Over the years following Dave Garlett’s passing, Gerry continued to accumulate a variety of commercial real estate properties as well as mineral and working interests in oil and gas properties. He concentrated his real estate expertise and investments in commercial retail strip malls. Gerry partnered with many family members and friends over the years to build the portfolio of assets now managed by the Quiat Companies. Gerry’s legal expertise, keen intellect, work ethic, generosity, and sense of humor allowed him to become a trusted partner throughout his investing career.

Gerry’s daughter, Melinda, has been his professional protégé in commercial real estate and energy investing, asset managing, and deal structuring since 2000. Her progress through the company under Gerry’s mentorship resulted in her becoming the Chief Executive Officer for the Quiat Companies in 2010 where she is committed to continuing the family legacy in both real estate and oil & gas investing.

Gerry retired in February 2012, comfortable leaving the office operations in Melinda’s trusted hands to carry on the family legacy. Like Gerry, Melinda is also committed to philanthropy and non-profit causes promoting community and social justice.