On June 25, 2022, Fort Worth real estate partner Joel W. Heydenburk began his two-year term as Board Chairman of the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth (REC of GFW).
Recently, Joel spoke with the Fort Worth Report about continuing the momentum of his predecessors – importantly, the future real estate development plans for the Panther Island project north of downtown Fort Worth.
“This is a great opportunity,” Joel said. “Let’s not waste it.”
With more than 500 members from 372 different companies, the REC of GFW has played a significant role in supporting growth and helping to improve quality of life in Fort Worth while addressing policy issues that affect development.
Joel discussed advice that the late Susan Halsey, his mentor and former office managing partner of Jackson Walker’s Fort Worth office, shared with him about getting involved in the community. Susan helped establish the Real Estate Council and served as its first chair.
“Toward the end of her life, I noticed that she started saying certain things a little bit more,” Joel said. “One of the things that she said: ‘Be involved in the community, but find something that you’re passionate about because if you do something in the community outside your busy day job that you’re passionate about, you won’t be resentful of the time you’re spending doing it.’ Which I think is absolutely sage advice.”
“One of the things that she said: ‘Be involved in the community, but find something that you’re passionate about because if you do something in the community outside your busy day job that you’re passionate about, you won’t be resentful of the time you’re spending doing it.’ Which I think is absolutely sage advice.”
Joel also talked about his career as a real estate attorney.
“I like the deal-making part of being a real estate lawyer,” he said. “I also like the fact that it’s fairly deadline driven, and I know what I have to do when. The cadence of real estate transactions kind of fits my personality.”
To get to know Joel and read the full profile, visit the Fort Worth Report article “Heydenburk takes on bigger role in Fort Worth real estate”.
Meet Joel
Joel W. Heydenburk has over 18 years of experience handling real estate transactions and operational issues in connection with commercial real estate. His experience consists of representing buyers and sellers in acquisitions and sales of commercial properties ranging from $100 thousand and exceeding $600 million. In recognition of his practice, Joel has been named to The Best Lawyers in America since 2021 in the areas of Real Estate Law and Land Use and Zoning Law. He has also been recognized Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers since 2020.
In addition to the Real Estate Council, Joel volunteers his time with the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth as a member of the Board of Trustees, serving as President in 2017-2018. He is also a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a current Director and member of the Executive Committee of the Texas Lyceum, elected in 2018.
To explore the firm’s experience assisting clients with leasing, developing, buying, selling, and operating properties, visit the Real Estate practice page.