WD

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

One of the largest commercial real estate finance firms in the United States, Walker & Dunlop helps apartment owners, developers, and investors arrange mortgage loans — often government-backed through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD — plus property sales and appraisals. It was founded in 1937 in Washington, D.C., by Oliver Walker and Laird Dunlop, who were among the first to use FHA insurance to fund apartment mortgages. A fun detail: three generations of the Walker family have led the firm, with founder Oliver's grandson Willy later serving as CEO.