Family affair has the world at its fingertips.

This year, NAI James E. Hanson is celebrating 50 years of service and success in New Jersey's commercial real estate marketplace. Now in its third generation of Hanson family leadership, the company has distinguished itself in the business, charitable, political and civic worlds and has bucked the industry trend by remaining independent.

Despite fluctuating economies, NAI Hanson has consistently grown throughout its five decades of Hanson-family ownership. This growth is directly attributed to the company offering its professionals unlimited resources and innovative technologies to ensure lasting and successful client relationships.

Founded by James E. Hanson, the company has always remained true to its roots, maintaining its offices in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Its beginning as a brokerage and development company afforded Hanson its first major assignment to build and lease space to the government of Newfoundland, Canada including the Confederation building, the five-building complex comprising Memorial University, a nurses' residence for a major hospital and several secondary schools throughout the province.

In 1959, Peter Hanson, present chairman of the board and son of James E. Hanson, joined the firm. He was soon followed by brothers, Jon and Donald. In the mid-70s, the real estate market suffered one of its worst downturns, but fortunately the Hanson company was positioned to ride out this market depression. During this period, the Company eased out of the development business and set a course to concentrate on the core business of commercial real estate services.

As the 80s began, there was another generation of Hansons on the horizon and the brothers, Peter, Jon and Donald decided to allow for the next generation to determine their own courses. As a result, two new companies were formed: Hampshire Management by Jon Hanson and Roebling Management by Donald Hanson. Those companies are totally independent of NAI James E. Hanson. The parting in each instance was harmonious; indeed those companies are some of NAI Hanson's best clients. William C. Hanson, Peter's son, joined the firm in 1986 and by the mid-90s had assumed presidency of the Company.

Under Bill Hanson's leadership, the firm has doubled its size, growing from 15 sales professionals to now employ over 32, many of whom have been with the firm in excess of 20 years. NAI Hanson attracts people who are committed to building something that is lasting.

"Hanson is not just a stop along someone's career path," said Bill Hanson. "We truly have a great internal culture. It started with my grandfather, continued through my father's leadership and grew into what NAI Hanson is today."

"We have an extremely talented group who are committed to furthering themselves within the industry," Hanson commented. "Our firm boasts eight SIORs (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) and three CCIMs (Certified Commercial Investment Member). In order to receive these industry designations, candidates have to meet stringent requirements which include numerous educational programs. We have two up- and-coming .associates who are graduates from the Master's of Real Estate Program of New York University and one presently in the program. Our associates are also committed to industry organizations. We have six members of ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers and three members of ULI (Urban Land Institute)."

NAI Hanson services a diversified client list ranging from Fortune 500 companies to growing entrepreneurial firms. "Our business is evenly spread between industrial and office clients, as well as a growing percentage of retail clients," said Bill Hanson. "From selling a property to leasing it, from helping someone redevelop a building or build a new one, there are no services or expertise we cannot offer under the NAI Hanson umbrella."

NAI Hanson's full-service capabilities allows it to provide its clients with a myriad of solutions to their real estate needs, both on a regional level through its strategically assembled teams of professionals, and on a national and international level through its partnership with NAI. Real estate services provided by NAI Hanson include site search and selection, leasing, investment sales, advisory services, property and asset management, investment and property valuations.

With the NAI global network continually expanding, the firm is able to tap into a global powerhouse of market connections and real estate expertise. NAI Hanson continues to remain focused on being the best service provider it can be by placing its clients' needs above all else. NAI Hanson's internal culture, commitment to the community and respect within the real estate industry enable it to Continue to grow and attract talented people to the organization.

"We do not have to be bigger to be better. Our expansion has been based on when the opportunity to bring talented professionals to the firm has presented itself. We are committed to quality and we are continually striving to become better," said Bill Hanson.

"We intend to be here for another 50 years or more!"