In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Ryan Hartsell, Principal & Managing Partner at Oxford Partners in Houston, Texas, to break down why tenant representation (tenant rep) is one of the most overlooked ways to build a durable commercial real estate career—and why it’s harder (and more valuable) than most people think.

If you’re a broker, investor, or business owner evaluating space in Houston (or comparing major markets like Denver, Colorado), this episode gives you a clear look at how top tenant reps operate—and what to copy in 2026.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why tenant rep is the best-kept secret in commercial real estate brokerage
• The difference between tenant rep, buyer rep, and landlord rep in real life
• How to learn a massive market like Houston, TX (vs. Denver, CO)
• Why cold calling isn’t dead (and what Ryan’s data says)
• Ryan’s must-have systems: outbound workflow, data, surveys, and comps
• Where AI actually helps in leasing + lease review (and where it misleads clients)
• Hiring and training: the 4 core values Ryan looks for in brokers
• Why SIOR and entrepreneur networks can accelerate your career

Perfect For:

• Brokers exploring tenant rep or occupier services
• Commercial real estate teams building outbound prospecting systems
• Operators who want a modern tech stack for leasing and pipeline management
• Broker-owners focused on recruiting, training, and retention

About the Guest:

Ryan Hartsell is the Principal and Managing Partner of Oxford Partners, a Houston-based commercial real estate firm specializing in tenant representation and owner-user buyer representation across office, industrial, and healthcare. Ryan is known for building a system-driven, collaborative brokerage culture and leveraging technology to scale prospecting, client service, and deal execution.

About the Host:

Aviva Sonenreich is the Managing Broker of the Warehouse Hotline and host of Commercial Real Estate Secrets. She is a third-generation commercial real estate owner and broker, specializing in industrial real estate, investment strategy, and helping owners and occupiers make smarter real estate decisions through data, experience, and media.

Save this episode so you can come back and learn how top tenant rep teams dominate through systems, tech, and smart processes