“The credit markets have to open up before the end of 2009, or we’re going to really be in trouble—more so than we are right now.”
Roger Staubach, executive chairman, Jones Lang LaSalle, on how the economy is affecting the commercial real estate business.
“Our business over there is absolutely phenomenal. It’s growing well over 50 percent a year, and we expect it to cross $1 billion in revenue in the next couple of years.”
David Holl, president and CEO, Mary Kay, on the Addison-based company’s expansion in China.
“We’ve bid on a couple of [multibillion-dollar] banks that have failed. I suspect that pace will increase a bit and you’ll see some transactions.”
Gerald J. Ford, billionaire Dallas banker, on getting back into the banking business.
“In all probability, with the difficulties that have occurred around
the country, the Dallas-Fort Worth area … is in for additional growth as companies look for what is a good place to do business.”
Jim Oberwetter, president, Dallas Regional Chamber, on the future of business development in North Texas.
“This past year, I believe we received about $35 million in royalties that we can use for capital expenses, so we’re in really good shape from that perspective. It won’t be until probably 2010 and 2011 before we need to look at going back to the bond market.”
Jeff Fegan, CEO, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, on how D/FW’s natural-gas royalties are helping its bottom line.
“We have to get a grip on our economy and turn it around. I fully expect we will do so. The question is: How long will it take?”
Richard Fisher, president and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, on the economic outlook for 2009.
“What he was most excited about was always the next deal: ‘What’s the next great opportunity? What can I create tomorrow? How can I enrich the city?’”
Lucy Crow Billinsgley, partner, Billingsley Co., on her father, real estate development icon Trammell Crow, who died in January.
