Key Factors to Success
Our Team
Chris Natale
Managing Principal and Co-Founder
Chris Natale started Diversified Commercial Capital in October 2021 after years of experience on the commercial mortgage banking and brokerage sides. Mr. Natale was integral in closing nearly a half-billion dollars in funded debt and equity transactions nationwide.
Since 2002, Mr. Natale has had extensive experience throughout the commercial finance industry, where he produced, analyzed, and underwrote commercial construction, permanent, and C&I loans on a national level. Mr. Natale has experience with permanent, bridge, construction, and mezzanine loans on office, industrial, retail, multi-family, and healthcare, properties.
Chris gained extensive banking experience as an analyst, underwriter, lender, and portfolio manager for regional and national banks, private wealth specialists, and private equity institutions. Chris earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In his free time, Chris loves to travel, sports, and spends time with friends and family.
Mr. Natale is also the Director of Finance for Diversified Partners, LLC. Professional affiliations include Arizona Commercial Mortgage Lenders Association (President for the 2023 term) and ICSC. Within the community, Chris is a board member of the Phoenix Theatre Company, a mentor for the Challenge Foundation, and prospective member of the Mens Art Council for the Phoenix Art Museum.
Walt Brown, Jr.
Co-Founder
After years of a successful business relationship, Walt Brown, Jr partnered with Chris. As the Founder, CEO, and Designated Broker of Diversified Partners, LLC, Mr. Brown has brought significant experience in all aspects of the commercial real estate industry over the last nineteen years.
Walt began his career in commercial real estate in California in 1990. He focused on learning and understanding the real estate business while creating valuable relationships through his positions with Terranomics Retail Services (San Francisco & Newport Beach) and then Mahler & Company (Beverly Hills). In 1992, Walt moved from California to Arizona and further expanded his real estate knowledge and contact base as a commercial agent at Core-Jackson, Oncor International (Phoenix). In 1996, he founded Diversified Partners as a full-service commercial real estate brokerage company. Over the years, Walt’s passion, executive oversight, and “big picture” mentality have contributed to Diversified Partners evolving into one of Arizona's leading Development and Brokerage firms.
Together with past and present partners, he has leased, sold, and/or developed more than 5,000 commercial properties and more than 12 million square feet of retail properties located throughout the country. From this, he has established quality and long-lasting relationships with national credit tenants such as LA Fitness, Walmart, and Home Depot, multiple banks and financial institutions, public/private REITs, and numerous major brokerage firms across the United States.
In addition to his successful professional career, Walt is the devoted father of two sons, Wally III and Cooper James. Family is his number one priority, and he makes sure to set aside time for his sons and his, brothers and sisters. These strong family values are embedded in all facets of Diversified’s business.
Walt was a collegiate football athlete at the University of New Mexico and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985.
Walt has an unmatched passion for dedicating time and contributing monetarily to various charitable organizations, including Home Base Youth, Fresh Start, Labors Community, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Bobby Barnes
Director of Business Development
Bobby Barnes began his career in the mortgage business in1992, he founded and served as President of Legacy Home Mortgage from 1996 to 2010 and has been at the executive level in the mortgage business since this time and remains a top producer in both conforming and private money loans. Bobby now focusses all of his energy on Private Money and Conventional Commercial Loans, with an emphasis on creative deal structure.
Bobby is an Arizona native and has a long history in the business world. Bobby learned his business principles from his grandfather, a highly successful Arizona water well driller and cotton farmer. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Arizona and has been recognized by The Phoenix Business Journal as one of the Valley’s “40 under 40.” He is active in the community and serves several organizations including the Arizona Human Rights Fund/Foundation, the Arizona Science Center, Southwest Center for HIV and AIDS, Homeward Bound, the Human Rights Campaign, GLADD, the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Museum of History, Kids in Focus, Childs Play and the Phoenix Theatre. Bobby was also selected to participate in the prestigious Valley Leadership Program.