North Texas Real Estate Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Honorees

The North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors (NTCAR) has named its 2026 inductees for the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Michele Wheeler, president and CEO of JacksonShaw, and Brian O’Boyle, Sr., vice chairman of Newmark, will be honored for their significant contributions to the industry.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 29 at the Arts District Mansion in Dallas. Additionally, brothers James, Michael, and Joseph Sinacola will receive the 2026 Industry Service Award, recognizing their family's multi-generational impact on regional construction and development.

Michele Wheeler: A Leader in Development

Michele Wheeler's career in commercial real estate spans more than three decades, beginning in 1987 at Rosewood Property Co. She joined JacksonShaw in 2005 and has since become a central figure in the company's growth and success, now serving as its president and CEO.

According to NTCAR, Wheeler has been instrumental in every aspect of JacksonShaw's development activities. Her leadership has guided the firm's national expansion into industrial, hospitality, and residential lot development. She oversees major projects from initial concept through to completion, sourcing new business opportunities across the company's markets.

Industry Recognition and Community Impact

Wheeler's contributions have earned her numerous accolades. In 2020, D CEO magazine named her the “Commercial Real Estate Executive of the Year.” Her work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas also earned her the Outstanding Director Award from the Dallas Business Journal.

Her community involvement is extensive. She is a director of the TREC Foundation and serves on the board of the JacksonShaw Foundation. She is also an active member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW).

“Michele Wheeler is a highly respected leader who not only inspires and motivates but also delivers exceptional value for investors and partners,” said Lynn Dowdle, a Hall of Fame Executive Committee member. “Her stellar reputation and proven success make her an outstanding role model for the next generation of commercial real estate professionals, both women and men.”

Brian O’Boyle, Sr.: A Multifamily Pioneer

Brian O’Boyle, Sr. began his journey in the Dallas real estate market in 1975 after moving from New York. He entered the apartment brokerage business in 1980 and founded O’Boyle Properties Inc. just two years later in 1982.

In 2003, O’Boyle joined Apartment Realty Advisors (ARA), a firm he helped grow into one of the largest multifamily brokerage firms in the United States. He established ARA offices in Dallas, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City, and was a co-founder of the Austin and Washington, D.C. locations.

His career reached a significant milestone with the sale of ARA to BGC, which was rebranded as Newmark in 2014. Following the acquisition, O'Boyle transitioned his focus from investment sales to raising equity for new multifamily construction projects.

A Career of Service and Accolades

A long-standing NTCAR member, O’Boyle has been named Investment Broker of the Year on multiple occasions. He received the prestigious Stemmons Service Award in 2002 and was honored with the Red News Texas Icon Award in 2023.

Beyond his professional success, O’Boyle has dedicated significant time to community service. For 20 years, he coached Special Olympics basketball. He also served on the Catholic Charities Board and was instrumental in opening local homeless shelters. His work with the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy, which distributed over 103,000 free prescriptions last year, earned him the Spark of Hope Award.

“Throughout his career, Brian O’Boyle has elevated everyone around him—whether young brokers, senior executives, underserved children or promising teens,” stated Jack Gosnell, a member of the Hall of Fame Executive Committee. “His generosity of spirit sets a high standard for colleagues and for the many projects he touches.”

The Sinacola Brothers: Building North Texas

The 2026 Industry Service Award will honor James, Michael, and Joseph Sinacola. This award recognizes individuals outside traditional real estate sectors whose work has profoundly shaped the industry. The Sinacola family's construction legacy began in the early 1900s, with their father, Mario Sinacola, founding Mario Sinacola & Sons Excavating Inc. in 1966.

The company initially focused on underground utility work in the Detroit area. However, facing economic decline in Michigan, the family moved its operations to the Dallas-Fort Worth region in 1979 after securing a major waterline contract with the City of Dallas.

In May 2017, the firm transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and rebranded simply as Sinacola. This move secured its future as an employee-driven company while honoring its family origins. The three brothers continue to guide the company's future from their positions on the board.

“For over 45 years, the Sinacola family has built a reputation as the premier construction company in the DFW area,” said Rex Glendenning, a 2023 Hall of Fame honoree. “Their hands-on approach, attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence make Sinacola the standout leader in the construction industry.”

A Legacy of Excellence

The North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to recognize the region's most influential leaders. The inaugural class included industry giants such as Trammell Crow, Henry S. Miller, Jr., and John M. Stemmons, Sr.

Over the years, the Hall of Fame has welcomed other notable figures, including Roger Staubach, Jerry Jones, and Ray L. Hunt. The 2025 inductees were David Craig of Craig International and Mike Rader of Prime Rail Interest, LLC. Last year's Industry Service Award was presented to Linda McMahon, CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corp.