Our People
Meet the REAL Property Group team.
Hal S. Shapiro
Hal S. Shapiro grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated from Center High School, before attending the University of Texas and earning a bachelor’s degree in real estate and urban land economics. After practicing commercial mortgage banking and brokerage in Texas, Hal returned to Missouri in 1987 to apply his skills in the family business at Walker Towel and Uniform Service.
In 1992, Hal began acquiring income property in the Kansas City area, building a portfolio of properties he managed with his team. Hal credits his success to his aggressive leasing and effective property management skills and takes pride in efficient operations and tenant satisfaction. Presently, Hal manages a portfolio of more than 130,000 square feet of leasable space and all day-to-day real estate responsibilities at REAL Property Group.
Hal serves on the board of directors for Walker Towel, InterUrban ArtHouse in downtown Overland Park, the Downtown Overland Park Partnership, and the 39th Street Community Improvement District in Kansas City.
Minnette Santos
Minnette Santos joined REAL Property Group in 2020 with more than 8 years of experience in property management. Minnette began in the industry as a Leasing Consultant, moving into the roles of Assistant Manager, Property Manager and most recently, Regional Property Manager. Minnette is now responsible for managing REAL Property Group’s boutique, mixed-use products. Minnette’s expertise and course development includes Grace Hill and annual Fair Housing training. She is also a member of the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce and the Crime Resistance Community Partnership in both Lenexa and Overland Park. In addition to her dedication to REAL Property Group, Minnette loves spending time with her Golden Doodle, Shakespeare, and being involved in her community.
Tyler Walker
Bringing with him nearly 10 years of Maintenance experience in the Multifamily Industry, Tyler joined REAL Property Group in June of 2021. He started his career as a Groundskeeper and has grown in the field through continuous hands-on and classroom training. Tyler is a Certified Pool Operator, an EPA-Certified HVAC Technician, and he is competent in Electrical work thanks, in part, to coursework through the National Apartment Association. Immediately before joining the team at REAL Property Group, Tyler worked as a Renovations Coordinator overseeing a multi-million dollar asset upgrade project. This work granted him insider knowledge of coordinating and overseeing interior renovations, while maintaining day-to-day operations for existing residents. Now, Tyler serves REAL Property Group as a go-to resource for coordinating warranty work, overseeing interior repairs and general maintenance, and managing units in need of upkeep after resident move-outs. When he’s not fixing up the communities he serves, Tyler enjoys cheering on the Chiefs, cooking up your new favorite meal, and hitting local trails on his bike.
Dianna Parks
A team player for more than 20 years, Dianna Parks serves as bookkeeper and office manager for REAL Property Group and its related companies.
Dianna has experience managing finances for a variety of companies, including industrial, business offices, retail, and residential rentals. Because of her vast knowledge, everyone at REAL Property Group relies on Dianna’s significant contributions to the company.
Rickey Smith
A dynamic, results-driven individual, Rickey Smith is dedicated to building a customer-centric culture and business model as he oversees accounts receivable and billing. Rickey works closely with property management and department leads to ensure our tenants and owner-occupied properties receive the quality service they deserve and have come to expect from REAL Property Group.
Denise Blake
Denise joined REAL Property Group in March, 2021 as HR/PR Manager. She has more than 25 years of experience in general accounting, payroll and human resources. Denise enjoys working as a team player and improving her knowledge. She has lived in the KC metro area all of her life and loves spending time with family and friends. Denises hobbies are crafts and playing sand volleyball. She also loves cruising to different places and spending time on the beach.
Steven B. Shapiro
Steven B. Shapiro grew up in Saint Louis and earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in accounting from the University of Kansas, which he attended with his brother, David.
Today, Steven is the Chief Financial Officer at WAlker Towel and Uniform, where he manages day-to-day finances and accounting. He also oversees Walker’s “blue-chip” accounts, providing leadership in relationship building and retention of these important customers. He’s been managing properties with REAL Property Group for the last 20 years, contributing his accounting and tax knowledge, handling property maintenance, negotiating leases, providing security and collections services, and marketing.
Steven remains active with his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, and loves golfing and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
David E. Shapiro
Like his brother, Hal, David E. Shapiro graduated from Center High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Arizona State University. Since 1992, David has worked for the family business, Walker Towel and Uniform Service as the Chief Informatics Officer and Director of Facilities.
His strengths in information management, industrial layout, systems design, and property maintenance give him a unique perspective on property management. He prides himself on his ability to develop relationships with tenants and addressing and resolving repair and maintenance needs.
David serves on the board of directors for Walker Towel.
David S. Shapiro
A Saint Louis native, David S. Shapiro graduated from Clayton High School and attended the University of Kansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in economics, before joining the family business at Walker Towel and Uniform Service, where he is currently the Chief Operating Officer. Since joining Walker, David grew the business by more than 500 percent.
Serving in an advisory role to REAL Property Group and his cousin Hal, David provides intel on property development and strategic planning. In his spare time, he is active in Harvesters, Kaw Valley Center, and the Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care gala committee.