Michelle Carpenter

Daughter of a pioneer West University builder and commercial developer, and one of a few remaining native Houstonians, Michelle's fascination with real estate started at an early age when her father began imparting his knowledge by taking her to his construction sites where she observed the commercial and residential building process first hand. She continued assisting her father over the years, absorbing as much as she could about the practical aspects of the acquisition, development and management of real estate. Later, at age 16, she touched the sales aspect of the business by finding the perfect home for a relative who sought her advice.

While in college, Michelle's father assigned her a project that left a lasting impression. For the first time, she was responsible for the daily operation of a distressed, multi-family property. Imparting her vision with confidence, Michelle changed the property's design, safety, appearance, tenant mix, rents and culture to successfully enhance its overall market value.

Michelle attended Rice University, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of St. Thomas, and, in 1985 earned her real estate license.

After graduating from college, a career in the financial markets ensued as Michelle quickly rose to become the lead stock trader at one of the world's largest securities firms. She was responsible for executing all of the firm's institutional and other brokerage trades with floor traders at the New York Stock Exchange. Trading was demanding, tense, stressful, and, of course, left absolutely no room for error. At the same time, Michelle pursued her life long fascination with architectural design and all phases of the real estate market by buying, renovating and selling homes in Galveston's Historic District. She under took the responsibility of acquiring, designing, contracting, project oversight, budgeting and selling the projects upon co