CBRE announced this week that Denver commercial real estate icon Michael Winn is retiring. Winn has been at the forefront of Colorado investment property sales for over 35 years. Together with his team he has executed over $21 billion in transactions, touching most of Denver’s highest-profile assets. The Winn-Richey team, including his business partner of 30 years Tim Richey, will continue serving institutional clients with their property dispositions and recapitalizations across the Mountain West.
“Mike Winn is a real estate icon. His stamp on the Denver skyline will last a lifetime. Mike’s contribution to CBRE cannot be overstated. As we celebrate Mike’s retirement, we are sure he will continue to contribute to our firm and culture. We owe him tremendous thanks,” said Chris Ludeman, global president, CBRE Capital Markets.
The team also includes long-time partners Chad Flynn, Jenny Knowlton and Charley Will, whose tenure with the team ranges from 9 to 15 years. The Winn-Richey team has been the force behind nearly all of the Mountain West’s largest commercial real estate transactions over the past two decades. During the 2017/2018 record-setting period for downtown Denver investment sales, the team set all the price per sq. ft. records, including The Triangle Building, 1401 Lawrence, 1601 Wewatta and 1801 California.
Earlier this year, the team arranged the $400 million sale of Denver City Center, the $146 million sale of the J.P. Morgan Boulder Portfolio and the record-setting sale of The HUB in RiNo. Collectively the team has completed over 500 office and retail transactions, totaling nearly 120 million sq. ft. and more than $21 billion in consideration.
“Mike and the team’s market dominance is unquestionably impressive, but the real legacy Mike leaves behind is the positive impact he’s had on our organization and the industry at large. It’s rare for someone at the pinnacle of his field to be so committed to team building and mentoring the next generation of top producers. Mike has fostered a remarkable group of professionals over
the course of many years who are carrying on his tradition of unparalleled client service,” added Pete Schippits, division president, CBRE’s Mountain-Northwest Advisory Services.
Mr. Winn began his commercial real estate career at Grubb & Ellis in Denver, where he first partnered with Mr. Richey. The pair moved to Cushman & Wakefield before joining CBRE in 2014 as vice chairmen, the highest producer title at the firm.
The team has been recognized as either NAIOP Colorado or DMCAR’s Top Investment Brokers of the Year 19 times out of the last 24 years. Mr. Winn and Mr. Richey have also ranked among CBRE’s top producers in the Americas multiple years.
“I am really grateful to Mike for all of our success over the last 30 years. He’s been a tremendous partner in all respects. With his support and dedication, we’ve forged one of the strongest brokerage teams in the country. CBRE has provided a platform that has allowed our team to develop extraordinary skills and experience. We are excited about the future and about the exceptional level of service we can deliver to our clients,” commented Mr. Richey, vice chairman, CBRE Capital Markets.
Mr. Winn’s impact extends beyond his work at CBRE. He has been an active member and speaker within industry organizations, including the Urban Land Institute, ICSC and NAIOP.
“To everyone that I’ve met over the years, it’s been my pleasure to work with each and every one of you. I am going to miss the personal relationships with our clients and my partners and team members. I am most proud of the team of professionals that Tim and I have assembled over 30+ years. That team has provided world-class brokerage services and created 500+ successful
outcomes for our clients. Tim and I started working on a long-term team succession plan 4-5 years ago. This is the final step. Chad, Jenny and Charley are more than ready,” said Winn.
