NAI Martens – one of the state’s largest commercial real estate brokerage firms – has taken the next step in its leadership transition by elevating Steven J. Martens, CPM, CCIM, SIOR, to the position of Chairman, and naming Tom Johnson, CRE, as In-House Counsel. Both remain shareholders and full-time brokers with the firm. Additionally, current Senior Vice President Grant Glasgow, SIOR, becomes President of NAI Martens, and current COO Andrew Braun becomes CEO. Jeff Englert also takes on new responsibilities, serving as Managing Partner.

Steven J. Martens, CPM, CCIM, SIOR and Tom Johnson, CRE

The leadership changes are part of NAI Martens’ succession plan after Glasgow, Englert, Kris Wessel and Nathan Farha purchased a majority stake in the company in 2019. It comes on the heels of the firm’s December 2021 move to its new Wichita headquarters at 1330 E. Douglas in the Douglas Design District.

“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is the importance of continuity,” said Martens, who also remains President and CEO of The Martens Companies, a group of four other commercial real estate investment, appraisal, and hospitality management firms. “As a business owner, you’re always looking ahead and envisioning what the future of your company will look like. Tom Johnson and I have had the privilege to collaborate closely with Grant, Andy, Jeff, Kris and Nathan for the past 15 years or more. We’re confident in their dedication to the company, as well as their passion for serving our clients and this community.”

“I am excited about this next step in our company’s evolution,” Glasgow said. “Our business has developed and grown exponentially under the leadership of Steve and Tom. We’re fortunate to have them continuing with us as we take the business to even greater heights in the years to come.

“We’re especially pleased to have Tom staying on as In-House Counsel and continuing to lead the company’s New Advisor Development Training,” Glasgow

Grant Glasgow, SIOR and Andrew Braun

continued. “Tom has more than 45 years in the commercial real estate business. During the 11 years he served as President of NAI Martens, Tom counseled each of us as advisors. We value his unique expertise and know he’s an invaluable resource, particularly for our younger generation of brokers.”

 

Under the new leadership structure, Glasgow will be the public representative of the company, focused on relationship building, business development, and the firm’s worldwide affiliation with NAI Global. A 20-year veteran of NAI Martens, Glasgow has been recognized as a Top Commercial Agent in the Wichita Business Journal’s Real Estate Awards, named a WBJ 40 Under 40 Honoree, and participated in the WBJ’s Emerging Leaders program.

As CEO, Braun will oversee staff, advisors, and day-to-day operations, as well as strategic planning and special projects. Hired as Director of Property Services in 2004, Braun has served as COO since 2008, successfully managing daily operations and recruiting the talented brokerage and support teams in the firm today. Braun is also a past Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree.

Jeff Englert

Englert, as Managing Partner, will oversee high-level operations, strategic planning, and financial operations.

“NAI Martens is truly a legacy company,” Glasgow said. “It was founded by Steve’s father, R.D. Martens, in 1948. Steve carried R.D.’s legacy forward by leading our company’s growth throughout the Midwest. Steve’s reputation and work ethic is one of the main reasons this company ranks as an industry leader today. We are grateful for his guidance all these years and are honored he trusts us to lead the company which bears his name.

“Having a well-thought-out succession plan is vital to any business, and we’ve been fortunate to spend the last couple of years working on this transition with Steve and Tom to make sure we’re prepared to take on our new management roles and not miss a beat,” Glasgow continued. “We’ve got a rock-solid foundation on which to build and great vision for NAI Martens that we plan to carry forward for our clients and for this community.”