This month, we’re spotlighting another one of Hanley Investment Group’s Founding Fathers, Kevin Fryman. In the profile below, Kevin delves deep into his roots at Hanley Investment Group to give us a look into his expertise, industry knowledge, personal anecdotes, and more.
As Executive Vice President, Kevin specializes in retail real estate investment sales nationwide, with a focus on multi-tenant strip centers, single-tenant NNN properties, grocery-anchored centers, and junior-box-anchored centers. Known for his strong relationships with private investors, mid-market buyers, institutional owners, and brokers, Kevin leverages extensive market knowledge and advanced financial modeling to consistently deliver top-dollar results. With over $2 billion in retail investment sales, he is a proven expert in executing complex deals—from break-up strategies and reverse 1031 exchanges to navigating CMBS loan assumptions, and resolving environmental or deferred maintenance challenges—earning him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry. He’s a perennial recipient of the esteemed “Creed Award,” honoring his mastery in navigating the most challenging and creative transactions, and the revered “Legacy Award,” which represents a significant closing that will always be remembered in the Hanley Hall of Fame.
Foundations: From Playing Monopoly to the Real World
HIG: What inspired you to pursue a career in commercial real estate?
Fryman: Like many in the industry, one of my earliest and most vivid memories is beating my aunt in Monopoly at the age of seven—that competitive spark stuck with me. During college, I interned at insurance firms and stock brokerages, but I realized I wanted to be in a field where you could see and touch the investment. Becoming a retail investment broker allowed me to combine everything I love: deal making, finance, poker, psychology, and building long-term relationships. It’s the perfect intersection of strategy and people.
HIG: How long have you been with the company, and what brought you here?
Fryman: I’m proud to be one of the founding members of Hanley Investment Group. I met Ed Hanley while we were both at Marcus & Millichap, and when he approached me with the idea of starting a new firm, I was immediately excited. The opportunity to help build a company from the ground up, shape its brand, and carve out a presence in the real estate brokerage industry was something I couldn’t pass up.
Kevin and Jeremy McChesney at an HIG outing, 2007
HIG: How has your career grown or evolved since you joined the company?
Fryman: When I first started, I was one of the younger brokers in the industry with a modest track record and a lot to prove. Since then, I’ve grown into a senior role and have had the opportunity to lead and close some of the largest and most complex transactions in the company’s history. It’s been incredibly rewarding to evolve alongside the firm and contribute to its continued success.
HIG: What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned during your time here?
Fryman: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying calm under pressure. In this business, emotions can run high, especially during challenging or high-stakes deals. Maintaining composure helps build trust with clients and allows you to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
HIG: Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
Fryman: In 2022, I had the opportunity to sell Perimeter Center, a Giant Eagle grocery-anchored shopping center in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. It was more than just a pride-of-ownership asset; it was a full-circle moment. What made it especially meaningful was being able to involve my parents in the process. My mom took property photos and even spoke with the store manager, while my dad put together a detailed report on the property and the surrounding area. It was a proud professional achievement and a personal milestone all in one.
Bill Asher, Rogg Collins, Kevin, and Sean Cox at Pebble Beach (2025)
2 Decades at Hanley Investment Group: From Cold Calls to Closing $2B+
HIG: What does the company’s 20th anniversary mean to you?
Fryman: When we first started, Hanley Investment Group was an unknown name in a competitive industry. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve grown into one of the most dominant brokerage firms in the country. But what means even more to me is what the Hanley brand represents—integrity, character, and a reputation built on the quality of our people. That’s the legacy I’m most proud to be part of.
Kevin with Ed Hanley on Cinco de Mayo (2016)
HIG: How has the company supported you in achieving your professional goals?
Fryman: Hanley Investment Group has built a world-class support system around its agents, including top-tier marketing, research, analysis, and operations teams. Beyond that, the environment Ed has fostered here creates a very supportive atmosphere for long-term growth. I’ve personally benefited from the experience of my team members, including Lee Csenar and Nate Gunderman. This foundation of seasoned professionals, coupled with the fresh perspectives and energy that newer team members like Sean Cox bring, creates a dynamic and supportive atmosphere where we all learn and grow. This level of support allows us to focus on what we do best—serving our clients at the highest level. It’s a big reason why we earn repeat business and maintain the high standards our clients have come to expect.
HIG: What sets this company apart from others in the industry?
Fryman: Our culture is significantly more collaborative than most brokerage firms. We consistently work on deals as teams, which allows us to bring complementary skill sets, broader market knowledge, and deeper buyer relationships to the table. This teamwork-driven approach leads to stronger deal execution and better outcomes for our clients.
Jeff Lefko, Aaron Metz, Kevin, Ed Hanley, and Dylan Mallory at ICSC Palm Springs (2024)
HIG: What do you think has contributed to the company’s 20 years of success?
Fryman: A big part of our success over the past 20 years comes from Ed’s energy and passion—he brings it every single day, and it’s contagious. His leadership creates a culture where everyone is motivated to contribute, push harder, and succeed together. There’s a real sense of shared purpose here and celebrating those wins as a team has become part of our DNA.
Memorable Moments & Milestones
HIG: Do you have a favorite memory or project that stands out during your time here?
Fryman: One standout moment was during the height of COVID, when I was tasked with sourcing $60 million in grocery-anchored centers. Despite the uncertainty in the market, we successfully closed on three high-quality centers in the Atlanta area (Holland Point, Alpharetta Commons, and Cofer Crossing) with new institutional and developer clients. It was rewarding to execute that business plan—not only because of the complexity, but also because our client was genuinely appreciative of the results. Since then, we’ve continued to acquire multiple grocery-anchored centers in that market for our clients, including Harbins 316, thanks to the trust we’ve built and our reputation for delivering on what we promise.
HIG: How has working at this company impacted you personally or professionally?
Fryman: As someone who grew up in the Midwest, I’m still amazed by my journey to Orange County. It’s been fulfilling to not only find a career I’m passionate about but also to work with such a talented group of people I truly respect. Whether we’re collaborating on deals or celebrating our successes together, I feel fortunate to be part of a team that has become like a second family to me.
Ed Hanley, Bill Asher, Jeff Lefko, and Kevin at Jeff’s wedding, 2022.
Commercial Real Estate: Everchanging and Always Moving
HIG: What trends or changes in the commercial real estate industry have you witnessed over the years?
Fryman: One of the biggest changes has been the impact of technology, which has allowed us to expand our geographical reach. When I first started, my wife and I would literally drive down every street in a city, sketching out shopping centers, noting tenant names, and researching ownership. Back then, buyers were typically local, often living or owning within a 10-mile radius of the property. Today, even though we still prioritize visiting the properties we list outside of California, technology enables us to quickly understand and analyze markets beyond our immediate area. Thanks to the time, money, and energy the company invests in research, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of local market data and the active buyers in various regions. By combining our strong database of aggressive California investors with detailed knowledge of local buyers, we’re now uniquely positioned to execute deals across the U.S.
HIG: What excites you most about the future of the CRE industry?
Fryman: After 25 years in the industry, what excites me most is that retail is constantly evolving. It’s a dynamic space where you’re always learning, staying on top of trends, and adapting to new shifts in the market. This constant change keeps things fresh and provides endless opportunities to innovate and stay ahead.
HIG: How do you stay motivated and continue to grow after years in the industry?
Fryman: I stay motivated by deepening the relationships I’ve built with existing clients, which is always rewarding. At the same time, I find excitement in cultivating new relationships, especially as fresh players enter the market in California and we expand our connections nationally. The ever-evolving landscape keeps me engaged and eager to grow.
HIG: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Fryman: In five years, I see myself continuing to thrive in the brokerage business, with the possibility of growing my team. I’m excited about the opportunity to mentor others and expand our reach, all while continuing to provide exceptional service to our clients.
HIG: What’s a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?
Fryman: A fun fact that most of my colleagues might not know is that I met my wife while doing an internship at Walt Disney World.
]
Bill Asher, Maria Fryman (Kevin’s wife) and Kevin at the U.S. Open (2023)
HIG: What’s your favorite way to celebrate personal or professional milestones?
Fryman: After closing one of the largest deals in the company’s history, I wanted to celebrate in grand fashion—like Shohei Ohtani winning the World Series. So, I asked Ed Hanley to spray me with champagne. It was a memorable and lighthearted way to mark such a big accomplishment!
Join the Hanley Investment Group Network
Hanley Investment Group continues to celebrate 20 years of excellence in retail property investments. Stay tuned for more Agent Spotlights featuring the industry’s top investment professionals.
- Looking to invest in retail properties? View our latest listings
- Keep up with us on LinkedIn Hanley Investment Group on LinkedIn
- Contact us today to discuss your investment goals: (949) 585-7610
