Broker Casey Casper has moved to HPI Real Estate to bolster its tenant representation group in Austin, Texas, a market he says typically rebounds quickly from economic downturns because it keeps drawing newcomers.
Casper joined HPI as managing director for its tenants advisory team after spending more than nine years at Stream Realty Partners. At his new firm he works with tenants to secure prime office space in a market that has been popular with real estate investors.
HPI Real Estate’s tenant advisory department performs services for its clients including strategic planning, financial analysis, market strategy, construction management, furniture acquisition and lease negotiation.
Casper said he believes Austin's "office market is headed in a positive direction" despite concerns of a potential recession. The Texas capital's history of faring well during downturns, combined with the trend of more employees returning to the office several days a week, are good signs, he said.
Austin is growing as companies including electric-powered vehicle maker Tesla and tech giant Apple have expanded in the area.
“Keep in mind, history has shown over the last three recessions that Austin has been a beneficiary on the back end with the influx of new people and talent that continue to move to Austin during these periods,” Casper said in an email. “I think this somewhat insulates Austin and Central Texas from large scale negative impacts a recession can have on a real estate market.”
Changing Workplace
As far as the workplace goes, the pandemic and economic slowdown have all but ensured one change in office culture: the emergence of a mixture of working at the office and at home.
“I think hybrid work is certainly a fixture in the office market going forward and likely a healthy outcome to give individuals the work-life balance they desire,” Casper said. “The years of five days in the office are likely over for most companies. Keeping your employees happy is essential but creating a strong company culture through the office is key to creating a successful company in my eyes!”
At HPI, Casper is working closely with team leaders Jeff Pace, an executive managing director, and partners Case McCoy and Cortland Lowe. Casper said the company's entrepreneurial spirit and strong relationships in the Austin business community played key roles in his decision to join HPI.
A native of Long Beach, California, Casper came to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business.
He graduated from UT Austin in 2014 and decided to stay after working in the commercial real estate business as an intern at Stream.
“I love my career, the people, the outdoor nature of the city, and the energy that comes with a growing city made up of people with all different backgrounds," he said. "I've been married for 3.5 years to my loving wife and Austin native Camille Casper, who works on the residential side at Compass. We have spent the last few years traveling and are excited to announce we are expecting our first child in the fall!”