National Realty Services Inc.

Dramatic growth awaits National Realty Services Inc. this year, due to a partnership with a well-capitalized New York-based firm.

National Realty partnered with Apollo Real Estate Advisors LP nearly a year ago to acquire real estate in the Midwest. Already, National Realty has purchased five properties—worth $50 million—and has nearly $70 million more under contract, thanks to the Apollo agreement.

The National Realty team will use its talents of purchasing empty or underleased buildings, rehabilitating older buildings and purchasing new ones to accomplish Apollo’s goals of acquiring real estate and creating value in it, says National Realty Services President Ron Huff.

Apollo does not enter a market unless it can acquire at least $100 million worth of real estate, says Huff, adding there’s no limit on investments. That’s an overwhelming explosion from the $5 million to $6 million value National Realty might have added to its real estate portfolio—property it either owns or manages—in a given year without Apollo’s assistance.

On the revenue end, Huff is anticipating 25 to 30 percent growth in 1999. He’s also got a window of opportunity. With the real estate market slowing, there’s not as much competition for buying buildings, so prices have come down, he says.

Look for Huff to take advantage of the opening and launch the company into a fierce cycle of growth.

National Realty Services Inc.
5131 Post Road, Dublin
Ronald A. Huff, president/CEO
Founded 1976
Employees: 50
1997 revenues: $3 million range
Estimated 1998 revenues: $3.4 million
Revenue growth, ’96 to ’97: Flat
Ownership: Private
Major projects: Port Columbus Executive Park, Westbelt Corporate Center, Crosswoods Center, Cumberland Trail golf community