Greg Banta's story is a slice of the American dream. With a bachelor's degree in accounting and twelve years of commercial real estate experience Greg decided there was no reason he couldn't make the American dream his own. He founded the Banta Companies in 1997 with little more than a computer, a phone, and a desk. But before long, his name and that of his company were appearing in the business pages and the "biggest deals" lists for Oklahoma City.
"It was clear to me in 1997 that the Oklahoma City area was on an upswing, and I wanted to be a part of that," Greg said. "I had been managing commercial real estate for another company, and I knew I wanted to do it on my own. I wanted to do it better than I could as someone's employee."
The one-man operation Greg began in 1997 has grown into a diverse company that manages commercial real estate, brokers leasing and sales, develops new properties, and manages construction for businesses all over the southwestern United States.
Even though Greg manages his growing company on a day-to-day basis, he still manages to give back to the community. For three years Greg served as the mayor of Piedmont, a rapidly growing suburb north of Oklahoma City. Greg has also served on the board of directors of the local Building Owners and Managers Association and the Oklahoma City Commercial Real Estate Council. Greg currently serves on the Board of Directors for Automobile Alley, The St. Anthony Foundation, and The 10th Street Medical District.
Dave Ortenburger,President
Email: dortenburger@bantarealty.com
Dave Ortenburger brings over twenty-eight years of commercial real estate experience to Banta Realty Advisors. For over ten years Ortenburger worked for Tower Realty Group as the General Manager of Cityplex Towers, a 2.2 million square foot mixed use facility. As General Manager Ortenburger was faced with 2.5 million dollars in past due payables and a negative cash flow. Over the first two years while Ortenburger was General Manager Cityplex was able to pay back all of their vendors as well as perform repairs and bring on line an enormous amount of HVAC, plumbing, electrical and life safety equipment that was inoperative. In addition, 28 elevators, and two escalators were repaired and put back into service and a new state of the art security system was purchased and installed. Three years later it was considered the largest turn-around in the history of Oklahoma commercial property.
Emily Crain,Executive Assistant
Email: ecrain@thebantacompanies.com Emily Crain brings a wealth of knowledge to The Banta Companies. She received her start in commercial lending and banking. Emily is the executive assistant to the Chairman and CEO of The Banta Companies. Emily oversees all purchase and sales contracts for the company and is the Human Resource Director. She currently serves as the Corporate Secretary for the company and holds an Oklahoma real estate license. She has been with the company since August 2004.
DeeDee DeVore,Property and Special Projects Manager
Email: ddevore@thebantacompanies.com DeVore, who currently holds an Oklahoma real estate license, records and tracks project status, analyzes project practices and reports time and money-saving strategies. DeVore helps with facilitation and performance of tenants' executed lease agreements, tenant advocacy and retention, and oversees property maintenance.
Other duties include client, media and community relations for the company. DeVore has an associate's degree in science in diversified studies from Oklahoma City Community College. DeeDee joined The Banta Companies in October 2006.
Chad Elmore, Investment/Office Specialist
P: 405.702.6874 Email: celmore@bantarealty.com Chad Elmore has worked in sales since 1990 and now specializes in commercial real estate sales and leasing, particularly in the Oklahoma City metropolitan office and warehouse markets. Before joining Banta Realty Advisors, Elmore brokered the Center 3000 deal to a new group of Oklahoma investors. Center 3000 is a 101,000 square-foot office complex located on the Northwest Expressway across from Integris Baptist Hospital.
Jana Markwell,Accounting
Jana Markwell started her career in accounting in 1997 working as a payroll specialist for a local trucking company. Before joining The Banta Companies she worked as an accounts payable clerk and office manager for six years. Jana is currently in charge of the accounts payable and receivables, cash management and the property management accounts. Jana has been with The Banta Companies since April 2006.
Carl Briant,Project Manager
Carl specializes in tenant build out and commercial remodels. He has over 30 years experience in construction. Carl joined the Banta team in May 2006.
James Tack,Project Manager
James has been in the construction field for 25 years. His speciality is in commercial remodel and tenant build outs in the Mid-Town area.
Mike Brown, Building Engineer
Mike Brown is over our medical office building known as Pasteur Medical Building. Brown started with the company in March 2003.
Micah Chrisman, Day Porter
Micah maintains the exterior and interior of the Mid-Town properties. He has been with the company since July 2006.
Greg Banta, Chairman & CEO
