By Cassidy Ritter – Reporter, Denver Business Journal
The founder of a local residential real estate firm is stepping down after 17 years at the helm.
Lane Hornung, founder of 8z Real Estate, is transitioning from CEO to an advisory role as chairman. He founded the company in 2008.
Replacing Hornung as the company's top executive is Ryan Carter.
Carter, who will serve as 8z’s CEO and president, has been with the company since its founding.
“Ryan has been a pivotal part of 8z’s success over the years, and his vision aligns perfectly with the values and goals that have defined our company since its inception,” Hornung said in a statement. “His passion for empowering agents makes him the ideal leader to take 8z to new heights. The addition of ‘CEO’ is a title change that Ryan has already embodied, and I turn over the reins with full confidence knowing where the company is headed.”
Carter has served as 8z’s president since 2018. Before that role, he was a top-performing agent and then a managing broker, according to a news release.
As CEO, Carter said he is focused on growth — both the personal and professional growth of 8z agents and expanding the company’s footprint to serve more zip codes in Colorado.
Carter also plans to leverage technology to enhance “the human element of real estate” and provide agents with streamlined workflows, marketing automation and market insights, he told the Denver Business Journal in an email.
“As we expand our development division, we’re integrating technology to analyze market trends, optimize new home sales strategies, and connect buyers with exclusive opportunities before they hit the market,” Carter said. “Our commitment to innovation keeps 8z agents ahead of the curve, delivering a modern, high-touch real estate experience.”
In addition to his work at 8z, Carter sits on the board of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family and exploring Colorado’s live music and restaurant scenes.
8z, one of the DBJ’s fastest-growing Denver-area private companies, differs from other brokerages in that it offers a “Partner Program” for qualified agents. The program includes an annual salary, ownership shares in the company, profit sharing, employer-sponsored healthcare and 401K matching, according to the 8z.
