As Founder and CEO, Michael does it all -- and with more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate consulting and valuation, he knows it all, too. Michael is a designated member of The Appraisal Institute (MAI), as well as a state certified general appraiser, real estate broker and a senior property tax consultant. Founding Lane Property Tax Advocates in 2009, Michael has cultivated a team of real estate industry pros, representing commercial clients with assessments totaling more than $1.5 billion.
Known for his positive and energetic nature, Michael takes on a lot of responsibilities to ensure the Lane team has everything necessary to help clients successfully protest their excessive commercial real estate property taxes. To that end, he oversees all communications, management, human resources and marketing, in addition to putting his analytical skills to use for client protests. But don't worry, Michael does have some free time, in which he enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, and exercising. Plus, he's been known to be the king of the grill and can also mix up a delicious cocktail, margarita or pour you a nice glass of wine. This fun-loving family man has many talents and is the reason Lane is a successful company which prides itself on customer service.
Michael is a Lifetime Committeeman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and has served on numerous charity boards. He is an active member of ACRP, HRBC, the Arkansas Alumni Houston Chapter and a graduate of West Houston Leadership Institute. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.S. in Business with a major in finance and real estate.
As Vice President of Lane Property Tax Advocates, Hunter has his eye on the target for clients. From navigating commercial property owners through the protest process to advising on their behalf during arbitration and litigation, Hunter is known for hitting bullseyes. His years of consulting experience equate to fair property tax assessments and maximum property tax savings across all accounts. This positive, big-hearted tax guru takes his job seriously. He looks forward to educating clients on tax law so they can benefit from significant tax savings as the result of strategic decisions.
While Hunter enjoys being the Team Captain at Lane, he also likes to be outdoors whether it's hunting in Abilene or fishing on the Lower Laguna Madre. He may be laidback and patient, but just like Hunter can cut up a dance floor or hit a straight shot, he has mastered the art of persuasion.
Hunter received a B.S. of Business Administration with a focus in finance from McMurray University. He holds a real estate salesperson license and is a property tax consultant.
As Operations Manager, Kelly works to provide a high level of customer service to all of Lane's clients and vendors -- or in other words, she works tirelessly to keep everyone happy. This file finder extraordinaire ensures all paperwork is correct and ready to protest with appraisal districts across the state. And since she is so detail-oriented, Kelly also handles invoicing and other business operations functions that keep the Lane team a well-oiled machine.
When not at work, you could find Kelly at the soccer field or at her favorite restaurant, Las Mananitas. This self-proclaimed puzzle-nerd enjoys cracking puzzles, the color yellow, hanging out with her family, exercising and loving on her fur baby. Although she might be too happy for everyone's liking in the morning, she brings more than 10 years of accounting, administration and customer experience to her role, and is a crucial member of the Lane team.
Kelly graduated from Texas Lutheran University.
Rhonda is a force to be reckoned with. From riding Harleys and horses to running her own business and being CEO of five kids, she knows how to manage many moving parts -- which she does on a daily basis as at Lane. She protests commercial and residential property taxes by gathering and presenting information from an informal level all the way through arbitrations and litigation. Because she can handle it all, Rhonda is head of the Residential Department and she also helps with business development efforts. Her 20+ years of experience in the real estate industry include new construction, real estate property management and being a Realtor. Her talents cannot be ignored and bring a great deal of value to property owners Lane represents.
As a lover of the outdoors, Rhonda enjoys floating the river in New Braunfels or the Frio in Garner State Park, being on the lake in her Baja boat or taking a Sunday drive with her husband in a classic car. She's also a 4th generation rider in the Salt Grass Trail Ride. While Rhonda is most happy when riding her Harley and spending time with family, her true passion is helping her clients save money by reducing their property taxes.
Rhonda graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science degree. She also has her Real Estate Sales Agent License and a Property Tax Consultant license.
With more than 25 years of commercial and residential real estate experience, Eric is an expert at real estate property analysis and his skills are sharp. Current and prior roles have given him a variety of responsibilities, including appraisals, appraisal reviews, REO and NPL, construction development, debit/equity placement and business development.
Eric likes to hunt, fish, collect vintage knives and spend time with his son. But he also has time to stay current on the trends and changes in the commercial real estate industry. On the cutting edge of commercial property analysis, Eric's skills, knowledge and guidance help clients make the right decisions when it comes to their property tax protest.
When you think well-rounded, think of Melanie. In both her professional and personal experience, she has an impressive background. From underwriting property accounts, conducting arbitrations and litigations, and attending informal and formal hearings to singing, drawing, and playing video games, Melanie has a diverse set of skills. Previously working at the Harris County Appraisal District, Melanie understands how the other side operates which enables her to effectively underwrite property accounts for each protest phase.
When she's not researching clients' properties and identifying ways to decrease their taxable value, this jack of all trades (and master of most) can be found crafting, reading anything non-fiction, or spending quality time with her cats.
Melanie has a BBA in marketing from the University of Houston. She also holds a real estate license, property consultant license and appraisal license.
As a Property Tax Consultant, Chelsea knows how to strike the right note with her fellow Lane team members and clients! From supporting the internal team to building cases and presenting evidence to lower property taxes, Chelsea is right on key. Currently studying for her real estate license, she brings a variety of knowledge to Lane that clients appreciate and value. Plus, her skill at getting hefty reductions is music to clients’ ears.
Although Chelsea loves backing up her team and getting work done, she also loves to be at home part of the chorus that is her family. With three young children and her fiancé, there’s no time to be off pitch. Chelsea enjoys taking family vacations to the beach or snowboarding, fishing and dancing. She’s also been known to strike up an original song and play the guitar and piano. Chelsea’s well-rounded character and bubbly, fun personality make her a great addition to Lane Property Tax Advocates.
Chelsea studied at Alvin Community College while working on her Associates Degree in Digital Video and Media Production. She is currently switching her education focus to Business Administration.
When it comes to protesting commercial properties, you want a Property Tax Consultant with spunk in your corner — you want someone like Melanie. She brings a positive, high energy and can-do attitude to the Lane team. You name it, and Melanie can get it done. Known to dig deep and take charge, Melanie is a master multitasker with one goal in mind: to build solid cases so clients receive the best possible reduction.
Just as Melanie works hard, she likes to play hard. From traveling across the world to skydiving, participating in charity events to exploring the great outdoors, Melanie has had some pretty amazing adventures. Her fearlessness and drive make her a great travel buddy, but more importantly, an asset to Lane’s clients. Her knowledge combined with work ethic ensures clients won’t see red after their property taxes are protested (although that is her favorite color).
Melanie received her Bachelor of Business Administration – Business Management degree and Master of Business Administration degree from Texas State University.
Anderson's property tax protest skills are out of this world. Combining his communication, decision making, problem solving and project management skills, he meets clients’ needs and exceeds their expectations. Anderson's quick and creative nature help the Lane team build strong cases to ensure clients won’t get lost in a black hole of property taxes.
The youngest of four siblings, Anderson enjoys spending time with family and friends. He enjoys reading science fiction literature, writing and playing music on one of five different instruments he can play! Now you may think that makes him from a galaxy far, far away, but Anderson is actually born and raised in Texas.
Anderson received his Bachelor of Business Administration of Real Estate from Baylor University.
Lana Lawrence has found her niche as a Property Tax Consultant! After 15 years in the real estate industry, protesting property taxes has become the main attraction. With a background in new home sales, residential and commercial real estate, business development and account management, she brings every facet of her experience to the Lane team — not to mention she also still has a diverse portfolio of properties. From the initial hearing to arbitration/litigation, Lana is the star of the show as she delivers powerful presentations and protests on her clients’ behalves. There’s no consolation prize here — Lana is often awarded property value reductions because of her successful protest strategy.
In her spare time, you can find Lana enjoying everything the outdoor life in Austin has to offer — in her convertible of course! From road tripping to flying out for a long weekend, to eating all the sushi money can buy and spending time with family and friends, Lana lives a full and vibrant life. Her positivity and passion for life can be seen both in and out of the Lane office, making her a great addition to the team.
