R
ichie Hurd, COO of Hurd Real Estate in West Des Moines, has been a driving force in the city’s commercial scene since 2008. With 18 years in the business, he’s known for bringing high‑profile retailers—Nordstrom Rack, Topgolf, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, The Container Store, HomeGoods—to the area, blending innovation with a deep commitment to local growth.
Hurd entered commercial real estate in 2006, quickly discovering a knack for spotting unique deals. “I love uncovering new opportunities—whether it’s a sale‑leaseback or introducing a new retailer to a development,” he says. This enthusiasm has helped him align business success with customer satisfaction, ensuring every project benefits all parties.
Early on, Hurd faced the challenge of getting national retailers to notice Iowa, a state often overlooked. By cultivating strong relationships with retailers and tenant‑representation brokers, he turned that obstacle into a strategic advantage, putting Iowa on the retail map.
Mentorship, especially from his father Richard, has been pivotal. “I’ve watched him work relentlessly to get ahead in commercial real estate,” Hurd recalls. His extensive network in the net‑lease market keeps him attuned to national trends and regional nuances, enabling him to spot investment opportunities and attract expanding retailers.
Beyond business, Hurd is a dedicated community advocate. In 2018 he was named the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Man of the Year,” raising $331,000 in ten weeks. He also serves on boards such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Pro Iowa Soccer, reflecting his commitment to local development and well‑being.
Hurd balances a busy professional life with family. He enjoys soccer, snowboarding, workouts, and traveling with his wife Megan and their three children. His academic foundation—a BSBA in Entrepreneurial Management from Creighton University, where he also played soccer—laid the groundwork for his career. Before partnering with his father, he sharpened his skills at a national real estate firm in Phoenix, focusing on retail investment sales.
Today, Hurd leads Hurd Real Estate’s national net‑lease acquisitions, spearheads development projects, and manages banking relationships. His leadership earned him the Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association’s “Deal of the Year” award. Through his work, Hurd continues to shape West Des Moines, bringing major retailers and enhancing community life.
