Get to Know Quinn Hanford, Market Analyst

Quinn Hanford joined Holt Lunsford Commercial in 2021 and serves as a Market Analyst in the Dallas Tenant Representation division. Quinn focuses on advising clients on their office and industrial relocations, facility evaluation, strategic planning, contract negotiation, financial analysis, and market knowledge.

Prior to joining HLC, he was an analyst at Vornado Realty Trust in New York City where he managed and supported the development of the Penn District, reviewed leases, facilitated walkthroughs, and assisted in financial reporting.

Quinn was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and came to Texas after graduating high school to attend Southern Methodist University. While attending the university, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Finance.

Quinn is a Texas Real Estate Commission license holder and an active member of NAIOP, ULI, and ICSC organizations.

What brought you to HLC?
I went to SMU with John Dickenson’s cousin, and she pushed me to talk to John. I reached out to him and started to get more information about HLC right after graduation. He gave me 10 names and urged me to meet as many people as possible because this is what the industry is about – networking and building relationships with people. John introduced me to Tyler Howarth after I moved home from New York. I was supposed to come to HLC mid-COVID and there was an outbreak the day of my interview, so we ended up doing a zoom meeting for my initial interview. Tyler said they still needed to meet me in person, so I was pretty much flying back and forth from New Orleans to Texas trying to figure everything out. After I had formerly met everyone in person, Tyler extended an offer.

How do you hope to grow at HLC?
Something that is huge here is having a family environment. I think that was something I was missing in my previous role. I didn’t really have close relationships with my coworkers because of the size of the company. At HLC, I’m hoping to personally achieve more, and I think that will foster a more successful work product.

Which HLC value resonates the most with you and why?
We Love People. Just going back to how relationship-based we are I think it’s huge to have a great attitude and really get people to trust you and vise-versa. Building those relationships is very important.

What three words would you use to describe the HLC culture?
Energetic, supportive, and autonomous.

What about your role here at HLC most excites you or interests you?
Being able to be an entrepreneur. Tyler is always there to help when I need it, but he’s very much a proponent of approaching things in ways that work best for us. He encourages us to do things our own way and keep an open mind.

If you could tell one person “thank you” for helping you become the person you are today, who would it be and why?
I have to give that one to my mom. My mom is outspoken, but she has been extremely supportive because she could always resonate with me on that level. She always has my back and has helped me a lot growing up.

What are three interesting things about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume?
I was born with blonde hair. I have my scuba diving certification. I’m actually from a small city outside of New Orleans called Metairie.

Where is the furthest you’ve traveled?
Berlin, Germany, probably. I did a big Europe trip after graduation, where we visited different countries. London was probably my favorite city.

How do you define success?
Succeeding personally and then following that with professionally. You’re also successful when you’re happy and feel like you’re contributing to a larger team goal. Having an input that is seen and being a value-add is important to me.

What is your favorite quote?
“Loyalty is a two-way street. If I’m asking for it from you, then you’re getting it from me.” – Harvey Spector, Suits

What character would you be in a book or movie?
Ari Gold in Entourage.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Definitely cookie dough or any Talenti flavor.

What’s your secret talent no one at work knows about?
I’m really big into cooking and I like using weird gadgets in the kitchen. My favorite is probably cooking steaks. I use a sous vide to vacuum seal and cook meat then finish it off on the grill.

What superpower would you like to have?
Seeing into the future.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
An elephant because they’re big and strong, yet gentle and loyal to their herds.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you?
A straw that will turn water into drinkable water. A fishing pole. A couple friends to keep me entertained or I’d lose my mind.

What was the last gift you gave someone?
My dad and I planned a huge surprise birthday party for my mom. We customized hats, cups, etc. and invited all her friends and family. She still talks about it to this day.

Last meal?
A tomahawk ribeye, a ton of sushi, everything covered in truffle, and a big slice of cheesecake.

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