The Origin of Kinzer Partners
A Maverick
from the Start
In the early 1980s, following his JD/MBA from the University of Washington, Craig became a CPA/tax attorney focused on tax shelters and real estate syndicates. He soon realized he didn't enjoy doing tax returns for a Big 8 accounting firm. His solution was to jump into real estate, leveraging his business acumen and maverick-style creativity.
Craig was an early pioneer using personal computers and digital tools to customize and build proformas, sensitivity analyses, and the financial positions of the “opposing side”, giving his clients an edge in negotiations. Working at Touche Ross (now Deloitte), he mastered Excel before most brokers knew it existed.
Those skills, built over four decades, are now the foundation of Kinzer Partners. The firm applies the same analytical rigor, creative deal-making, and financial depth to every engagement, from complex tenant representation to capital markets advisory. The approach has never changed: manage complexity, communicate simply, and start from the premise that “simple is best.”
“Kinzer sees things that no one else does. Once Craig discloses the opportunity and explains his vision, it becomes the obvious solution, and everyone wonders why they had not seen it.”
Greg Gorder, Founding Partner / Intellectual Ventures“There is a world of difference between most brokers who talk a good game, and Kinzer, who really performs more than promised; achieving extraordinary results.”
Bob Watt, Former Deputy Mayor / City of Seattle“Rarely do you get an MBA, CPA, attorney, and broker all in one package.”
Jim Judson, Partner / Davis Wright Tremaine
Craig Kinzer · Founder, Partner
“Craig thrives on learning the complexities that comprise his client's enterprise. His genius is to somehow find unexpected connections between those complexities and create real estate solutions that solve for other financial, cultural or strategic issues as well.”
Michael Kreis, Former Principal / NBBJ“Kinzer doesn't think anything is impossible. He likes to challenge himself and think of things that people don't think of; solutions that seem like they would be impossible but for the right type of innovation and the right kind of leadership.”
Dean Allen, CEO / McKinstry and Board Member / Seattle Children's HospitalSerious about outcomes. Built different.
“Kinzer is just passionate about his clients. He is really fun…and kind of crazy.”
Jan Hendrickson · Former CFO, Sound Transit
Game the System
Term Sheet
What Comes Next
See the Client Results
in Action
Four decades of landmark deals across Seattle's most recognized organizations. Browse the featured projects or reach out directly.