Transwestern Real Estate Services added two new brokers who will help form a leasing team focused on representing building owners in the Minneapolis Central Business District.
The team will be led by Vice President Trinette Wacker, who has been a broker with Transwestern since 2022. She will be joined by Vice President Katie Hopp, who is transitioning into brokerage from the Transwestern Asset Services group, and Associate Joe Buckingham, who joined the company in January.
According to Transwestern’s Midwest Research team, office leasing activity in Downtown Minneapolis has increased an average of 32% annually since 2021. To meet this growing demand, the team will leverage its complementary strengths to deliver dedicated, strategic, operational, and financial advisory support to building owners.
More about the trio’s backgrounds and skillsets:
- Trinette Wacker entered commercial real estate in 2019 after a successful 13-year career as an HR executive. She brings expertise in strategic leasing, financial analysis, tenant relationships, and seamless operational execution. Wacker currently represents a mix of Twin Cities properties, including Class A office towers in the Minneapolis CBD, and is regarded as a top CBD broker by industry peers.
- Katie Hopp began her property management career in 2010, and she transitioned to brokerage in 2026. Previously the General Manager of Baker Center, a 1-million-square-foot asset in downtown Minneapolis, she has experience managing property budgets and expenses and brings what clients refer to as an “owner’s mindset.” Hopp also led tenant satisfaction efforts and worked closely with landlords and leasing teams to ensure successful transactions.
- Joe Buckingham has financial management expertise and is adept at reporting, underwriting, tour support, and deal analysis. His role will focus on business development, market analysis, proposal preparation, and prospecting. He has FINRA Series 7, 66, and SIE certifications.
