HOUSTON, TX – August 4, 2022 – Gulf Coast Commercial Group, an established, Houston-based real estate firm specializing in retail development, leasing and property management, is once again expanding their team. Commercial real estate veteran Darren Amato has joined the company in the position of Vice President of Capital Markets, while Brad Kilbride has been appointed to the role of Leasing Associate.

In their new capacities, Amato is responsible for Capital Markets, Acquisitions and Dispositions, and Kilbride is currently focused on shopping leasing activities tied to regional power centers, grocery-anchored centers, neighborhood strip centers and new development.

Before accepting his new post at Gulf Coast Commercial Group, Amato spent nearly two decades with Houston’s Weingarten Realty Investors, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Investments. In that role he oversaw Capital Markets, Acquisitions, Disposition and Joint Venture relationships with private and institutional partners.

Previously, he was based in Cleveland, Ohio and worked for Forest City Enterprises focusing on construction and permanent loan financings of retail, office and hotel properties.  Amato holds a BBA in economics from Eastern Michigan University.

Prior to joining Gulf Coast Commercial Group, Kilbride was employed at fully-integrated commercial real estate company Lee & Associates – Houston, Texas where he specialized in tenant representation for both national and regional retailers and restaurants throughout the Bayou City, South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Before that, he served as a Leasing Executive in Weingarten Realty’s Houston office and was responsible for two million square feet in power centers, neighborhood strip centers and grocery anchored developments.

Killbride began his commercial real estate career in Jacksonville, FL as a fixed asset specialist for Regency Centers. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate.

According to Gulf Coast Commercial Group President Tom Lile, “We’re thrilled to be adding two remarkable individuals to our growing team, both of whom bring talent, expertise and the respect of their peers to this firm.”

Founded in 1999, Gulf Coast Commercial Group and its affiliates have overseen the development of more than eight million square feet of retail space, spanning 12 states and with a total capitalization of over $1 billion.