NewQuest Properties has added Krystal Mutina, president of the Houston chapter of the International Council of Shopping Centers, along with an eager young professional from Georgia to its Land Brokerage & Tenant Representation Group.

Mutina is starting as a vice president with a dual focus on land and tenant representation. NewQuest's newest associate is Joe Marburger, who arrived in Houston one month ago as a new graduate of Georgia Southern University.

"When we find the right talent, we try to create opportunity for them. Krystal checked all the boxes," says Jeffrey S. Hayes, managing partner of land brokerage and tenant representation. "Joe is very enthusiastic, has a great attitude and wants to learn the business. I think he'll be a hit here in Texas."

With the new hires, NewQuest's Land Brokerage & Tenant Representation Group has expanded to 12 brokers, 10 of whom are senior-level executives. Mutina is marking her eighth year in the industry.

"Krystal is a good experienced broker who will bridge the gap between our 30-plus year veterans and our firm's rising stars," Hayes says.

Mutina most recently was senior associate of Edge Realty Partners. Her transaction volume exceeds $100 million.

"Joining NewQuest is an excellent opportunity to work on larger land transactions and ground-up development," Mutina says. "Having grown up in a real estate family, I recognized it was time to take my career to the next level."

Marburger reminds Hayes of himself when he moved to Houston 20 years ago to break into the industry. Immediately after graduating with a degree in finance and information systems, Marburger packed his car and headed to Houston, knowing only one person in the city.

"My plan from the start was to move to Houston. My highest priority was finding a team-oriented firm like NewQuest with mentors who have the time, willingness and knowledge to develop me into a commercial real estate broker," says Marburger, who learned some of the ropes in college while working as a hospitality brokerage intern with Coldwell Banker Commercial in Orlando, Fla.

NewQuest is using 2020 as a springboard for expansion in a marketplace that is changing and adjusting to the new normal. Also in recent weeks, NewQuest hired Marc Peeler and Rick Ragan as vice president and associate, respectively, for its Investment Sales Group.

"NewQuest is in a strong financial position and is looking to leverage its resources and expand our team to stay ahead of the market changes," Hayes says. "We will continue to grow as we find the right people and opportunities."

NewQuest Properties, founded in 2001, is a privately owned, full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in development, land brokerage, leasing, tenant representation, investment sales and property management services. Headquartered in Houston, NewQuest owns a portfolio encompassing more than 60 retail and mixed-use projects valued at $2.2 billion and provides leasing services for more than 12 million square feet of commercial space in Texas, Louisiana and throughout the U.S.