Transwestern announced it has hired renowned Arizona real estate executive Jim Fijan, who has 35 years of commercial real estate experience, to serve as Executive Managing Partner to drive continued growth in Phoenix while fostering a collaborative and engaging environment throughout the region.
Fijan will work closely with Mark Stratz, Transwestern’s Managing Director and City Leader in Phoenix, to expand the firm’s brand, grow all service lines, recruit rising talent and enhance client service. They will use the firm’s boutique level of customized service for clients with the ability to draw on the national Transwestern platform.
“Changing direction from having my own venture was a lengthy and difficult decision, but the opportunities afforded by Transwestern are a perfect fit,” Fijan said. “Most important to me was joining a company with a purpose and culture that I can identify with – work together, provide extraordinary client service and enjoy our jobs. The quality of Transwestern’s leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit were of significant importance.”
Stratz added, “We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Transwestern. He has an extremely positive reputation in the industry, both locally and nationally, and his expertise will be an immediate asset to our clients. His prestige in the market and desire to mentor young professionals brings tremendous energy to the office.”
Fijan’s exceptional leadership, transactional track record, strong relationships, and commitment to Phoenix and the West are among the reasons he has been named the NAIOP Office Broker of the Year 20 times over his career. Fijan has completed 120 million square feet of transactions with a total consideration of approximately $14 billion. He has obtained record pricing in every submarket in the Phoenix area being recognized as AZRE Magazine‘s Real Estate and Development Broker of the Year and has won six CCIM Forecast events. Prior to forming Fijan Advisors, Fijan spent 34 years at CBRE as one of their top producing brokers.
Nationally, Transwestern has 33 U.S. offices and differentiates itself through an entrepreneurial spirit of empowering its team members to provide the highest possible level of service for clients. The firm plans to immediately add to the Phoenix office’s current roster of more than a dozen brokers by investing in professionals who align with Transwestern’s culture and service mindset. Transwestern is committed to hiring young talent and developing their skills with seasoned brokers who lead and mentor.
“Jim and his team are the keystone to Transwestern creating a larger footprint in Phoenix, driving valuable business relationships across the country, and influencing our growth strategy in the broader West region,” said Tom Lawyer, President of Transwestern Commercial Services. “Jim is an important addition to our team who will no doubt draw other game-changing talent at this pivotal point in our growth in the West.”
Fijan will bring clients and relationships from his own brokerage firm, Fijan Advisors, to Transwestern. He also brings his son, Jack Fijan, as Director, and Heather Rindo, as Senior Marketing Coordinator. Jack Fijan and Heather Rindo play an integral role in achieving success for clients. Both are strong communicators with great energy and a desire to grow in the industry.
Jim Fijan has served on the Board of Directors of BBVA Compass Bank, as a regent at Brophy College Preparatory and a capital campaign cabinet member for First Place. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
