Steven Martens
President/CEO
The Martens Companies
Upon graduation from the University of Kansas in 1975, Steve joined his Father in the family real estate business at that time, the company had 3 employees. Today, The Martens Companies has six operating divisions, doing business in over 10 states, with 140 employees. Steve holds 3 commercial real estate professional designations, a Kansas real estate brokers license, along with being licensed as a Kansas General Certified Appraiser.
Steve has been recognized by several industry groups for his commercial real estate achievements:
- Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame
- Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame
- Kansas Chapter CCIM Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2016 Developer of the Year, Best Western Hotel & Resorts
He has also been very involved in his community:
- Founding Chair, Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition
- Past President Kansas Association of Realtors
- Past Board Chair and the Annual Campaign Chair, United Way of the Plains
- 2013 Association of Fund Raising Professionals, Wichita Chapter, Philanthropist of the Year
- Currently serves as a member of the DCCCA board
Steve current industry involvement includes:
- Member of the Leadership Board of NAI Global
- Outside Bank Director of Vintage Bank
- Membership board member of RMI
- Center for Real Estate Advisory Board, WSU
Steve has business ties to Lawrence in that he is the developer and operator of the Best Western Plus West Lawrence that open in October 2016, across from Rock Chalk Park and adjacent to the new LMH facility