By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
Regarding commercial real estate, Alex Altwein knows how to make deals happen. Starting from the ground up 23 years ago, Altwein has steadily risen through the ranks in a male-dominated industry to her current role as vice president of leasing and marketing at Wade Interests Inc., an integrated commercial real estate development and property management company focused primarily on South and Central Texas. Over the last decade, she has closed more than 250 deals and continues to drive regional growth.
Altwein’s journey began at Wade Interests, where she started answering phones while attending the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), gaining firsthand exposure to the business. From there, she transitioned into property management and leasing shopping centers. Eventually, she became a crucial player in closing significant deals.
Along the way, she identified four essential ingredients for success in her field: grit and hard work, cultivating relationships and trust, following through on commitments, and developing solutions to tenant problems—all while demonstrating the business acumen necessary to create winning deals for all involved. “What I find most rewarding about closing deals is witnessing tenants’ projects come together from start to finish,” says Altwein.
She emphasizes that completed projects add value to retail buildings and sites while creating vibrant centers that benefit local communities. Altwein is also quick to point out that no one forges their path alone, crediting Richard “Dick” Wade as a mentor early in her career. This relationship continues to this day.
Altwein is involved in every aspect of the process in her current role—from leasing and marketing land tracts to overseeing the nitty-gritty details of construction and tenant build-outs. Her commitment to client relationships is evident in the loyalty of her tenants, many of whom return to her for future projects. “I enjoy and appreciate maintaining positive tenant relationships and supporting their businesses,” Altwein credits her success to some core principles: building solid relationships with tenants and brokers and staying focused on delivering results. Reflecting on the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, she explains, “You just go in, get your deals done, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female. I’m here to get results for the shopping center owner and work directly with brokers to achieve that.”
While Altwein makes it seem effortless, the journey has sometimes been challenging. A significant challenge she faced was pouring herself into due diligence and execution of a deal for the better part of a year, only to have it fall through. “I had to learn that you can’t win them all, and these deals are extraordinarily complex. You win and lose some, but you must keep moving forward,” she says.
For Altwein, the key to long-term success lies in supporting tenants through their build-outs and ensuring they are set up for renewals and future partnerships. Her greatest satisfaction comes from knowing she’s contributed to creating thriving businesses that contribute to the economic well-being of the community.
One of her proudest achievements is helping launch CosMc’s by McDonald’s, a small-format beverage concept featuring classic offerings like the Egg McMuffin. The location at the corner of Potranco and Grossenbacher is a testament to her ability to bring innovative projects to life.
Regarding site visits and supervising build-outs, Altwein is relaxed by the challenges of working in a predominantly male environment. “I just go in, get my deal done, and build connections with everyone on-site. Plus, I don’t mind getting dirty, sweating, or walking on hot asphalt or concrete parking lots even if I’m in my heels!” she says.
One of Altwein’s biggest motivations is being a role model for her daughter, Ava. “I love taking her to job sites on weekends, showing her how a project transforms from an empty lot into a complete building with tenants,” she shares. Altwein believes it’s essential to demonstrate that hard work and perseverance can lead to significant accomplishments.
A lesson she hopes her daughter has learned is that you can only win some of them, whether in sports or business. You must learn from failure, apply your knowledge to the next challenge, and keep moving forward. Altwein is confident that all that learning will pay off.
Altwein’s success is rooted in her unwavering determination, sharp business understanding, and the confidence to thrive in environments where she’s often the only woman in the room. She’s not just comfortable in a male-dominated industry—she excels in it, blending tenacity with a genuine passion for helping businesses grow.
Whether negotiating deals, overseeing construction sites, or forging lasting relationships with clients, Altwein’s presence is a powerful reminder that hard work, resilience, and skill can break through any glass ceiling.
With a proven track record and a bright future, Altwein continues to shape the commercial real estate landscape with tenacity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to her clients and community.
