SEATTLE–Lee & Associates, the largest broker-owned commercial real estate firm in North America, has announced the opening of its first office in the state of Washington.
Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services, doing business as Northwest Lee & Associates, has opened an office in downtown Seattle. The company is headed by industry veteran Jim Bowles in partnership with long time brokerage leader Richard Peterson and Chris Peterson.
“Lee & Associates has had its eyes on this region for a long time. We were waiting for the perfect team to open this office and we have found that team in Jim, Richard, and Chris,” said Jeffery Rinkov, CEO of Lee & Associates. “Collectively, they represent more than 75 years of commercial real estate experience. We are extremely happy to have a team of uniquely qualified professionals of this stature open our first office in the Pacific Northwest.”
Bowles, who will serve as President of Northwest Lee & Associates, has more than 35 years of CRE success in the Puget Sound region. He has successfully built and/or managed three of the four largest commercial real estate companies in the region, including Seattle’s biggest and most broadly based operation, CBRE.
“We are delighted to partner with Lee & Associates as we build our business and our presence in the Puget Sound region,” Bowles said. “We spent a year researching various opportunities and concluded that Lee & Associates provides the best, most entrepreneurial structure in the industry.”
Joe Vargas, who is the executive vice president and national advisor of Lee & Associates office expansion and recruitment efforts, was the primary force behind the firm’s move into this market.
“Bowles and the Petersons saw in Lee & Associates a proven structure and a unique commercial brokerage model designed by brokers for brokers. They understand that Lee & Associates will allow them to build on our entrepreneurial platform and tap in to our national coverage and resources. It is the perfect union between their team and our firm.”
Richard Peterson brings 38 years of CRE leadership experience and a successful track record of founding, leading, and growing commercial real estate firms in the Seattle area. In 1995, he founded Puget Sound Properties and successfully built the firm to over 40 agents with offices in Bellevue, Seattle, and Tacoma.
Chris Peterson, with more than eight years of CRE experience, has completed investment sales transactions totaling over 1.25 million square feet and land sales totaling 3 million square feet, with gross considerations of over $200 million.
About Lee & Associates
Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in North America with locations across the U.S. and Canada, providing a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services on a local, regional, national and international level. For the latest news from Lee & Associates, visit lee-associates.com.
