About WealthBuilder 1031

Brazos 1031 Exchange Company, LLC was formed in 2009 by the attorneys of the Peterson Law Group. In the beginning, we focused exclusively on Texas transactions. Now, we serve clients nationwide with their tax-deferred exchanges. We are known for secure transactions, an easy-to-follow process, clear communication, and outstanding customer service. We'd love to be your qualified intermediary in your next exchange.

What We Do

WealthBuilder 1031 is a qualified intermediary (QI), which is a neutral third party that facilitates your 1031 exchange by holding the funds from the sale of the original property and transferring them to purchase the replacement property. Our role is critical in ensuring that your transaction meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations for a 1031 exchange.

Our responsibilities include (1) preparing the necessary exchange documentation, (2) receiving and holding the funds from the sale of the original property, and (3) coordinating with the title companies.

WealthBuilder 1031 plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth and compliant execution of your 1031 exchange.

Our Difference

Reasons why WealthBuilder 1031 is the right choice for your exchange:
01

Experience and Expertise:

We have significant experience in handling 1031 exchanges and a thorough understanding of IRS regulations. We are attorney-owned-and-operated to give you the expertise needed to handle complex transactions.
02

Reputation

We have a great track record of successfully completing exchange transactions. Check out our Google reviews to see what past clients say.
03

Security of Funds

We should have robust safeguards in place to protect your 1031 funds, including an online wiring platform with multifactor authentication and dual approval control. Your funds are also protected by FDIC insurance as well as our own insurance policy and fidelity bond.
04

Accessibility and Responsiveness

We are readily available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the exchange process to you and anyone involved in your exchange (e.g. realtor, title company etc.).
05

Professionalism and Communication

We are professional, courteous, and transparent in our communication with all parties involved in the exchange transaction. Our goal is to get you to closing without any hiccups or misccomunication.
06

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing for our services. Our fees are flat fees and are not dependent on the amount of the transaction.

Get Started Today

It is easy to get started on your exchange. You can either call our office directly at 888-508-1901, or you can fill out our Start Your Exchange form.
Start Your Exchange
Chris Peterson Headshot

Chris Peterson

Founder & President

Chris Peterson is the founder and President of WealthBuilder 1031, a nationwide Qualified Intermediary. He is a licensed Texas attorney and the owner of Peterson Law Group, an estate planning, elder law, probate and business planning law firm in Texas. He graduated from Wheaton College and the University of Texas School of Law.

Besides practicing law and conducting 1031 exchanges, Chris is active in his community. Currently, he serves as an Elder and Sunday school teacher at Westminster Presbyterian Church and teaches a CPS-approved parenting class called Families Count. He previously served as President of the Bryan School Board, President of the Bryan Business Council, Chairman of the Board of the Research Valley Partnership, Moderator of South Texas Presbytery, Vice President of the Bryan-Brazos County Economic Development Foundation, Chairman of the Texas Triangle Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Bryan Texas Utilities, Advisory Director of BBVA Compass Bank, Moderator of South Texas Presbytery, and on the Wheaton College Alumni Association Board of Directors, in addition to many other civic, nonprofit and church boards.

In addition, Chris is a serial entrepreneur and has been involved in starting businesses ranging from a multi-county title company, a local community newsmagazine, build-to-suit restaurant construction, political consulting, chocolates, and real estate development.

Chris has been married to his college sweetheart Debbie since 1996. They have 3 kids (one of whom is adopted).

Brandon V. Woodward

Of Counsel

Brandon serves as Of Counsel to WealthBuilder 1031, primarily assisting customers in Florida’s Treasure Coast with 1031 exchanges. He is the Managing Partner of Woodward Kelley Fulton & Kaplan, a Florida law firm with offices in Stuart and West Palm Beach. Brandon is a licensed attorney in both Florida and Missouri. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Indian River State College and is active in the Hobe Sound Bar Association and Chamber of Commerce.

Steven Knight

1031 Exchange Manager

Steven Knight serves as an Exchange Manager at WealthBuilder 1031 where he assists clients through the 1031 exchange process. He was born in Conroe, Texas and still resides there with his wife Alishia Knight and two kids, August and Desmond. With over 20 years of Customer Service experience, Steven has dedicated his life to helping people in multiple industries. Steven developed his customer-focused mindset from serving in companies such as Lowe’s, the Pierce County Library System, and I.Bioceuticals, Inc.

Sarah Waterman

Business Development Executive

Sarah Waterman serves as an Business Development Executive at WealthBuilder 1031, primarily assisting customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.  Sarah focuses her time on building and nurturing relationships with clients and partners to grow the company’s presence in Texas and the surrounding region. Sarah is committed to understanding clients needs and determining how a 1031 exchange can bring value to their business. Sarah’s deep roots in Texas and expertise in the market have allowed her to add tremendous value through tax savings for clients who are buying, selling, or expanding in the quickly growing Dallas-Fort Worth market. Sarah brings experience from previous stops with title and cost segregation study companies. Her passion for nurturing relationships and previous experience in the commercial real estate industry has made her a trusted resource who constantly seeks solutions for her clients.

Stacy Gillenwater

1031 Exchange Manager

Stacy Gillenwater serves as an Exchange Manager at WealthBuilder 1031 assisting clients through the 1031 exchange process. She comes from a scientific background having served in multiple roles overseeing labs conducting cancer research, preclinical pharmacology, and animal health. Stacy has a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate from Texas A&M University. Her skills in carefully documenting and overseeing laboratory protocols and compliance have been a great addition in ensuring clients’ 1031 exchanges follow all applicable IRS rules.