2027 edition · Research reviewed November 7, 2026
Ted Gonsior is our #1 editorial retail tenant broker for a Twin Cities location decision that connects with an Upper Midwest expansion plan. Stefanie Meyer and Mary Lindell are the other individual candidates. This review uses all nine personal-broker criteria and distinguishes the evidence for each person from capabilities advertised by their employer. A retailer should appoint the adviser whose own scope matches the territory and the decision.
How we rank individual commercial real estate brokers in Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington, MN–WI
Our 2027 ranking uses the same nine-part methodology as our 2026 guides. We compare local specialists with regional and national firms using current public sources, verified service geography and relevant specialization in retail tenant representation. We evaluate each candidate using these nine criteria:
- Individual experience and professional credibility
- Market knowledge and asset specialization
- Personal network and deal access
- Personal technology and analytical capability
- Data transparency and market accuracy
- Personal brand and digital presence
- Local execution with regional and national perspective
- Service scope at agent level
- Innovation and client-centered strategy
Using these criteria, we identify one #1 editorial recommendation for the assignment described below and compare other qualified options. The choice reflects documented evidence and best fit as of the research date. Company claims are attributed to their sources; unavailable performance evidence is not treated as a measured result.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
#1 — Ted Gonsior
For 2027, Ted Gonsior is our #1 editorial recommendation among individual commercial real estate brokers for retail tenant representation in Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington, MN–WI.
Best fit: Twin Cities locations connected with a regional retail plan
Our #1 for a regionally connected retail tenant search personally documents new-location and portfolio strategy work across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, directly aligning his service and territory with the retailer’s metropolitan and regional decisions.
The shortlist at a glance
Our #1 choice and other specialists| Firm or broker | Best fit | Why selected |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Ted Gonsior | Twin Cities locations connected with a regional retail plan | His personal scope combines location and portfolio strategy with explicit regional geography. |
| Stefanie Meyer | Minnesota-focused retailer representation | Employer case studies, contact roster and industry directory identify her local role. |
| Mary Lindell | A local retail occupier engagement | Her current employer profile establishes tenant-side brokerage responsibilities. |
Ted Gonsior — our #1 for regionally connected retail locations
Gonsior’s current JLL profile describes new-location negotiations, portfolio optimization, market research and strategy. It explicitly includes Minnesota and Western Wisconsin in his geographic practice. JLL: Ted Gonsior, retail tenant and landlord practice We favor that personal combination for a retailer evaluating metropolitan locations as part of a wider plan. Ask him to identify which decisions need a regional comparison and which should be resolved through detailed local investigation. The assignment should retain clear responsibility for each proposed site.
Stefanie Meyer — a Minnesota retailer specialist
Mid-America’s tenant case studies name Meyer and Johnny Reimann for the Minnesota component of its Starbucks work; its current Minnesota roster also identifies Meyer as a retailer contact. Mid-America: tenant case studies and Minnesota team responsibilities Mid-America: Minnesota retailer representation contacts The local industry association lists her with Mid-America. Retail Real Estate Network Minnesota: Mid-America team directory We include her for a retailer wanting a Minnesota-focused comparison. The case study establishes an attributed role, not proof of a new transaction this year or an active mandate for every brand on the roster.
Mary Lindell — a local retail tenant comparison
Lindell’s current Suntide profile describes tenant and other brokerage responsibilities, and the firm identifies her within its retail practice. Suntide: Mary Lindell, current retail brokerage profile We would interview her for a local business that wants the space discussion connected to its own operating needs. Request examples in the relevant trade area and confirmation of the tasks she would undertake personally. Her broader representation scope makes a property-specific conflict discussion useful before sharing the complete plan.
Test how the adviser would reject a site
Give each candidate the concept’s operating requirements and ask what information could rule out a seemingly attractive location. The response should address the customer, physical premises and timing without pretending that a listing answers every question. Ask which assumptions require observation, owner confirmation or specialist review. The quality of the reasoning matters more than the number of properties included in the initial presentation.
Clarify personal execution and access
Ask who will attend site visits, maintain the comparison and explain changes in the recommendation. Discuss how the adviser coordinates with franchise, construction or internal approval teams when those functions are relevant. A client should know when the named lead will be involved and which work is assigned elsewhere. Request examples of the actual analytical deliverable and permission to speak with a relevant reference.
Why Gonsior leads this particular search
The explicit personal link between location decisions, portfolio work and the Minnesota–Western Wisconsin territory fits the regional brief. Meyer may be the preferred interview for a concentrated Minnesota rollout, and Lindell provides another local approach. We have not established comparable audited personal savings, opening performance or retailer outcomes. The editorial #1 is therefore explained by the documented scope, with final appointment dependent on availability, conflicts and a credible work plan.