CREA Promotes Co-Founder Erik Stiebel to President

CREA, the youngest firm on LA Times Studios' list of Southern California’s 30 largest commercial real estate brokerages based on 2025 transaction volume, has seen significant growth since its founding in 2023. The firm, headquartered in El Segundo, has expanded its presence in the South Bay and Orange County, hiring new brokers to support its tenant-only brokerage model.

In a recent move, CREA has promoted its co-founder, Erik Stiebel, to the position of president. This promotion follows a period of strong performance for the company.

Stiebel, who previously worked alongside Simpson at Avison Young, has played a crucial role in CREA’s success. He advises aerospace, defense, and other hard tech companies on their real estate needs across the United States. Additionally, Stiebel publishes Space Dirt, a newsletter with more than 4,100 subscribers that covers Southern California’s hard tech community. The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times have turned to him as a source on El Segundo’s hard tech real estate market.

CREA, founded in 2023, is an El Segundo-based commercial real estate brokerage that represents tenants exclusively. The firm pairs the expertise of a large brokerage with the service of a boutique, without the conflicts of interest inherent in representing both landlords and tenants. With a focus on the tenant’s interests, CREA aims to provide tailored solutions for hard tech companies in the region.

As CREA continues to grow, the company is expanding its reach and hiring new talent to support its mission. The promotion of Stiebel to president reflects the firm's commitment to fostering internal talent and driving its growth in the commercial real estate market.