NEWPORT BEACH, CA—GlobeSt.com recently reported that locally based, privately owned real estate firm Voit Real Estate Services has restructured to a broker-led organization with Eric Hinkelman, former executive managing director of the firm, as CEO. The firm was founded in 1971 by Bob Voit as a development company. We spoke exclusively with Hinkelman about the changes at the firm and what they mean for Voit and its clients going forward.

GlobeSt.com: Earlier this month, Voit Real Estate Services publicly announced some big changes within the organization. Can you summarize what the new structural changes entail?

Hinkelman: After 40-plus years of being a sole ownership entity, Bob Voit is getting out of the day-to-day management and has turned the company operations over to his brokerage professionals that have helped establish the unique brand and culture that is Voit Real Estate Services. This is great opportunity for Bob to be able to focus more of his time on his passion, investment and development, while the brokers take the helm at Voit.

GlobeSt.com: With so many brokerage houses consolidating and expanding into national and international markets, how do you think Voit will fare as a regionalized firm?

Hinkelman: There has been a desire for some time now to get back to our core business of commercial brokerage services within our primary Southern California markets. We believe that dedicated customer service and expertise in our regions will continue to win our clients' loyalty and business. As a privately owned firm, we answer to our clients, not Wall Street or outside investors.

GlobeSt.com: What does this mean for your clients and how will this affect recruiting new talent to your organization?

Hinkelman: We will continue to operate as we have, with our clients' as our top priority. From their perspective, nothing will change and we will continue to provide unmatched service and tailored solutions in order to help our clients achieve their commercial real estate goals.

And, as a broker-driven firm, we now stand out even more amongst our corporate-run competitors. Now, with the brokers leading the operations, Voit is an obvious choice for brokerage professionals looking to be a part of an organization that is truly entrepreneurial. At Voit, there is the opportunity to have a seat at the table. Here, brokers have a voice in their company and in their careers.

GlobeSt.com: What does the immediate and long-term future of Voit look like?

Hinkelman: Year to date, our business is booming, and we have every expectation of finishing 2015 with record numbers. Moving forward, operating under the new management structure and with the brokers as stakeholders, we anticipate being more strategic with our local recruiting efforts and streamlining our operations for greater efficiency.