Transwestern Promotes Two Minneapolis Office Leasing Leaders to Senior Vice President

MINNEAPOLIS — Transwestern has promoted Jim Montez and Kevin Salmen to Senior Vice President within its Minneapolis office, the firm announced Feb. 19. Montez specializes in Agency Leasing for office real estate, while Salmen focuses on Tenant Advisory and Workplace Solutions.

Promotions Reflect Minneapolis Office Leadership

"We take pride in the incredible talent of our Minneapolis team," said Emily Nicoll, Minneapolis Managing Director at Transwestern Services. "Kevin and Jim have a deep understanding of commercial real estate and build strong client relationships. I look forward to seeing their careers continue to grow at Transwestern."

Jim Montez: Agency Leasing

Montez joined Transwestern in 2018 and has worked in commercial real estate since 1988. He serves as the lead agency leasing broker for SPS Tower, a 655,070-square-foot Class-A office building in downtown Minneapolis. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, SPS Tower completed 66,000 square feet of new and renewed leases. In October 2025, SPS Commerce renewed its 200,000-square-foot lease at the property. Montez's leasing efforts have pushed the building's occupancy above 75%.

Montez was recognized as a Twin Cities Business Top 100 People to Know in both 2026 and 2023.

Kevin Salmen: Tenant Advisory and Workplace Solutions

Salmen advises local and national clients on portfolio management, real estate planning, and transaction management. He served as Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR) Board President from 2022 to 2024.

Among his notable 2025 transactions, Salmen represented Zimmerman Reed in a long-term 15,179-square-foot office renewal at IDS Center in Minneapolis. He also handled a 32,000-square-foot industrial lease for Bibliotheca in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Additionally, Salmen and his team assisted Intricon in consolidating three locations into long-term leases — including a 40,000-square-foot expansion — saving the client $600,000 in rent.

About Transwestern

Transwestern operates across 33 offices nationwide and owns, leases, and operates $57 billion in assets, including logistics, multifamily, retail, mixed-use, healthcare, office, data centers, hotel, and life sciences properties. The firm has completed or commenced development on more than $9 billion in real estate projects since 2012.