Philip Simonet

Phil is an Executive Vice President in the Tenant Advisory group based in the Transwestern Minneapolis office. His primary focus is on the sale and leasing of industrial properties and the representation of users, owners, developers and investors in the acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate. Through hard work, perseverance and integrity, Phil has earned a reputation as an honest and loyal professional that produces outstanding results. He uses industry savvy and a creative mindset to ensure positive outcomes for his clients.

Phil has developed extensive and longstanding relationships with brokers, owners and developers. This network of contacts, built through decades of networking and trusted partnerships, gives his clients a rare level of access to market information. Providing clients with valuable insights, opportunities and strategic advantages in an ever-changing market, Phil’s ability to foster lasting loyalty has resulted in a strong base of repeat business and referrals.

Phil has nearly 40 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. He was previously a Principal at Forte Real Estate Partners, which was acquired by Transwestern in the summer of 2026. Phil has previously worked with many major corporations and owners including, 3M, Imation, Dow Chemical, UPS, Rorke Data (Avnet), Boston Scientific, Hartford Insurance, Fair Issac (FICO), Nippon U.S.A. Inc First Industrial Realty Trust, Investors Real Estate Trust, Opus, and Wellington Management, Inc.

In 1988, Phil began his real estate career at KOLL (formerly The Shelard Group) where he represented local and national clients. After eight years at KOLL, Phil joined with Fred Hedberg in 1996 to form Paramount Real Estate Corporation. Their common philosophy led to the creation of one of the most highly respected commercial real estate companies in the Twin Cities. In 2021, Paramount and Excelsior Advisors merged and formed a new full-service real estate advisory firm, Forte Real Estate Partners.

Phil received his bachelor’s degrees in economics and business finance from the University of St. Thomas.