Transwestern Promotes Two Key Executives in Minneapolis

Jim Montez and Kevin Salmen named Senior Vice Presidents in the firm's Minneapolis office

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Transwestern, a leading commercial real estate firm, has announced the promotion of two longtime team members in its Minneapolis office. Jim Montez, an office Agency Leasing broker, and Kevin Salmen, who focuses on Tenant Advisory and Workplace Solutions, have both been elevated to the role of Senior Vice President.

Why it matters

These promotions highlight Transwestern's commitment to developing talent and recognizing the contributions of its top performers in the Minneapolis market. Montez and Salmen have both played key roles in securing major leases and helping clients optimize their real estate portfolios, demonstrating the firm's expertise in the region.

The details

Montez joined Transwestern in 2018 and has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate. He is known for his work representing the SPS Tower, a 655,070-square-foot Class-A office building in downtown Minneapolis, which completed 66,000 square feet of new and renewed leases in the third quarter of 2025. Salmen represents a range of local and national clients, advising them on portfolio management, real estate planning, and transaction management. He has been heavily involved in the local commercial real estate community, serving as the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR) Board President from 2022 to 2024.

  • Montez joined Transwestern in 2018.
  • Salmen served as the MNCAR Board President from 2022 to 2024.
  • In the third quarter of 2025, SPS Tower completed 66,000 square feet of new and renewed leases.
  • In October 2025, SPS Commerce renewed its 200,000-square-foot lease with the SPS Tower building.

The players

Jim Montez

An office Agency Leasing broker who joined Transwestern in 2018 and has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate.

Kevin Salmen

A Transwestern team member who focuses on Tenant Advisory and Workplace Solutions, and has been heavily involved in the local commercial real estate community, serving as the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR) Board President from 2022 to 2024.

SPS Tower

A 655,070-square-foot Class-A office building in downtown Minneapolis that Montez represents.

SPS Commerce

A tenant that renewed its 200,000-square-foot lease at the SPS Tower building in October 2025.

Zimmerman Reed

A client that Salmen represented in a long-term 15,179-square-foot office renewal at IDS Center in 2025.

Bibliotheca

A client that Salmen represented in a 32,000-square-foot Industrial lease in Lake Elmo in 2025.

Intricon

A client that Salmen and his team helped consolidate three locations into long-term leases, including a 40,000-square-foot expansion, saving the client $600,000 in rent.

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The takeaway

Transwestern's strategic promotions of Montez and Salmen demonstrate the firm's focus on cultivating and rewarding top talent in the Minneapolis commercial real estate market, positioning the company for continued success in the region.