Celebrating a Longstanding Advisor and Friend of LRE & Companies
At LRE & Companies, we pride ourselves on the strength of our partnerships—and few exemplify this better than longtime advisor and friend, Alan C. Hibbard. With a professional journey that spans decades, Alan has played an instrumental role in shaping LRE’s growth, supporting the company through transformative milestones and memorable challenges alike.
Alan has been a foundational part of the LRE team. A former franchise restaurant owner and seasoned commercial real estate specialist, Alan began his career in development in the late 1980s. He officially transitioned into franchise development in 1996, where his knack for leasing and deep understanding of the landlord-tenant dynamic positioned him as a standout leader in the space. Over the years, he successfully developed more than 160 restaurant locations across California and held leadership roles that included overseeing territories and serving as a general manager.
It was during these years that Alan first crossed paths with LRE & Companies Founder and CEO Akki Patel, who was also active in restaurant development at the time. “We got to know each other through regional meetings,” Alan recalls. “Eventually, when Akki acquired a key development territory in 2015, he brought me in to consult—and we’ve been working together ever since.”
From airport bids to complex lease negotiations, Alan has been Akki’s go-to advisor for all things development and strategy. One of his most gratifying moments? Winning the Reno Airport RFP, a hard-earned project that Alan remembers as a career highlight. “Those presentations take everything you’ve got—and when you win one, you really feel it.”
He’s also helped guide the company through tough times, including the closure of locations during the pandemic and navigating challenging landlord relationships. “Real estate is all about problem-solving,” Alan says. “What makes LRE successful is Akki’s vision and the pace at which he moves. It’s like drinking from a fire hose—you have to keep up.”
Now 79, Alan still actively consults for LRE, offering wisdom drawn from a lifetime of entrepreneurial grit. When asked what’s kept him motivated, he answers simply: “Every challenge is unique. And solving problems quickly, and with care, is what keeps me going.”
Alan’s passion for detail, big-picture thinking, and mentorship has left a lasting imprint on LRE’s evolution. From helping divest dozens of restaurant locations across Northern California to advising on real estate, tax, and leasing matters as LRE grew its hospitality and retail footprint, Alan’s fingerprints can be found throughout the company’s legacy.
In his words, “I could’ve wrapped my career when Akki acquired that territory. But I chose to stick around—and I’m so glad I did. Working with LRE over the past 10 years has been a spectacular ride.”
A musician at heart, Alan now spends more time behind a piano than a lease negotiation table. Still, his contributions to LRE’s past—and present—are felt every day. “It’s been a pleasure watching Akki build something of his own,” he says. “And if I can keep one foot in the door a little longer, I’m happy to help wherever I can.”
From all of us at LRE & Companies: thank you, Alan, for your leadership, loyalty, and legacy.