barnes joined Holt Lunsford Commercial in 2021 and serves as a Market Analyst in the Dallas Office Division. Her responsibilities include gathering market intelligence, producing competitive market sets, producing weekly analysis reports, assisting brokers in lease negotiations and marketing HLC properties. Olivia is dedicated to supporting the leasing transactions team on their approximately 5.1 million square foot portfolio of office assets; researching specified buildings and assisting each Market Director with their individual marketing duties.

Olivia grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas, but has always loved Dallas and had the goal of moving here one day for as long as she can remember.

“I was drawn to Dallas at a really young age,” Olivia said. “When I was in 6th grade, my family visited Dallas and I remember saying to my mom in the car ‘I’m going to live here one day and work here’ as I pointed to the Dallas skyline. So that has been a full circle moment for me. I’ve always loved Dallas and wanted to be here.”

As soon as she got the chance, Olivia packed up and moved to Dallas for college. She attended Dallas Baptist University where she received her BBA in Marketing. At DBU, Olivia was also heavily involved in Greek life, acting as president of her sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa. Olivia fell in love with Dallas as she spent more time in the city and attending DBU.

What brought you to HLC?
I found out about HLC from my boss at DBU. After researching the company, I realized the values at HLC aligned perfectly with my personal values and knew immediately I wanted to be here. After receiving my resume and information from my boss at DBU, Holden reached out to me a couple months later about an office leasing position. Things fell into place for me here and I really do believe it was a God thing. I had been praying a door would be opened somewhere that made sense for me and I felt like it all did at HLC!

How do you hope to grow at HLC?
I hope to grow in my knowledge of real estate. I want to become an expert in office leasing in Dallas specifically. I also want to continue growing professionally and as an individual. HLC is a great place to do that!

What about your role here at HLC most excites you or interests you?
I’m most excited about all the opportunities for growth. I am also excited to work with people throughout my career – I love the relationship aspect of the industry!

What three words would you use to describe the HLC culture?
Fun, hard-working, and exciting.

Which HLC value resonates the most with you and why?
We Seek to Build Trust and the Golden Rule. Having trust and integrity is the most important thing, especially in business. I love that both are valued here. I also think putting others first is important. I want to be a servant-leader and I think the Golden Rule is an easy way to keep that in mind.

What inspires you the most in life?
Both of my parents inspire me. They have taught me to work hard and have fun in life. Both have really pushed me to be my best. They are my biggest fans and encouragers. Looking at them and seeing how they have lived their lives following Christ inspires me. I want to do the same and follow in their footsteps!

What are three interesting things about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume?
I love going on walks, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

Where is the farthest you have traveled?
I have been to Israel. I went with DBU as part of a mission trip.

How do you like to spend your free time?
Reading and spending time with friends and family. I love being with people. I like exploring Dallas too. One of my favorite spots is Royal Blue, a coffee shop, but my favorite location is closing in Highland Park Village.

What is your favorite quote?
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

What can you teach me to do in the next five minutes?
I could teach you how to quickly research the best places to go and things to do in Dallas.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Rocky Road.

What character would you be in a book, move or TV show?
Eloise from Eloise at the Plaza.

What superpower would you like to have?
I would love to be able to fly so I wouldn’t have to deal with traffic.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you?
My friends. An endless amount of iced coffee. Sunscreen.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
A sea turtle because I like the beach.

Last meal?
Fish tacos from Hudson House, a diet coke, and the layered strawberry cake from Drake’s.

Welcome to HLC Olivia, we are glad you are here!