OUR TEAM
Precise results require a unified team.
Our team of dedicated professionals develop an understanding of your unique situation and then apply combined experience, marketing strategies, and sales expertise to ensure all your commercial real estate needs are met.
Co-Founder | Co-Managing Director
Butch Gurganus MBA, CCIM, SIOR
Butch Gurganus is the Co-Managing Director of Focus Commercial Real Estate, a firm he co-founded with a vision to build long-term client relationships rooted in trust, market expertise, and consistent results. In addition to overseeing the firm’s daily operations, Butch plays a key role in shaping its strategic direction alongside his partners.
​
Butch began his career in commercial real estate through due diligence work for Home Depot’s New Store Division at Greenberg Farrow Architecture in Atlanta. He then joined Robert Pattillo Properties, where he contributed to the development of large-scale land holdings in California. His early experience laid the foundation for a well-rounded perspective on both development and brokerage.
In 2005, Butch relocated to Northwest Arkansas and joined Colliers International. Over the next 15 years, he served as Principal and Executive Vice President, leading the office and industrial division. While at Colliers, he completed more than 1,000 lease and sale transactions, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor and top-performing broker in the region.
Butch holds two of the industry’s most respected designations: CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member), which he earned in 2004, and SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors), which he received in 2007. He remains actively involved in both organizations and is a dedicated advocate for elevating standards within the commercial real estate profession.
He earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arkansas and an MBA from Belmont University in Nashville.
​
Butch is known for his collaborative leadership style, deep market insight, and commitment to helping clients navigate complex real estate decisions with confidence.
Co-Founder | Co-Managing Director
Clinton Bennett MBA, CCIM, SIOR
With over two decades of success in the Northwest Arkansas commercial real estate market, Clinton Bennett has established himself as a leading figure and trusted advisor. Throughout his career, he has brokered significant land, office, industrial, and retail transactions, earning a reputation as a go-to expert in the region.
​
Clinton holds two of the industry's most prestigious designations—SIOR and CCIM, which reflect his advanced expertise and commitment to the highest standards of service in commercial real estate. As the 2025 President of the Arkansas Chapter of SIOR, he oversees the chapter's direction while upholding its strong ethical standards.
​
His visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the commercial real estate landscape in Northwest Arkansas. Notably, he is the only individual in the area to have opened affiliate offices for multiple internationally recognized brokerage firms: Grubb & Ellis (now Newmark) in 2007 and CBRE, Inc. in 2012. Clinton served as the first Vice President at CBRE, Inc. before founding Bennett Commercial Real Estate in 2020. Recently, he has expanded his professional horizon by becoming a partner at Focus Commercial Real Estate.
​
Passionate about the real estate business and deeply committed to his clients, Clinton consistently seeks opportunities to create value through market knowledge, strategic thinking, and a robust network cultivated over years of experience.
​
Outside of his real estate endeavors, Clinton enjoys using his pilot's license to travel and also volunteers with Angel Flight, an organization that arranges free air transportation for individuals requiring medical treatment far from home. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for Equipped NWA, a nonprofit providing resources and equipment for student-athletes in need.
.png)
Co-Founder | Principal
Patrick Byrd
With more than 25 years of experience in real estate and over 15 years dedicated to the Northwest Arkansas market, Patrick Byrd brings a deep understanding of commercial real estate and a proven track record of success. His career began in the Fort Smith area with Landis Brewer Real Estate, where he focused on residential sales before transitioning into commercial brokerage with Richards Commercial Real Estate. There, Patrick gained hands-on experience in a wide range of asset types including multi-family, retail centers, triple net lease investments, site developments, flex/warehouse opportunities, and storage facilities.
​
In 2021, Patrick co-founded Focus Commercial Real Estate alongside Butch Gurganus with the goal of offering strategic, client-focused solutions across Northwest Arkansas. Since then, Patrick has been instrumental in managing over 750,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of multifamily properties, and more than 2 million square feet of self-storage assets. Over the course of his career, he has successfully transacted over $300 million in real estate for a broad range of clients.
​
Patrick is especially passionate about helping clients unlock the potential of value-add properties and continues to explore storage investment opportunities in select regions throughout the country. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Patrick was recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal for his professional achievements and community involvement.
​
Outside of work, Patrick takes great pride in his family. He and his wife, Audrey, have been married for over 20 years and are the proud parents of three children. He enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and cheering on the Razorbacks any chance he gets.
Principal
Ramsay Ball
Ramsay Ball is a Principal Broker at Focus Commercial Real Estate, where he specializes in lead generation and managing complex transactions. With over 40 years of experience, he began his career in 1983 at Barnes, Quinn, Flake, and Anderson in Little Rock. After moving to Northwest Arkansas in 2003, he founded what became the Colliers International office in Bentonville and later established Cignus Real Estate.
​
Beyond brokerage, Ramsay is a founding manager of Cannon Capital and HighGround Hospitality, investing in early-stage companies and outdoor adventure projects. He serves on the boards of CardioWise, Nob Hill Therapeutics, and the Arkansas Community Foundation, and manages multiple investment funds
including Torch Fund and Alpha Fund.
Ramsay holds an MBA in Finance from Louisiana Tech University. His focus on real estate, community development, and sustainable ventures reflects his passion for improving quality of life through purpose-driven projects.
Principal | Industrial & Land Specialist
Palmer Hays SIOR MEMBER
Palmer Hays is a Northwest Arkansas native specializing in industrial tenant and landlord representation, industrial sale-leasebacks, and commercial land transactions. With a keen understanding of the dynamic market landscape, Palmer believes exceptional service is rooted in maintaining a constant pulse on property values, market trends, and capital movement.
​
His deep market knowledge and commitment to staying informed enable him to provide insightful, strategic guidance to his clients—ensuring they achieve their real estate objectives.
Palmer attended Wichita State University and Oral Roberts University, where he played collegiate golf. The discipline, focus, and attention to detail he developed as a Division I athlete continue to shape his professional approach, allowing him to consistently deliver exceptional results and drive value for his
clients.
Principal | Office Specialist
Oksana DeMaris CCIM
Oksana DeMaris is a founding member of Focus Commercial Real Estate and a key contributor to the firm’s brokerage and acquisitions teams. As a Brokerage Associate, she specializes in agency leasing, tenant representation, and strategic investment advisory—offering data-driven insights and customized solutions to clients across Northwest Arkansas.
​
A Northwest Arkansas native, Oksana holds a B.S. in Finance with a minor in Real Estate from the University of Arkansas. She earned the prestigious CCIM designation in 2022 and currently serves as President of the Northwest Arkansas CCIM Chapter. She is also part of the Leadership Benton County Class of 2025.
​
Known for her strategic mindset, professionalism, and collaborative approach, Oksana consistently aligns client goals with market opportunities. Her reputation for delivering results and her commitment to excellence have established her as a respected voice in the region’s commercial real estate community.
Brokerage Associate | Office & Medical Specialist
Corey Fuhrman
Corey Fuhrman brings over eight years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage throughout Arkansas, with a specialization in Tenant, Landlord, Buyer, and Seller representation in Healthcare, Office, and Investment Properties.
​
He is an Arkansas native, born and raised in DeWitt. He earned his B.S. in Finance from Arkansas State University in 2017. It was during his undergraduate finance courses that he discovered his interest in adding value to commercial real estate and contributing to the long-term success of his clients.
​
What sets Corey apart is his drive to always remain a student of his specific product type, looking closely at all transactions in the market with a goal to make sure he and his clients are well informed in negotiations in order to do the best deal possible.
​
When he's not working, Corey enjoys spending time outdoors, hanging out with his wife and daughter, cheering on the Razorbacks, and making the most of all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
Brokerage Associate | Land Specialist
Kyle Conrad
Kyle began his career in commercial real estate brokerage in 2022, bringing a well-rounded background in commercial construction and project management. Before transitioning into brokerage, he served as a Project Manager for a private real estate development firm, contributing to projects such as historic renovations, adaptive re-use developments, tenant infill, demolition, and new construction.
​
He also managed large-scale demolition projects across the Sunbelt region for a Tulsa-based contractor, overseeing everything from interior remodels to full-scale demolition of multi-story commercial buildings. This diverse experience gives Kyle a unique perspective and valuable insight into every phase of the real estate lifecycle.
​
Kyle earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith in 2019. An Eagle Scout, he exemplifies leadership, discipline, and service in both his personal and professional life. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys playing golf and guitar, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
.jpg)
Brokerage Associate | Retail Specialist
Tyler Gurganus
Tyler Gurganus is a driven commercial real estate professional with a strong background in finance and risk management. He earned a B.A. in Financial Planning from Arizona State University in 2023, where he also gained hands-on experience in construction management through his work with Cavcon Builders.
​
Tyler began his career in the insurance industry at Reliance Partners in Tempe, AZ, specializing in semi-truck auto insurance for clients ranging from small businesses to large fleets. During his tenure at Reliance Partners, Tyler honed in his cold calling and prospect management skills, which are instrumental for a successful commercial real estate career.
Now based in Bentonville, AR, Tyler is building his career with Focus Commercial Real Estate, leveraging his financial expertise to support investors, landlords, and tenants in Northwest Arkansas. Known for his proactive mindset and attention to detail, Tyler is committed to maximizing value and building lasting client relationships.
Michael Newton
Brokerage Associate | Investment Sales Specialist
Michael Newton specializes in investment sales, leveraging a strong background in investment analysis and deal structuring. Before transitioning into brokerage, he served as an Investment Analyst at a private family office in Little Rock, where he sourced and underwrote a diverse range of investments—including commercial real estate and venture capital.
​
Earlier in his career, Michael worked as an Equity Research Associate at Stephens Inc., honing his skills in valuation, market analysis, and financial modeling across multiple sectors. He began his professional journey at KPMG in New York as a public accountant.
​
Michael holds a Master’s in Accounting and a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the University of Arkansas. Outside the office, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his wife, family, and friends, and cheering on the Razorbacks.
Will Jarratt
Brokerage Associate | Industrial Specialist
Will Jarratt works closely with Palmer Hays at Focus Commercial Real Estate, where he specializes in industrial tenant and landlord representation.
​
Originally from Memphis, Will has deep family roots in Northwest Arkansas and is a recent graduate of the University of Arkansas. He earned a degree in Finance with an emphasis in Real Estate and a minor in Marketing.
​
While in college, Will gained valuable industry experience at Bennett Commercial Real Estate and remained with the team through its merger with Focus CRE. Together with the industrial team, he brings local market knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a client-first mindset to every transaction.
​
Outside the office, Will enjoys golfing, hunting, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Director of Marketing & Operations
Melissa Brown
Melissa Brown has worked in commercial real estate since 2015, bringing over a decade of experience to the Focus Commercial Real Estate team. A Northwest Arkansas native, she oversees daily office operations and plays a key role in fostering a collaborative, efficient, and positive work environment. Melissa also leads the firm’s marketing efforts, creating custom collateral and managing social media to ensure consistent, high-quality branding across all platforms.
​
In addition to her operational and creative roles, she utilizes technology such as drones and Matterport cameras to enhance property marketing and virtual presentations. Her innovative approach, problem-solving mindset, and attention to detail make her an essential part of the team.
​
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys trying new restaurants, attending concerts, traveling, and meeting people from different cultures—experiences that continue to inspire her creativity and broaden her perspective on the world.
Property Manager | Business Development
Khandice Baldwin
Khandice Baldwin is a results-driven real estate professional with over six years of experience in commercial and multifamily property management, leasing, and operations. She has successfully managed large property portfolios across Northwest Arkansas, improving tenant retention, increasing visibility, and driving consistently high occupancy rates. Known for her strategic mindset and ability to foster strong relationships, Khandice plays a vital role in aligning the goals of clients, tenants, and business partners across every project.
​
She is an active member of the Urban Land Institute and currently serves as Vice President of Grey Space Collective, an organization focused on creative community-building and thoughtful urban development.
​
Outside the office, Khandice is a passionate advocate for active transportation and sustainability. You’ll often find her cycling along the Razorback Greenway, enjoying the outdoors, or exploring new destinations through travel and local experiences.
Property Manager
Shelli Gurganus
Shelli Gurganus brings extensive experience in both commercial and residential property management to Focus Commercial Real Estate. As a key member of the management team, she oversees daily operations, maintenance coordination, vendor relationships, and tenant communications across a diverse property portfolio. Her proactive, detail-oriented approach ensures properties operate efficiently while delivering excellent service to owners and tenants alike.
​
Shelli was drawn to Focus CRE for its client-first philosophy and collaborative culture. Known for her dependability and strong communication skills, she is passionate about simplifying the property ownership experience and building lasting client relationships.
​
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Merchandising from Northeastern State University. Outside of work, Shelli enjoys traveling, home design projects, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Accounting Manager
Shawn Gabbard
Shawn Gabbard is a distinguished financial professional from Northwest Arkansas with an impressive 30-year career spanning analytics, finance, forecasting, and human resources.
​
She holds a bachelor's degree in business management and ethics from MidAmerica Christian University and is a certified bookkeeper, highlighting her commitment to precision in financial
management. Shawn's expertise encompasses financial and pipeline forecasting, sales analytics, bookkeeping, human resources, CRM management and programming, operations, and technical writing.
​
Known for her strategic mindset and precision, Shawn enhances financial performance and operational efficiency across varied projects and portfolios. When not working, she enjoys baking and cooking with her husband of 35 years, camping and traveling.
Accounting Manager
Elizabeth Rush
Elizabeth Rush is a seasoned financial professional with over 40 years of experience across education administration, finance, forecasting, operations, and human resources.
​
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the University of Arkansas. Her career spans roles in retail management, multifamily residential operations, imports, and wholesale distribution—where she honed her expertise in financial planning and analysis, logistics, HR, and strategic communication.
​​
Known for her strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail, Elizabeth prioritizes accuracy, accountability, and integrity in everything she does.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and husband, as well as camping, traveling, reading, and crocheting.
Brokerage Intern
August Wendt
Augie is currently pursuing a Finance degree at the University of Arkansas, blending his academic studies with real-world experience in commercial real estate. Originally from Austin, Texas, he was inspired by his father and brother’s careers in the industry and has been eager to follow in their footsteps.
​
Since joining the team, Augie has taken an active role in supporting brokerage operations, gaining hands-on experience in property marketing, research, and client service. His passion for learning and strong work ethic make him a valued team member and a promising future professional.
​
Outside the office, Augie enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active through running, and playing guitar. His curiosity, energy, and dedication continue to shape his path in commercial real estate.
Industrial Brokerage Assistant
Anna Burnett
Anna began her career in real estate while attending the University of Arkansas, where she earned her degree in Accounting. Originally from Louisiana, she moved to Northwest Arkansas for school and quickly fell in love with the area—and with real estate. While working part-time in property management during college, Anna developed a passion for the industry that has shaped her career path ever since.
With a background in residential real estate and hands-on experience in property management, Anna brings both practical knowledge and a strong work ethic to the Focus Commercial Real Estate team. She supports day-to-day transactions and serves as an executive assistant to the team, coordinating schedules, managing communications, and ensuring seamless collaboration between clients, brokers, and vendors.
Outside of work, Anna enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog. Her approachable nature, detail-oriented mindset, and genuine enthusiasm for helping others make her a valued member of the team.