Forty Under 40: Grady Mathews

Grady Mathews has worked in commercial real estate for 20 years in Northwest Arkansas. He started working in the industry with his mother, Gayla Byrd, and uncle, Bill McClard, at Lindsey & Associates.

“That’s where I started working right out of high school,” said Mathews, who moved to the area with his family in 1999. “And it just kind of stuck.”

The Norman, Okla., native has worked for multiple real estate companies, such as Grubb and Ellis – Solomon Partners, Newmark Grubb Arkansas and Sage Partners. Before starting an investment firm early this year, he was a partner at Cushman & Wakefield/Sage Partners.

In 2016, Mathews brokered multiple office leasing and investment deals, including the $56.8 million sale of Bentonville Plaza and its surrounding land.

In January, he formed Mathews Real Estate Investments, focusing on development and investment.

In August, he started Genesis Commercial with two partners. The brokerage firm looks to set itself apart in the industry and will offer a unique fee structure and allow staff to invest in its developments.

The firm has five employees and works with developers and private equity investors outside the state looking to invest and develop in Northwest Arkansas. Top clients include Copper Beech Capital of New York and Uncommon Developers of Los Angeles.

He recently closed a deal with Uncommon Developers for 9 acres at Central Avenue and Battlefield Boulevard in Bentonville. Plans include a $200 million mixed-use development, including a hotel, apartments and retail space.

Mathews also started the exotic car procurement company ADM Motorsports and Airbnb rental firm Stay ADM.

He’s a board member for Cystic Fibrosis NWA and Music Moves. Mathews is a musician and singer with the band 412 West.