Real Estate and Banking in 2025: Economic Outlook

A panel and professional gathering of family offices, regional lenders, and commercial brokers

Featured Panelists

Shane Smith

Director of Research

Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.

Shane Benner

Adjunct Professor at the TCU Neeley School of Business & First VP of Investment Sales at Bradford Commercial Real Estate

Michael Hennig

Economic Development Manager

City of Fort Worth

Shane Smith is a seasoned economist and research professional with extensive experience in both academic and applied economic research. He currently serves as the Director of Research at Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI), where he leads data-driven initiatives to support urban development and community insights.

Shane has also taught economics as an adjunct professor at Dallas County Community College, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of economists. His research background includes a role as a research analyst at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he contributed to key projects in public policy and economic analysis.

Shane holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas and is certified as a Geographic Information Services Professional (GIS).

He can be reached at: shane@dfwi.org

Shane serves as First Vice President, Investment Sales at Bradford Commercial Real Estate Services and a Faculty Member at Texas Christian University's M.J. Neeley School of Business, where he teaches Real Estate Principles (FINA 30313) and informs the next generation of real estate professionals.

Shane Benner specializes in commercial real estate investment sales focused on cash-flow and revenue-generating properties, including industrial, office, and retail assets.

Shane holds a BBA in Finance and Accounting from TCU's Neeley School and an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business. His career spans leadership roles in investment sales, tenant representation, and entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding a consulting and technology firm.

Shane has held various leadership roles with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County and contributed to organizations like the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth.

He can be reached at: shane@shanebenner.com

Michael Hennig is recognized regionally and nationally as a leader in economic development. For nearly two decades, he has supported major projects and policy initiatives in the public and private sector in markets across North America and abroad. He currently serves as Economic Development Manager for the City of Fort Worth, leading innovative initiatives that enhance regional growth through public-private partnerships, infrastructure investments, and sustainable economic strategies. Michael also leads the City's business attraction and strategic real estate projects team in partnership with other community organizations.

Previously, Michael held leadership roles as Director of Community and Economic Development for the Capital Area Council of Governments, where he oversaw regional economic development projects and advanced impactful policy initiatives in the Austin region. His private sector experience includes serving as President of Economic Development at AngelouEconomics, where he provided strategic consulting to businesses and public entities on economic growth strategies.

Michael holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship from the TCU Neeley School of Business, an MPA in Economic Development from the University of Texas at Arlington, and has completed advanced doctoral research in Public Policy and Administration with a focus on private equity and economic development. He is also a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) with expertise in urbanism, sustainable growth policy, and the intersection of finance and regional economics.

He can be reached at: michael.hennig@fortworthtexas.gov

Pictures from the gathering.