Orange County Business Journal
August 2, 1999

Last June, three top retail brokers decided to walk away from longtime careers with CB Richard Ellis and Grubb & Ellis.

Now Wally Limburg, Nelson Wheeler and Jim Clarkson are reaping the benefits of their move to form Strategic Retail Advisors in Newport Beach.

"We're buried," said Limburg with a laugh. "It's a little different challenge, but we're having fun creating our own monster."

The trio has been joined by CB alumna Kathy Fox and Chris Auer from Staubach Co.

Although all five brokers have different resumes, each sports a retail specialization.

In a year's time, SRA has lined up an impressive list of clients: Roy's of Hawaii, which just opened in Fashion Island, as well as restaurants controlled by John Martin and David Wilhelm such as French 75, Chimayo Grill and Sorrento Grille. The boutique also has worked deals in Orange County for Gateway Computers, Stein Mart, Sport Chalet and Brinker International.

SRA also is handling leasing of the Marblehead Promenade in San Clemente and Pointe Anaheim.

"With the addition of Chris (last week), we're probably not going to grow any further," said Limburg. "Are we going to change our minds in the future and become a big firm? I don't know. But for the time being we want to remain a boutique."