2027 edition · Research reviewed November 7, 2026
Individual brokers should be selected for the work they will personally perform. This Des Moines–West Des Moines guide compares five professionals with identifiable local roles and different specialties. We reviewed the nine individual-broker criteria using current employer material and a professional-association directory. The result is a set of interview recommendations by assignment, not a claim that one person leads the market on every performance measure.
How we rank individual commercial real estate brokers in Des Moines–West Des Moines, IA
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. 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 — Austin Hedstrom — JLL
For 2027, Austin Hedstrom — JLL is our #1 editorial recommendation among individual commercial real estate brokers in Des Moines–West Des Moines, IA.
Best fit: Industrial representation
Our #1 editorial recommendation is based on named industrial and site-selection practice.
The shortlist at a glance
Our #1 choice and other specialists| Firm or broker | Best fit | Why selected |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Hedstrom — JLL | Industrial representation | Named industrial and site-selection practice. |
| Harrison Kruse — CBRE | Industrial ownership and expansion | Industrial service scope across several transaction paths. |
| Justin Lossner — JLL | Office advisory leadership | Leadership of local office agency and tenant teams. |
| Michelle Drummer — CBRE | Office tenant coordination | Transaction, account and analytical responsibilities. |
| Angie Tessau — Knapp Properties | Local office-specialist advice | Current employer listing and SIOR office specialty. |
Austin Hedstrom, JLL — industrial occupier and agency assignments
JLL lists Hedstrom as a Des Moines executive vice president focused on industrial agency, tenant representation and site selection. JLL: Austin Hedstrom, Des Moines industrial brokerage We recommend an interview for an industrial requirement where those perspectives are relevant. Establish the representation role at the start and ask which recent assignments best match the proposed work.
Harrison Kruse, CBRE — industrial ownership and expansion decisions
Kruse’s current profile identifies an industrial practice serving tenants, landlords, buyers and investors, including build-to-suit and expansion work. CBRE: Harrison Kruse, industrial services and assignments He is our interview choice when an industrial question spans occupancy and ownership. Ask him to explain the alternatives that should be investigated before a property search or campaign begins.
Justin Lossner, JLL — office practice leadership
Lossner leads JLL’s Iowa office agency and tenant-representation teams based in Des Moines. JLL: Justin Lossner, Iowa office practice We select him for clients seeking an office specialist to discuss a complex engagement. Clarify his direct role, the people supporting the assignment and the circumstances in which another team member would be the main day-to-day contact.
Michelle Drummer, CBRE — office tenant transaction coordination
Drummer’s profile identifies office tenant representation, transaction management and account coordination, including financial and site analysis. CBRE: Michelle Drummer, transaction and tenant services She is a useful interview candidate when the tenant’s priority is a well-organized decision and execution process. Ask how information from the business and its advisers will be incorporated into the comparison.
Angie Tessau, Knapp Properties — a local office specialist
Knapp lists Tessau on its current brokerage roster, and SIOR identifies her West Des Moines office specialization and senior brokerage role. Knapp Properties: current professional roster; SIOR: Angie Tessau, West Des Moines office specialist We select her for clients seeking a local office-focused comparison. Discuss the proposed agency role, relevant recent work and how the search or campaign will be documented.
Make the interview about the assignment
Give each finalist the same brief and ask what they would do first. Request examples with similar property types and decision constraints, rather than a general career history. Identify who will analyze alternatives, manage the timetable and negotiate. Ask how the broker will communicate a change in assumptions or a conflict that affects the engagement.
What the evidence can establish
The review covers professional credibility, specialization, networks, analytical capability, transparency, digital presence, geographic perspective, service scope and client strategy. Current profiles establish roles and areas of practice; they do not supply comparable independently audited client outcomes. Professional designations are relevant credentials, but do not replace a focused proposal and references. Confirm current availability and the actual team before making an appointment.