The valuation business became more crucial to the dealmaking process, Haney points out, after the Savings and Loan collapse. "The growth of the business has expanded. It's really a driver of business."The firm now has concentrations in hospitality and gaming as well as regional and international offices that handle all product types. The hospitality practice is headed up by Scott Biethan and Dan Lesser. The 25-member team has a current work flow that includes the appraisal of a national, five-property, extended-stay portfolio, conducting feasibility analysis of luxury hotel construction here and offering litigation support work in connection with property tax disputes and condemnation matters. The gaming practice is led by Larry Snyder.

International expansion is a key part of the valuation practice. Haney points out that offering standardized products, reports and methodology is vital to getting deals done on the global front. To beef up the international practice, the firm recently acquired McCann Property & Planning in Australia, DTZ Queensland and Ikoma, which provides services throughout Japan. With those additions, the firm has reach in 42 markets. "Cross border business is vital to our needs," says Haney.

Technology and training is also a core component of the practice. "Technology improves efficiency," Haney points out. The practice even uses what is touted as being among the world's largest copy machines at 41 feet long. The firm says it offers the only in-house educational program in the industry. All appraisers attend ongoing training sessions in the practices' Houston base.