Rooted in Resilience: Stewart Skloss’s Ancestral Spirit Continues to Help Shape Texas Real Estate Today

Stewart Skloss had no idea he was building upon a 300 year familial legacy of transformative Texas development.

Powered by the Commercial Real Estate conglomerate Newmark with 170 global offices and growing, and a team of 7400+ industry professionals worldwide, Stewart Skloss continues a legacy of global business property brokerage, development and oversight centuries in the making.

“It was remarkable to discover we baptized my daughter at the same small church founded by my 9th Great-Grandfather, Juan Curbelo. Then, it was called it Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe, and now it is known as the San Fernando Cathedral. I couldn’t be more proud to know it’s my turn to play a part in the continuing growth of this extraordinary Texas history.” He added, “I grew up hearing my parents say, ‘Our family has been in Texas since before Texas was Texas,’ but I never really paid it much attention, and after uncovering a bit of our ancestry, I began digging deeper. It turns out my Texas lineage traces directly back to the Canary Islanders, who were called on by the King of Spain to travel to the New World and develop the Americas with the help of fifteen other brave and pioneering families.”

Stewart Skloss and Family at San Fernando Cathedral

Juan Curbelo, born circa 1680, traveled with the fifteen other families from the Canary Islands in 1731 under the mandate of the King of Spain. After a year at sea, they landed near Vera Cruz, Mexico, and traveled north to Central Texas. Curbelo established himself as a visionary community builder who served as a councilman and was instrumental in establishing the settlement of San Fernando de Bexar — known today as San Antonio.

Historical Marker for the Canary Islanders in San Antonio, TX

Alongside Curbelo in laying the foundations for modern day Texas, John William Smith, born on November 4th, 1792, and Stewart’s 4th Great-Grandfather, was influential in Texas’s struggle for independence and later served as an important civic figure. As the final messenger to send for reinforcements in the Battle of the Alamo, he later became the first Mayor of San Antonio after Texas was annexed into the United States.

Smith laid the groundwork for Plaza de Las Islas, or Main Plaza as we now know it, transforming it into a vital hub of commerce and leadership for Central Texas. Smith passed away on January 12th, 1845, but his contributions have had a lasting influence on San Antonio’s growth and development.

San Antonio During the Times of John William Smith

John Smith’s legacy of resilience and civic duty continues to influence the Skloss family today. Stewart’s father, Lawrence Vincent Skloss, a Korean War Veteran and newspaper executive for the Hearst-owned San Antonio Light, continues to live and work near Main Plaza in San Antonio. Buildings such as 200 Main and Floodgate are currently listed with Stewart, within sight of the Alamo, the Bexar County Courthouse, the San Fernando Cathedral, and the Riverwalk.

Skloss says, “I remember gravitating towards a career in real restate from the first time I was asked ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ I can only attribute that to my now known family history.”

Skloss studied at The University of Texas at Austin while participating in specialized programs at the Champions School of Real Estate when he was 18. This combination provided him with a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. “My education provided me with the the insight to recognize economic real estate potential and understand market dynamics on a global scale. I was enamored by these concepts, and I could not wait to put them to practical use,” Stewart explains.

Stewart Skloss honors Frank Bennack, a San Antonio legend, early mentor, and his Godfather: Frank Bennack, the late CEO of Hearst, served as Stewart’s early mentor. Bennack’s guidance was invaluable, demonstrating how to blend media, philanthropy, and global outreach. This not only shaped Stewart’s career, but also contributed to the cultural and economic development of Central Texas.

A mentor of Stewart Skloss, Frank Bennack, Jr. of Hearst

“Under the mentorship of Frank Bennack, I was guided by principles that enrich not just my professional journey, but also the cultural and economic growth and development of San Antonio and beyond,” Stewart says, emphasizing Bennack’s significant role in his life and work.

Through implementing the principles demonstrated by Bennack and his education from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas and Universidad Autonoma in Guadalajara, Mexico, a large portion of Stewart’s career was marked by assembling strategic teams and reaching milestones in startups and early-stage businesses. His ventures grew, taking him to Eastern Europe and the Middle East to navigate the real estate market on a global scale and explore opportunities in developing economies.

Stewart Skloss joins global real estate powerhouse, Newmark. Newmark stands as a titan of commercial real estate services, a platform where Skloss has been able to deploy his experience and knowledge. Backed by leading teams, he embraces Newmark’s vision forward — sharing a commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions to a global clientele.

“Since 1929, Newmark has set the benchmark for industry innovation. I have been provided with an unbelievable opportunity to work with the sharpest minds in real estate and been supplied with an expansive resource network to not only uphold my family’s legacy, but actively participate in propelling it forward,” says Skloss.

The narrative of Texas continues to evolve, bridging centuries of history with a vision that looks toward a promising and prosperous future. Stewart Skloss’s journey as a commercial real estate developer committed to upholding his family’s legacy starting with Juan Curbelo, is evidence of the transformative power of heritage.

Stewarts adds, “The ups and the downs of this journey have driven me to be a better and better father, friend and business partner. I am reminded of the profound impacts individuals can have on shaping community and landscapes for future generations.”

One thing remains certain: The spirit of innovation and determination has guided the Skloss family and their ancestors for generations. Rooted in resilience and fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Stewart’s profound sense of community and innovation continues to leave an indelible mark on Texas real estate and beyond, honoring his ancestors’ legacy with every project he undertakes.

Stewart concludes the interview with, “I encourage everyone to explore their ancestry. Understanding our family’s sacrifices and struggles can reignite or reinforce our sense of purpose and direction in a world filled with so many distractions and influences.”

Stewart Skloss’s story serves as both a tribute to the past and a beacon for the future, inspiring generations to come to embrace their heritage while forging new paths forward.