SHILOH, IL (09/16/22) – Commercial and industrial real estate firm BARBERMURPHY has added three new brokers to its team

Scott Muentnich, Cole Hensel and LaRae Bigard recently joined the 20-broker firm as broker associates. Each possesses unique market sector experience.

Muentnich brings his construction expertise to the table. “I assist owners seeking expertise for new projects and the build-out of existing buildings,” said Muentnich. “BARBERMURPHY is a transactional firm that does not own or manage real estate, which is what sets it apart. We help owners perform research on properties, and we share our expertise about the local market to equip buyers, sellers and investors with the market analytics they need to make the best decision.”

Specializations that Muentnich brings to BARBERMURPHY include client growth initiatives and expertise on local municipality negotiations, tax increment financing, grants, business incentives and redevelopment agreements.

A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate with a bachelor’s degree in construction management with 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, Muentnich is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-accredited professional. He specializes in guiding clients through existing property assessments, land acquisition or sales and construction-related issues. Muentnich is a member of the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce and the REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois.

Cole Hensel began his career at BARBERMURPHY immediately upon graduating from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is a member of the firm’s industrial brokerage team, learning from senior team members Steve Zuber and James Leopold. Hensel completed an internship at BARBERMURPHY last summer.

“I love what I do and have the privilege of learning from two of the best industrial brokers in the St. Louis region,” said Hensel, who is a Millstadt, IL native. “There’s something about the industrial side that really invigorates me. We deal with a great number of unique buyers and sellers.”

Hensel was drawn to the real estate profession after job shadowing Zuber during a high school career day several years ago. “I understand that real estate can be a large part of a client’s portfolio,” he said, “and I take pride in communicating properly and informing clients of the process along the way.”

LaRae Bigard also developed an affinity for commercial real estate while in her teens. By the time she graduated from high school in the small Southern Illinois town of Newton, Bigard earned her real estate license. She is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in finance at SIUE and plans to pursue an MBA. In 2021, Bigard joined the newly formed SIUE real estate club.

“My mother is a real estate broker, so I’ve been interested in the field for a long time,” she said. “I enjoy a challenge, and I’m excited to be one of few women working in commercial and industrial real estate in the St. Louis region.”

BARBERMURPHY is one of the top commercial real estate brokerage firms in the Southern Illinois/St. Louis region, with 20 experienced brokers holding licenses in Illinois and Missouri and with more than 500 active listings in the St. Louis metro area. BARBERMURPHY is the market leader and go-to firm for anyone seeking to buy, sell, lease or invest in this diverse market.

For more information, contact BARBERMURPHY at 618.277.4400.