Robert Gurna made many friends and was beloved by all in the Dallas commercial real estate industry throughout his 50-plus year career. But despite his many accomplishments in the industry, he shunned the spotlight, so his peers on the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame Committee, in conjunction with the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Association, had to work quietly to surprise him with the Michael F. McCauley Lifetime Achievement Award at their 2024 Hall of Fame event.
“I can’t believe we made it,” said Kathy Parmenter, co-managing partner at Younger Partners, where Mr. Gurna worked until he retired last year, and a member of the Hall of Fame committee. “He was so surprised.”
Gurna died last week at the age of 80 after suffering a stroke.
His impact on the industry, not only as a preeminent land broker but also as a leader and mentor, cannot be overstated. Mr. Gurna began his career in 1971 as president of the investment and land division of Henry S. Miller & Co. In 2015, he founded NOVUS Commercial Real Estate with Sam Cartaris and Greg Trout. A year later, the company merged with Younger Partners, led by Parmenter and Moody Younger.
Gurna was actively involved in the industry he loved: he was a co-founder of the North Texas Land Council and served as vice president of the Dallas Association of Realtors. He is best known as a leader in the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame, which he co-founded with Darrell Hermis and Chris Teasdale in 1987. Gurna was also the instigator and co-publisher of a coffee table book that chronicled the history of the North Texas commercial real estate industry. Hall of Fame—Volume 4 It’s due for release this fall and is dedicated to Gurna.
A decorated Air Force veteran, Gurna earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. He has shared his in-depth market knowledge as a contributing editor to D CEO Commercial Real Estate for many years.
Here, his closest friends and colleagues share their memories of Gurna and their views on his impact on the industry.
“This is an extremely difficult loss for me and for our industry. We have worked closely with the Hall of Fame for 37 years (36 events and four books) and it is difficult to sum up in a few words such an honoree who contributed so much not only to the Hall of Fame but also to the commercial real estate industry, mentoring and leading young professionals in the industry. His impact is felt throughout the industry. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know this very private and unique man and will miss him deeply.” —Chris Teasdale, Executive Vice President, Colliers International
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my mentor and best friend. He was the most caring, thoughtful person imaginable. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and will be greatly missed. … The highlight was when we surprised him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He had turned it down many times before because he didn’t want the attention. But afterwards, he gave me a big hug and told me how much it meant to him.” —Darrell Hermes, Executive Vice President and President, Henry S. Miller Real Estate Services
“Robert was a great human being. A genuine, humble man who never sought attention. Without Robert, there would be no real estate hall of fame or book in Dallas. He created it and ran it. He touched so many lives in the real estate industry and made a positive impact on everyone. … During the merger, he transformed the company by diversifying into other businesses. He had a deep knowledge of the market and the people.” —Moody Younger, Co-Managing Partner, Younger Partners
“After I served as chairman of NTCAR, he and Chris [Teesdale] Darrell [Hurmis] Robert asked me to serve on the Hall of Fame committee. I was the first woman to serve on the committee, and it was a great honor. At one committee meeting, he told me that his company was for sale and asked Moody and I if we would be interested. It was one of the best things that ever happened to our company. … There are countless stories of Robert working behind the scenes and helping others. People have so much respect for him. He was a big presence in the industry and an icon in the industry. He was also a true gentleman with a great sense of humor and a kind heart.” —Kathy Parmenter, Co-Managing Partner, Younger Partners
“It is my hope that we will all continue to remember and celebrate Robert’s accomplishments for years to come. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, especially to the NTCAR Hall of Fame, have inspired and influenced many. I will be forever grateful to have known Robert. He was an influential man.”— Lynn Dowdle, President of Dowdle Realty (HOF Committee Member)
“Many of us remember the savings and loan crisis and RTC era in the late 1980s and early ’90s. It was a very dark time for the industry and many brokers failed. I was bankrupt and discouraged when Robert, a longtime broker and seasoned veteran, gave me some much-needed encouragement. He sent me a handwritten note and then called me to stay on track and give me some much-needed encouragement. He told me I was a promising young man, the market was cyclical and things would work out. After 40 years of brokerage and many lifelong memories, I am truly grateful for Robert’s words of encouragement.” —Rex Glendenning, REX Real Estate
“I met Robert when I joined Miller in 1974. He was heading the land group and I was a partner with Herb Weitzman in the retail group. We all knew each other and had a lot of fun. We had no money, but we were happy. Robert was always an outgoing person and well-liked by everyone throughout his career. He was a very bright, astute businessman. When Miller was bought, a lot of the key people left the firm to start their own firms. Robert did his deals and I did my deals. Then we got together in the early 1990s. … Robert was a great partner. We worked together for 50 years – our whole lives. He was well known and respected in the industry and a total professional. I was very lucky and I will miss him very much.” —Sam Cartaris, Younger Partners Consultant
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Kristin Perez
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Christine is CEO Working across the magazine and its online platform, she is a nationally award-winning business journalist and…
