Over 50 years of expertise — from a single appraiser’s desk to a multidisciplinary commercial real estate platform.

What began in 1971 as one desk and one credential became the foundation for a full-service commercial real estate platform — built on the same independence, and a standard that's only grown sharper.

1971

In 1971, Paul F. Hlubb Jr. entered the appraisal profession, beginning decades of work supporting financial institutions and shaping valuation practice throughout the region. His career was defined by independence, precision, and an unwillingness to compromise on credentials.

Founding generation

A single desk. A commitment to accuracy.
The beginning of a fifty-year standard.

1976-1978

As Paul F. Hlubb Jr. advanced through the late 1970s, his commitment to the profession became unmistakable. In 1976, he achieved the SRA designation, signaling mastery in valuation practice. Two years later, 1978 became a defining year: Paul earned the MAI designation — one of the most prestigious marks in commercial appraisal — while simultaneously securing his Real Estate Broker's License.

This rare combination of credentials laid the groundwork for a family legacy in real estate advisory.

Credentials earned

SRA — 1976 MAI — 1978 RE Broker — 1978

A rare combination that positioned Paul as a trusted authority across both commercial and residential practice.

1995

Paul F. Hlubb Jr. earned the prestigious Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) designation, recognizing his expertise in advising on complex real estate decisions at the highest level. With SRA, MAI, and CRE in hand, Paul held three of the most recognized designations in the profession — a distinction held by very few practitioners nationwide.

Third designation

CRE — Counselor of Real Estate

SRA. MAI. CRE. Three of the most recognized designations in the profession — held by one person.

1999

After a distinguished career in banking, Paul F. Hlubb Jr., CRE, MAI, SRA transitioned full-time into private practice, establishing Hlubb & Associates to deliver independent, client-focused valuation and advisory services. The move reflected a long-held conviction: that the best advice comes from advisors with no institutional conflicts.

Private practice

Independent. Client-focused. Exactly the standard the firm would carry forward.

2002

Ryan M. Hlubb left a career in technology to work alongside Paul, bringing modern systems thinking, process discipline, and a fresh perspective to commercial valuation. His entry marked the beginning of a generational shift — and accelerated the firm's evolution toward a broader advisory platform built for complex institutional and commercial assignments.

Second generation

A technology background meets a credentialed practice — the combination that would define what Principle became.

2009

Ryan established the predecessor firm, drawing on the discipline he gained from Paul and from some of the top MAI practitioners in the region. Paul joined shortly after, bringing the full weight of his credentials and decades of institutional relationships to help build what would become the foundation of Principle Real Estate Companies.

New firm established

Father and son. Decades of combined expertise. One shared standard of independence.

2015

Building on decades of combined expertise, Ryan founded Principle Real Estate Consultants in 2015 with a mission to elevate the standard of commercial real estate advisory services across the region.

The firm expanded well beyond valuation work, adding advisory and realty services to form a comprehensive platform — the evolution of a family-rooted appraisal practice into a multidisciplinary advisory firm.

Full platform launch

Valuation Realty

One firm. A comprehensive commercial real estate platform built from the ground up.

2019

The firm transitioned from Principle Real Estate Consultants to Principle Real Estate Companies — a shift that reflected far more than a name change. As the business grew into four interconnected divisions serving clients across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, the rebrand marked the evolution from a specialized consultancy into a fully integrated platform.

The new identity reflected a broader strategic vision: deeper client capabilities, a nationally oriented specialized practice, and a commitment to the standard Paul set more than four decades earlier.

Rebrand & expansion

Valuation Realty & Advisory Capital Advisory Property Tax

A new name that reflected who they had already become — and where they were going.

Ryan M. Hlubb

Managing Partner

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Barbara L. Cantrell

Partner

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Paul F. Hlubb Jr

Senior Advisor

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Nate O. Brantley

Senior Associate

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Cameron Sprenkle

Associate

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Alicia M. Hlubb

Associate

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Meet Our People

Our strength lies in the expertise, passion, and integrity of our people. Our team of real estate professionals brings decades of combined experience across residential, commercial, and specialized property valuation, consulting and advisory services. We are committed to delivering objective, insightful services that empower our clients to make confident real estate decisions. Each team member shares a common goal: to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and client service. Get to know the faces behind our reputation for excellence.