Before many professionals ever close their first deal, Will Curtis, CCIM, CPM is already teaching them how to think about the next ten years. For Curtis, commercial real estate has always been about more than transactions. It is about helping people understand what they are building, why it matters and how to steward assets, careers and institutions over time.
Curtis is managing director of Browning Commercial and principal of Crossed Sabers Asset Management, where he advises owners, occupiers and investors across Texas on leasing strategy, investment sales, property management and operational consulting. Over 16 years in the business, he has completed more than $1.2 billion in commercial real estate transactions across office, industrial and retail, bringing an operator’s mindset to every assignment.
“Will Curtis has emerged as one of the most influential commercial real estate leaders in South Texas, recognized for his transaction expertise, commitment to education, and steady governance leadership during one of the most pivotal periods in the real estate industry,” the nomination noted.
Curtis’ path into real estate began immediately after his service in the U.S. Army, when he entered the civilian workforce while beginning his undergraduate studies. What kept him in engaged the past 16 years isn’t the close, but the outcome.
“One of the things I love about teaching and working with clients is watching their plans and dreams come to reality,” Curtis said. “If that is a family bringing their business off their coffee table into the first commercial space, that investor hit the income goals they have for retirement or even the agent trying to find success in commercial real estate.”
That perspective carries into his role as an educator. Curtis serves as a faculty member for both the CCIM Institute and the Institute of Real Estate Management and is an adjunct professor at Trinity University. He is widely known for making complex real estate, economic and operational concepts understandable and immediately usable, whether he is teaching investment analysis, market evaluation or property operations.
“When I was a young soldier, I was told the only way you are truly a great leader is because of thecoaching and guidance you proivde, if you are a great leader your soldiers will far exceed what you could accomplish,” Curtis said. “I feel I have been blessed to see that both in my military and post military careers and finding those around me hit their own successes.”
Curtis has also played a significant leadership role in organized real estate. He has served as chairman of the board for the San Antonio Board of REALTORS, president of the CCIM San Antonio/South Texas Chapter and regional vice president for both Texas REALTORS and The CCIM Institute. During his tenure as board chair, he helped guide the association through industry-changing litigation, including starting the strategic separation of LERA MLS into an independent entity to reduce legal exposure and strengthen governance.
The challenges he faced transitioning from the military to a civilian, sales-driven world shaped his service-oriented leadership style.
“From the day I joined the Army, I knew what I had to do to promote and win,” Curtis said. “Whereas the civilian world and in sales it is completely up to you and your drive and work ethic. Some people will help, others will work against you and there are 100 different roads to success, whereas the military there was really just one. “
That experience led him to create the “Vets in Real Estate” podcast, a platform designed to help transitioning service members find clarity and community as they enter the industry.
“We have helped careers grow, build relationships with veterans from across the country and show that we can be just as successful out of uniform as we were in the uniform,” Curtis said.
Curtis holds a bachelor’s degree in real estate finance and development from The University of Texas at San Antonio and an MBA from St. Mary’s University. He lives in San Antonio with his wife, Desiree, and their three children.
Across advising, education and governance, Curtis’ impact is measured not just in deals closed, but in standards raised. By choosing to teach as he operates, he has helped shape an industry better prepared for the future.
