Helmsley Spear is America’s oldest continuously operating real estate company and has been a leader in commercial real estate since 1866, evolving from an appraisal company to a full-service firm providing highly professional performance and bottom line profitability for its clients. Originally founded as L.B. Goodale, the company underwent three ownership changes with new partners added in the first two decades of the twentieth century.

In 2007, an investment group led by Kent M. Swig purchased the firm and began a rebranding and redevelopment of the Helmsley Spear brand name and company operations, as the firm had declined in stature over the years since the death of Harry Helmsley in 1997. Founded by Kent Swig in 1994, Swig Equities, LLC is a full service real estate development, investment and management company with a proven track record in the development of over $3 billion of residential and commercial properties, as well as operating companies. Swig Equities provides logistical and operating support to Helmsley Spear.

Changing real estate trends, intense competition and increasingly complex financial considerations require firsthand knowledge and understanding of investment and management risk and rewards. An appropriate investment and asset management strategy requires advisors who can effectively represent their client with a direct understanding of the costs and benefits of real estate investments and management. Recognized as experienced consultants, owners and developers, Helmsley Spear and its staff and principals understand investment and operating issues from both the user and owner perspectives.

The firm provides this expertise based on a background of successful real estate transactions achieved from doing business for over 145 years. Unlike traditional advisors or consultants, Helmsley Spear understands that successful investment and leasing transactions require a proactive approach focusing on the needs and requirements of all parties in order to successfully conclude any transaction. Helmsley Spear prides takes pride in its professionalism, high ethical standards, and market knowledge in servicing its clients.