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Alumni in the Press : Spring 2003

Jody Lockshin-Plotkin

Celebrating 20 years at the helm of Habitat Hunters, Jody Lockshin-Plotkin (BBA 83) has come a long way—from resourceful college graduate to well-established business owner. When she bought the business fresh out of college she was on her own with a client list and a few pieces of office furniture that came with the deal.

Now with 20 agents, Habitat Hunters enjoys local name recognition and loyalty and the autonomy that comes with being one of the few independently-owned real estate companies left in Austin. "Our independence gives us flexibility. We can do everything the national companies do, but better and more personally," says Jody. "Additionally, we're one of the few, if not only, real estate company with an on-staff attorney and CPA who's an invaluable resource to our clients."

The company maintains a reputation for professionalism, efficiency, and quality service. "My business degree gave me the building blocks necessary to visualize the opportunity afforded me to purchase, operate and expand my business," she says. "It also taught me about embracing technology." Habitat Hunters was one of the first companies in Austin with a fax, cell phones, e-mail, and a web page.

Jody finds matching clients with properties is more like a puzzle than a job. "Each property gets a different response from each person who sees it," she says. "My work is totally and constantly stimulating."

For more information, visit Habitat Hunters online at: http://www.habitathunters.com

Jack Furst Named Outstanding Young Texas Ex

On Commencement Day, Saturday, May 17, the Texas Exes conferred the Outstanding Young Texas Ex award on four deserving alumni, including one of the McCombs School’s strongest supporters and most successful young graduates, Jack Furst, MBA 84.

The Outstanding Young Texas Ex award recognizes young alumni (under 45) who are distinguished in their fields and have demonstrated a continuing interest in The University of Texas and the Texas Exes. Jack Furst definitely fits the bill. Chief operating officer of Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, the world-renowned private investment firm headquartered in Dallas, Furst is very active on campus and serves on the advisory councils of the McCombs School and the MBA Investment Fund.

He is also on the advisory board of the Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Center for Private Equity Finance, which the private equity firm established at the McCombs School in 2000 with a $6 million gift. Furst is a frequent guest lecturer at the school and a life member of the Texas Exes. 

“Jack is quite simply the most successful young principal in the private equity investment business that I have ever been privileged to know,” says fellow Texas Ex Bruce Schnitzer of Wand Partners in New York. “He is an exemplary inspiration for future young leaders that are being developed at our wonderful University.”