"This region is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States," Winder says. "This acquisition [by Lee & Associates] not only provides our established local client base [additional] resources but also provides Lee with an immediate presence of seasoned brokers."

Mike Tingus, managing principal of Lee & Associates-LA North/Ventura, Inc., says he identified the Lee Idaho expansion opportunity after watching real estate investment dollars flow into the Idaho area from the Southern California region. He reasoned that Lee Idaho would benefit from that synergy and offer an ideal opportunity to expand the Lee presence not just into Idaho but through the Pacific Northwest as well.

Matt Mahoney, who specializes in multifamily and retail properties, and Miles, who is a multifamily, land and build-to-suit specialist, have been active in commercial and investment real estate in Idaho, Arizona, California, Oregon and Montana since 1994. Matt Mahoney has founded two independent investment groups. Miles Mahoney previously served as general manager for a major private software manufacturer.