If ever there were a year to acknowledge the men and women who helm our commercial real estate companies, the past 12 months would be it. Since the pandemic began, there have been high levels of bankruptcies and some distress, albeit not as much as those funds formed for the purpose of snapping up bargains would have liked to see. Whatever the level, though, the past year has been a challenging one as COVID upended the economy, caused the deaths of half a million and counting Americans and rewrote some fundamental rules about the industry (WFH comes to mind here). It is a testament to these industry leaders that CRE is emerging from the health crisis, just a little battered and worse for the wear—but nothing that a booming recovery can’t fix. We selected this group, as we do every year, based on their business acumen, how well they treat their employees and the type of culture and environment they set at their firms. While the former was on clear display this year, as you read on you’ll find the other attributes did not fall by the wayside. Which is the mark of true leaders.
INDIVIDUALS
BILL BAYLESS For 27 years, Bill Bayless has led American Campus Communities as CEO, building a reputation as one of the nation’s foremost experts on student housing. With Bayless at the helm of the company, American Campus Communities has grown into one of the largest student housing developers, owners and managers, with a total value of $8.5 billion and a portfolio of 201 student housing properties in the US and Canada totaling 137,900 beds. During his tenure, the firm has completed $16.4 billion in transactions, produced a compounded annual growth rate in net operating income of 21% and delivered shareholder returns of more than 420%. Bayless’ leadership supports internal career growth as well; nurturing staff from onsite property manager to COO—as in the case of Jennifer Beese—or from onsite maintenance to VP of projects—as is the case of Wayne Taylor. Above all, Bayless is known for his passion and commitment to provide quality student housing. “The enthusiasm that Bill brings to the job has not waned one bit since the launch of the company in 1993,” says board member, Oliver Luck. “He is an excellent leader, someone who engenders dedication and commitment from his team while recognizing the humanity in his staff.”
GIL BOROK As the president and CEO of Colliers International, Gil Borok oversees the US operations and strategy for the multi-divisional company. Borok took the position a year ago, and already has expanded the firm’s market position, strengthened the leadership team with strategic hires and streamlined operations. His impact has delivered glowing reviews from top leaders at the company, including David Amsterdam, president of the Northeast region and capital markets, who says, “Under his leadership, we have seen collaboration between our investment sales and debt professionals that we had not seen previously, and saw Colliers involved in transactions of an increased size and scale.” He has already proven to be a people-first leader committed to strengthening company culture, even through the challenges of the pandemic. In addition to supporting the current business objectives and team, Borok has also championed diversity and inclusion at the firm, launching the Colliers Black Equality Task Force and supporting Pride Month.
JEFF CHAIN Jeff Chain is a hands-on developer with more than 40 years of experience and a phenomenal industry reputation. As the principal at Millennium Commercial Properties, he has acquired, developed and managed more than one million square feet of commercial projects and more than 5,000 acres of land into residential or master planned communities. To achieve this success, Chain has built a team of quality professionals and fosters new talent. “Jeff was my mentor during my undergraduate study, and I joined his company after graduation. He is extremely knowledgeable in real estate development and investment, and has introduced me to his connections,” says Minjia Yan, an associate at the firm, about Chain’s leadership, adding that he is an ideal guide through the current market dislocation. Chain found opportunity in distressed debt during the 2008 financial crisis and later found opportunity in affordable and homeless housing projects in Las Vegas. Chain believes in projects that support the community and his team. It turns out to be good for business, too.
GIDI COHEN Gidi Cohen has built a reputation as an innovator in residential development. Responding to millennial demand, he creates luxury, fully furnished, move-in ready apartments equipped with technology and hotel-style amenities, including concierge services. As founder and CEO of CGI Real Estate Investment Strategies, Cohen has led the firm to complete more than $1 billion in transactions. The company is currently developing its third project in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, the $50 million 200-unit, Fedora. This success is a direct result of Cohen’s hands-on and family-forward leadership style. “The team, which we call our family, makes up the fabric of the company,” says Kasia Mays, COO at CGI. Other employees have applauded Cohen’s vision, communication and positive outlook, even during challenges. “While many CEOs can be more rigid in their thinking, Gidi is just the opposite. He likes to listen and hear different perspectives and he makes people around him comfortable. His emotion permeates his team,” adds Andre Soroudi, director of acquisitions. The company culture has not only ensured a strong and enthusiastic staff, but has also supported the CGI’s stability through the pandemic.
STEVE CORE Steve Core has built RiverRock Real Estate Group since its inception in 2003. Under Core’s leadership as president, the firm has grown into 140 employees, a portfolio of 38 million square feet of properties under management and 24 regional offices in California and Arizona. Core has driven the company’s success by focusing on strategic hires, including Dave Pogue as chief strategy officer to focus on performance, strategic expansion and environmental, social and governance criteria; diversity, which has included placing women in leadership positions; and expanding into new operating arenas, like property management. Above all, Core’s people-first business approach has been essential to its success. “People always come first and are treated like individuals. New policies are implemented every year based on feedback from employees. RiverRock doesn’t rest on its laurels and is always looking for new ways to streamline procedures and make everyone feel valued,” says Michelle Weber, regional VP. Outside of the office, Core is a member of BOMA’s national advisory committee and on the executive committee for BOMA Orange County.
MARK A. DAVIS “Everyone employed here, in every department and at every level, is treated as a valued and respected member of the team,” says Jill Rasmussen about working at Davis, a commercial real estate services firm. Davis’ employee-focused company culture starts at the top with CEO and managing principal—and the company’s namesake—Mark A. Davis. Davis has direct communication with every employee, keeps an open door policy and encourages collaboration. This has not only fostered an effective and loyal team, but this strategy has also supported profitability. Davis has personally overseen the development of more than one million square feet in medical space and has achieved a portfolio of 2.5 million square feet of medical office space under management. To take its current development pipeline to the next level, Davis launched an internal architecture firm, Synergy Architecture Studio, focusing on building energy efficient and sustainable class A medical office, many of which have been award-winning properties. For Davis, the company’s success starts with the team, and for that reason, he has maintained employment through the pandemic, with no reduction in hours or pay to any employees.
MARK FOGEL Only a superior leader could juggle the roles of president and CEO of ACRES Capital Corp. and president, CEO and board member of public REIT, Exantas Capital Corp. Mark Fogel fulfills each position, and has still managed to garner a reputation as a “unicorn” of quality leadership with a direct, methodical and encouraging approach to management. “Mark has created a culture where all levels of employees are empowered to express their opinions and where respectful debate is embraced. While he is results-oriented, encouraging staff to perform at the top of their abilities, Mark also looks out for his employees’ well-being, encouraging work-life balance and providing numerous opportunities for professional development,” says Lynne Viccaro, the firm’s chief marketing officer. The sentiment is echoed by several employees, like underwriting associate, Brandon Greenberg, who says that morale has increased because employees feel they have an impact on the company’s success; or, servicing director, Beth Simpson, who says Fogel’s management style enhances professional and personal growth. The proof is in the numbers: A recent internal survey found that 98% of employees have confidence in senior leadership.
DAN FRENCH As the CEO behind ResProp Management, a company focused on maximizing value for property owners through quality management, Dan French drives business while supporting a corporate culture rooted in his mantra, “find a way or make one.” A veteran multifamily investor, French focuses on client service and expansion at the firm, where he has overseen the growth of more than $1.5 billion in assets under management. In addition to continually unlocking value for owners, French sets the highest standards of operational excellence by ensuring employees live within the virtues and mission of the company. Respected by all members of the firm, French implements a collaborative approach to generating solutions and promotes camaraderie throughout the workplace. A true servant leader, he immerses himself in the day-to-day operations of each department in order to fully understand challenges. He empowers his employees to constantly push themselves in order to achieve their goals, personally and professionally. His leadership has proven even more essential to the company’s ability to respond quickly to the rapidly changing market throughout the past year. His responsiveness has allowed apartment operations to continue with little disruption to owner’s revenue streams.
ANDY GUTMAN As president of Farbman Group / NAI Farbman, Andrew Gutman oversees a portfolio of 25 million square feet, more than 200 employees and the firms’ strategic growth. Under Gutman’s leadership, the firm’s portfolio has doubled and it has completed several hundred-million dollars in transactions. Gutman’s leadership style has played an essential role in the firm’s growth. To support employees, he has created a diversity committee; a women’s professional group called Growing Leadership of Women; a social responsibility program called Farbman Cares; the mentorship program Farbman Guides; and Farbman 3000, a platform that curates technology adoption and innovation. Outside of the office, Gutman is a community leader. He currently serves on the board of directors with Midtown Detroit, the Detroit Chinese Business Association and Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, and he is on the executive committee for the Chaldean Community Foundation and is a member of EO Detroit.
JD HAASE In 1997, JD Haase founded Ewing Ford Properties and immediately focused on building a quality team that would support the company’s success. In the last 23 years, Haase has never waned from his employee-centric focus. Today, he continues to value the team as the core of the business model by ensuring open communication, a willingness to accept new ideas and a goal-oriented workplace. He puts his team first and shows acts of selflessness throughout each and every day. He wants his employees to do better than he did – a high standard to reach. “Nothing is a competition in the office, as he always wants us to do better than him,” says a property manager at the firm. This year, Haase has continued to support his team through the pandemic, implementing contingency plans to bear the impact of the market dislocation better than most companies.
BRIAN HARPER Brian Harper arrived at RPT Realty in 2018 with the goal of strengthening the firm’s operations and adapting to the changing retail marketplace. As president and CEO, Harper has not only revitalized the company’s 49-property portfolio, he has also transformed the corporate culture, first by revamping the executive team, hiring a new CFO and EVP of leasing, enhancing diversity and improving work-life balance with flexible work hours and work-from-home policies. The improved employee culture has resulted in increased productivity and innovation. “Brian has created an empowering environment at RPT and has adapted business practices that create new efficiencies and more effective and inclusive teams. His dedication to excellence and approachability continue to add value and yield results for the company and every individual or project he touches,” says Alyssa Dart, an employee at the firm, says about Harper’s impact at the company. Business success is yet another indicator of improved operations. Under Harpers’ leadership, RPT Realty has had $2 million in ongoing annual net cash savings and established a New York City headquarters location.
MIKE JAMES After only five years into his brokerage career, Mike James set out on his own and launched James Capital Advisors, a brokerage firm specializing in net lease and multifamily investments. As the founder and CEO, James has grown the firm into a team of 85 brokers and staff members. The rapid growth stems from James’ commitment to cultivating a quality team. He invests in training, resources and mentorship programs to encourage brokers to achieve goals and break records—and he applauds all successes, whether it is a broker’s first deal or their hundredth. “Mike is a leader who doesn’t hide behind closed doors, but instead, he shows up every day to be an example for his team and help and learn from others,” says one employee about his leadership. James not only supports employees today, but he is constantly looking forward. Under his guidance, the firm created an efficient cloud-based technology platform to manage basic operational functions. In 2018, James also looked at the risk profile of the firm to prepare for the next downturn. The plan was crucial to the firm’s survival in the last year, and as a result, James Capital has been able to increase revenue this year.
DWIGHT KAY Dwight Kay has had an undeniably impressive career. He currently serves as the CEO and founder of Kay Properties & Investments, a Delaware Statutory Trust and 1031 exchange advisory firm based in Los Angeles. Kay has participated in more than $15 billion in real estate offerings in the last decade, and he has grown the firm into one of the leading DST firms in the country. Kay’s leadership has played an integral role in the company’s success. He has built an exceptional sales team that is dedicated to the financial success of its clients. “Looking back over just the last few years, it’s incredible what we have accomplished as a team under Dwight’s leadership. He sets the vision with his entrepreneurial spirit, and allows team members to be challenged and grow,” says one employee at the firm. Another calls Kay an “innovator, a cultivator of talent and a leader by example.” Kay is known not only for motivating his team but also for acknowledging hard work and providing the recourses to succeed.
DOUGLAS A. KIERSEY JR. Douglas A. Kiersey Jr. is a trailblazer in the logistics market with experience in everything from development, land and building acquisition to management. As the president of Dermody Properties, Kiersey oversees all business operations and strategy, and he sits on the company’s advisory board and chairs the executive and investment committees. He isn’t only president but a true leader. “I have always tried to model my own communication and management styles after his consistent, clear and concise approaches to day-to-day interactions with both clients and team members,” Daniel R. Meador, an SVP at the firm, says about Kiersey. Kathleen S. Briscoe, partner and chief capital officer at Dermody, refers to Kiersey as a motivating and inclusive boss who has built strong relationships with both clients and employees alike. To strengthen both the company and morale through the pandemic, Kiersey developed a regional service delivery with market experts, attuned his focus to risk factors and invested in technology. As a result of his leadership, the firm has added six new team members since the start of the pandemic.
WALT LAMPERSKI Walt Lamperski believes that people are just as critical as the bottom line. As president of Stonemark Management, he has driven above-market financial results and curated a strong team and balanced workplace. “Walt has an innate understanding that the fostering of a balanced work life amongst the team members is vital to creating a healthy work environment that will ultimately lead to overall positive results for the company,” says Melissa Doss, regional VP in nominating Lamperski. Employees are well compensated, feel appreciated and, perhaps most importantly, are given opportunities for advancement. He is also dedicated to providing a work-life balance that gives employees space to spend time with their families, take vacations and attend personal events. Lamperski is known for his optimism, work ethic and strong communication, which have helped the company thrive and garnered awards like the 2020 Multi-Housing News Excellence, Best Places to Work—Multifamily and Best Places to Work for Women—Multifamily from Multifamily Leadership.
RICHARD LARA As the president and CEO of RAAM Construction Inc., a multifamily-focused general builder and minority-owned company, Richard Lara has a storied reputation as both a visionary and a family man. These two characteristics are deeply ingrained in the company, which equally supports employees and clients. Lara leads a highly knowledgeable and skilled team of professionals that produce high-quality projects in affordable housing, senior housing and historic preservation. “Richard is the kind of leader I emulate and appreciate. While he is relentless in his pursuit of excellence, he does so in a way that is both encouraging and respectful of his employees,” Lisa Lara, EVP of operations at the firm, says about Lara’s leadership. Another employee applauds the company’s inclusive culture and diversity, saying, “He realizes that he must walk the walk as well as talk the talk when it comes to representing a broader cross-section of society in the company.” Through the pandemic, Lara has reaffirmed his commitment to his staff by implementing safety protocols both to support a healthy work environment and construction site. This included using drones and adopting on-site GPS staff-tracking apps. This is the type of action that supports employees while driving success for the firm.
A. DAVID LYND David Lynd took over his family’s company, the Lynd Co., from his father four years ago. He started at the firm as a teenager before working his way up through the company as VP of property management, chief operating officer and CEO, today. Needless to say, he understands the firm and its employees from the ground up. His professional achievements are numerous, including launching a development division and growing the firm’s assets under management to 35,000 units in 16 states with a collection of $250 million in annual rents. He shows an equal dedication to his staff of 200 employees, 50 of which have been with the company for more than a decade. “David not only cares about making his employees better at what they do, but he is also concerned for their health and well-being. He doesn’t just talk about work-life balance but promotes and enables it,” Candace Sheppard, EVP of operations at the company, says. The firm’s CFO, Matt Merritt echoed the sentiment of Lynd’s strong leadership, saying, “His enthusiasm and passion are intoxicating and his approach, entrepreneurial. He sets a clear vision that excites people and inspires them to be their very best selves.”
IAN MATTINGLY Ian Mattingly’s father founded LumaCorp Inc. in 1984, but Mattingly didn’t automatically start his career at the company. He launched his commercial real estate career in brokerage before joining his family’s firm in 2007, and he took over as president five years ago. “When Ian started with the company, it would have been easy for him to start at the top; however, he started as a leasing consultant and worked his way up through each position,” says an employee at the firm. “He learned the ins and outs of each job so that he knew exactly how each person and position in the company contributed to our success.” This has made him an ideal leader who is well respected among the staff and known for kindness, understanding, integrity and patience. His leadership was crucial in supporting the team through the pandemic. He started a weekly forum on Microsoft Teams, listened to employees’ concerns and implemented safety policies. As a result, the company has not let go of any employees through the pandemic and has maintained morale.
PAUL MCGUNNIGLE As CEO of Howard Building Corp., Paul McGunnigle believes in leading by example. To him, that means promoting a family-oriented environment and employee appreciation. The positive company culture has landed Howard Building Corp. on the Orange County Business Journal’s list of the Best Places to Work in Orange County, a sentiment that stems from the employees themselves. Sharon Christensen, administration manager at the firm says, “From his military service to his leadership in the construction industry to his passion and support of financial education and entrepreneurship for young people through junior achievement, he is a leader and example for those around him. He is respectful, insightful and considerate to everyone.” Another employee refers to McGunnigle as a visionary leader that has created a culture of trust, communication and service. This year, McGunnigle continued to evolve the company culture, implementing a program to encourage employees to give back by offering one paid day off for charitable work in the community.
NICK MCKINNEY “Nick McKinney is the culture of Foundry,” says Foundry Commercial CEO, Paul Ellis. As chief strategy officer at the company, McKinney is responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives, business planning and client pursuits—but he is also focused on building a company culture that supports and nurtures people and talent, is family focused and is fun. “He is certainly responsible for many of the tactical elements associated with our culture and our brand. Nick works across our entire platform more than any of our leaders,” says Ellis about his leadership. “Helping Foundry teams in every geography with strategy, business pursuits and sometimes just listening and being a good friend.” McKinney works closely with employees at every level to foster growth. Lauren Marquess, a senior marketing associate, started in an entry-level position and has thrived at the company. “In my role, I was challenged to find new ways to market our properties and connect with potential clients and tenants. It has been the honor of my career so far to work under the tutelage of Nick McKinney,” she says. McKinney’s leadership has helped grow the firm into more than 330 employees with more than 50 million square feet in assets under management.
MATTHIAS MUCKLE A renowned industry leader, Matthias Muckle started at Bayer in 2015 as head of US real estate and has completed countless transactions since. At the company, he leads a team of four, focusing on everything from acquisition and leasing to workplace strategy, while leading merger and acquisition opportunities. The team’s success is one example of Muckle’s impressive leadership, however, in the past five years, he has gained a glowing reputation throughout the 20,000-employee company. “As a leader he keeps activities moving while showing respect and motivation. It is infectious. He is creative and with a high capacity for juggling many balls in the air,” says Michael Tune, VP of business protection and compliance at Bayer. Through the pandemic, Muckle has put employees first, developing work-from-home policies and health and safety policy to support employees and create a safe work environment. The firm is planning to implement many of these policies permanently to continue to support the staff.
SHENAN MURPHY Shenan Murphy launched his commercial real estate career as a broker at West Shell Commercial. A decade later, Murphy bought the firm and became president and CEO. Now, the firm is under the umbrella of Colliers International, where Murphy is a CEO and principal in the Cincinnati office. In the last 10 years, Murphy has continued to grow the Cincinnati business, and in 2020, the office had its best year yet. The growth wouldn’t be possible without Murphy’s strong leadership and dedication to his staff. His employees laud him for his interpersonal skills, strong communication skills and mentoring. Through the pandemic, he has shown his true strength, guaranteeing that no member of his team would be let go. The promise invigorated the team. “If only every company, even those susceptible to cyclical disturbances and black swans like COVID, had a leader like Shenan who plans for these types of things,” said one employee. “Deals were pushed back and brokerage revenues are down, but our company expects to have an incredible 2021 and continued decade of success so long as Shenan is at the helm.”
RYAN D. NEE As the first VP and district manager of Marcus & Millichap’s Florida office, Ryan D. Nee leads a team of 200 investment brokers, who hail Nee as a leader of leaders. With Nee at the helm, Marcus & Millichap’s Florida office has become the leading brokerage firm in the state. As district manager, Nee has worked his way through every rank since joining the firm as a broker in 2007 and joining the management team in 2011. In his current role, he leads the office’s operations team and works with employees, providing growth opportunities through mentorship. “Ryan thrives in this role, given his innate ability to solve complex problems and resolve conflict. He’s truly the consummate professional, caring and compassionate,” according to Joseph P. Thomas, SVP at Marcus & Millichap. Operations manager Hilary Michaels adds, “Ryan is a natural-born leader who commands respect with all personnel levels, from a potential hire to the firm’s top leaders. He has great insight, for the betterment of both the people who work for him, to ideas and visions that will grow the company well into the future.”
PATRICK O’MEARA Taylor Street managing principal and founder Patrick O’Meara has had a storied 20-year career investing, managing, financing or selling more than $5.2 billion in commercial real estate deals, specializing in multifamily, retail and office. In his role at Taylor Street, O’Meara leads the retail, multifamily, capital markets, residential realty and property management teams, as well as all operations for the company. “All roads lead back to Patrick and he enjoys being a mentor to everyone in the company,” says one employee. As a result, he sets the tone of culture and employee optimism, and in this area he also excels. “I can honestly say, he wears his heart on his sleeve, he cares for all of his employees, he wants everyone to succeed and helps them excel in any way he can,” says Kayla Kochanuski, SVP at Taylor Street. With the core principle that employees are the foundation of the company, O’Meara is focused on teambuilding and company culture, hosting golf tournaments, planning team building events, holiday parties and giving spontaneous days off.
GILDA PEREZ-ALVARADO A skilled real estate professional, Gilda Perez-Alvarado is a trailblazer in the global hospitably market. As the CEO of the Americas for JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, she leads every aspect of the deal flow and has experience in several global offices, including New York, Miami, Madrid and London. She has completed more transactions than any other advisor in the hotel and hospitality business, generating $13.7 billion in transaction volume and $8.4 billion in assets under management in 2019. Perez-Alvarado is also laser focused on leadership within the firm, fostering a supportive culture as an ally and a mentor to help her staff succeed. “Gilda cares about her clients and her people. She is an ally, looking for every opportunity to level the playing field. Serving clients and the team best by providing opportunities for unique experiences and ideas to enhance and improve the solution and results,” says Kristin Schneider, COO of JLL’s Hotels & Hospital Group. She has an open-door policy and a willingness to accept new ideas, and she promotes diversity and provides opportunity for growth through mentorship and advocacy.
JERRY PETZOLDT Owner and broker of TCI Group – Jerry Petzoldt Agency LLC, Jerry Petzoldt has 50 years of experience as an appraiser in commercial and investment properties. As a long-time business owner, Petzoldt leads by example and embraces a forward-thinking atmosphere. “When I first met Jerry, the first thing that came to me was out of the box. Jerry has never had an attitude that it has always been done this way, so it needs to continue to be done this way. Jerry challenges those around him to think about things in ways that promote growth and success,” says Austin Ramsey at the firm. Glenn Perkins of the firm adds, “Jerry is the consummate professional and gentleman who is always the first to step up to the plate as a volunteer to assist every member of his community, family and his TCI Group family.” Last year, Petzoldt continued to support an optimistic and stable work environment through the turbulence of the pandemic, focusing on his family-first mentality to support employees and the business through challenges.
FRANK PUSINELLI Frank Pusinelli has a phenomenal reputation among his colleagues and staff. As the EVP and chief operating officer of commercial and logistics at RXR Realty, he is one of the most popular and well-respected leaders at the firm. In addition to driving significant growth, including the execution of more than $1 billion in construction projects, Pusinelli also sets policies, procedures and goals. “Frank is an exceptional leader because he boldly makes decisions and makes them efficiently, with thorough attention. That decisiveness is key to progressing, keeping RXR Realty’s operations at the vanguard and giving the company and our brand a competitive edge,” says an employee of the firm. Other colleagues praise Pusinelli’s authentic leadership, mentorship and overall drive to accomplish goals. During the pandemic, his leadership has shined once again as he helped to implement market-leading technologies to improve safety and wellness.
PAUL RAHIMIAN As the founder and CEO of Parkview Financial, Paul Rahimian oversees a national debt fund focused on financing ground-up construction projects. He successfully completed more than $350 million in commercial projects between 1988 and 2009, and since launching the fund in 2015, the firm has completed $1.5 billion in financing for more than 120 real estate projects, with $500 million alone in 2019. He is also a celebrated boss at the firm, known as a team player that promotes family values and a good work-life balance. “Paul encourages every one of us to put our families first. This has created loyalty and appreciation that motivates all of us employees to do our very best every day because we want our work family to thrive and succeed for both the short and long-term,” says Andrew Benton, managing director at Parkview Financial about Rahimian’s leadership. Rahimian trusts his employees to get the job done, giving them freedom and autonomy over their role. “They deliver 100% of the time,” says Rahimian. It’s the epitome of a balanced relationship.
CAMILLE RENSHAW Camille Renshaw is a leader and innovator of the PropTech space. She is the founder and CEO of B+E, an executive in residence at NYU Stern School of Business and an advisory board member for Rutgers University’s Big Data Program. She not only drives change in the commercial real estate industry, but also as a business owner. Renshaw oversees all operations at B+E, delivering a clear vision and culture that supports growth and a valued workforce. “Camille has always supported her staff through her commitment to the development and career advancement of her employees,” Katherine Wadleigh-White, director of sales operations at B+E, says. “Everyday she pushes her staff towards greatness on the sales floor and on the sidelines.” Operations manager Christine Myers adds that Renshaw is smart, caring, forward-thinking, hardworking and a great mentor. Through the pandemic, these characteristics have shined. Renshaw has not let go of a single employee and has insulated the firm from the downturn by keeping budgets tight and hiring with great care. The strategy has not only supported the bottom line but the team as well.
JEFFREY M. RINKOV Jeffrey M. Rinkov practices servant leadership. As the CEO of Lee & Associates, Rinkov oversees 65 offices and leads recruitment, expansion, initiatives and company culture. He is known for strong communication with all employees, from his fellow leaders at the firm to individual brokers and support staff. He listens to all ideas, takes responsibility and gives credit when due. “The true leader is one who is followed [they have] the best interest [of the people] and of the organization in mind, and not their own. That is Jeff,” says one employee about Rinkov. Another says, “He is a beacon of our company culture, and his leadership style allows every person he works with to feel engaged and appreciated. I’ve never met another CEO that encourages every member of the company, not just the leadership or his direct team to call him with any problem or opportunity that arises.” This year, he continued to connect with employees by launching a Strava group for virtual health challenges to keep the team moving and motivated through the pandemic.
HELEN RIVERO A 28-year industry veteran, Helen Rivero is known not only for her professional successes but also as a steadfast leader. As the COO of Gemini Rosemont Commercial Real Estate, she leads day-to-day operations and directs investment management, including oversight of asset management, leasing and property management, and she oversees an eight-million-square-foot portfolio of commercial office space in 60 buildings across 13 US states that is valued at $1.6 billion. As a boss, she is a loyal leader with an open-door policy, personal attention to employees and a mentor that advocates for internal growth. “Helen’s ability to connect with her colleagues and everyone she encounters instills great trust and confidence. She is honest, authentic and has a deep kindness about her that cannot be taught by any company,” says Christie Kong, an asset manager for the firm. Last year, Rivero pivoted quickly to support employees through the pandemic, including implementing safety and communication protocols to provide stability and reduce uncertainty, and she formed a task force to respond to employee needs.
NICK ROMITO When Nick Romito launched VTS, he set out to create a company that supported employees, stakeholders and clients. What seemed like a lofty goal has been accomplished by creating a strong company culture and a collaborative workplace environment. As the CEO and co-founder of VTS, Romito has built the company into a leader in the leasing and asset management space. Currently, more than 60% of class A commercial space in the US and 12 billion square feet of commercial real estate globally is managed on the VTS platform. Inside the firm, Romito has driven the growth with internal learning and development programs, professional development allowances and an on-site coach to help employees through career challenges, professional relationships and overall well-being. “Nick leads by example, transparency and empathy. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and pitches in to help the team wherever it’s needed: to close a deal, hire the best candidate or ideate with the product team,” says Amy Millard, CMO at VTS, about Romito’s leadership. He also promotes diversity, community organization and fosters a fun and challenging environment.
CHARLES J. SCHREIBER JR. As the CEO of the advisory firm KBS, Charles J. Schreiber Jr. is both an industry role model and a valued leader. In his nearly 30-year career, Schreiber has been involved in $43 billion in office transactions, working in nearly every US market. He is well respected throughout the commercial real estate industry and has strong relationships with institutional investors as well as tenants, private buyers and third-party partners. His storied career is something employees look up to, but his strong leadership is the true inspiration for the team’s dedication and commitment. “What I like best about KBS and what has kept me here for 25 years is the principles and values of its CEO, Chuck Schreiber,” says Stacie Yamane, KBS’ chief accounting officer. “I believe tone filters down from the top. KBS represents everything I look for in a company—a combination of professionalism and integrity while still maintaining a family feel.” Schreiber is known for his professionalism. He expects a lot from employees, but he also celebrates successes and achievements just as exuberantly.
JOAN SIEGEL Joan Siegel exudes positivity and optimism. As the president of the eponymous Siegel Consultants Ltd., these characteristics are what stand out the most to her employees, but she has also been praised for her thoughtfulness and genuine care for her team. These values have driven robust successes and productivity at the namesake company, where she is a retail broker for some of the top luxury brands in the world. “She has an amazing ability to bring out the best in all of us. Joan’s perseverance in everything she does, whether work related or something as easy as getting free shipping, will stick with me forever,” says one employee about Siegel’s leadership. She provides training methods and development goals for each employee, welcomes creative ideas and trusts her team to do the work—and she always validates a job well done.
MIKE SROKA Seven years ago, Mike Sroka assisted in creating the real estate deal management industry when he co-launched Dealpath, a cloud-based intelligent software solution for investment management firms. In addition to creating an industry-defining business as co-founder and CEO, he also curated a unique company focused on people, not only employees but clients and stakeholders as well. His vision has come to life with the company recently surpassing $6 trillion in real estate evaluations on its platform, while transforming the deal process along the way. Sroka’s enthusiasm is shared throughout the company. “Mike has created company-wide buy-in to Dealpath’s mission to transform the real estate and investment industries for the better,” says Elizabeth Eberle, VP of marketing at the firm. “Seeing Mike’s belief in this mission and seeing the company’s rapid growth continues to inspire everyone around him to be the best version of themselves every day.” Dealpath’s company culture is founded on flexibility, agility and trust, and each employee is given the freedom to work in their own rhythm with internal and external stakeholders.
LAWRENCE STUARDI Lawrence Stuardi founded Medical Realty Advisors—known today at MRA Group—in 1991, and has since grown the firm into the leading life science and healthcare real estate advisory firm in the Mid-Atlantic region. Serving as CEO and president of the firm, Stuardi has worked on investment deals, conducted lease purchase analysis, structured business partnerships and has grown the firm’s assets under management to 4.5 million square feet valued at $500 million. Like the firm’s growth and success, Stuardi has also invested in his team. “At MRA, anyone from Larry’s business partner and senior leadership team to our front-line maintenance technicians, knows that Larry is always available to talk through issues or to strategize next steps,” says one employee about working at the firm. “He believes that the culture of our company starts with him; he holds himself to the highest standards.” Through the pandemic, he gave his team flexibility to work from home or at a different pace to support personal needs and alleviate stress, and while he acknowledged the pandemic would impact the business, his message to staff was clear, “Together we will rise.”
JULIE M. SWINEHART “Our greatest asset is our people.” That is the mantra of Retail Properties of America Inc., an open-air shopping center REIT. As EVP, chief financial officer and treasurer at the firm, Julie M. Swinehart embodies that ideology. She is known among employees for her dedication, unwavering integrity and for leading by example at all levels of the organization. For Swinehart, this not only includes strategic planning and driving business growth but also mentoring, coaching and supporting employees to achieve their goals and internal goals. “Julie Swinehart invests her time not only in ensuring high quality output but also on the people and processes that serve as inputs to and hence the key determinants of these deliverables. This holistic investment requires extra time, extra energy and extra mental strength that I have never seen any professional so generously give to a team,” says Mike Gaiden, VP of capital markets and investor relations. Of course, this strategy also supports business growth. At the end of 2020, the publicly-traded firm owned 102 retail operating properties in the US, totaling 20 million square feet.
MARK D. THEINE As the EVP of asset management at Physicians Realty Trust, Mark D. Theine oversees asset management, operations and leasing teams, and is a member of the investment committee—but his talents extend further. He oversees a team of 80 professionals, providing both leadership and guidance and fostering a culture of excellence. “Mark and his team focus intensely on customer service, as hospitals entrust us with the daily care and support of their physicians, patients and families. I see this commitment and approach in every action Mark takes on behalf of our healthcare partners,” says an employee at the company. Other company leaders applaud Theine’s team building efforts and mentorship, as well as his personalized attention to each employee. “Mark always let me speak. He asked me questions about myself, my family and is interested in who I am and what makes me tick,” says Amy Hall, SVP of leasing at Physicians Realty Trust. Under Theine’s leadership and with his strong team, the Physicians Realty Trust portfolio has grown to 270 properties with more than 14 million rentable square feet located in 36 US states and valued at $5 billion.
CHRISTINA URQUHART Christina Urquhart understands the importance of strong leadership in a business. As the president and CEO of Simpli, a workplace experience company, it is part of her job to curate a seamless office space, including convenience, balance and community engagement. She runs an all-female company that is dedicated to enhancing the workplace experience, and in many ways, that starts in house. “Tina’s ability to lead with realistic optimism during challenging times and pivot to meet the needs of both employees and clients alike, provides the energy her team needs to be successful,” says Katie Miller, VP of human resources at Simpli. “Tina’s determination is contagious.” She has led the company through several challenging times, from 9/11 to the Financial Crisis and now the pandemic. Many employees said that her ability to manage times of crisis is one of her greatest strengths. “She sees opportunity where others only see failure and has this incredible ability to lift you up out of the weeds to bring you along for the ride,” explains Trina Jackson, VP of business operations and finance, who has been with the firm for 19 years. Through her leadership, she is constantly evolving, now embracing technology to drive the next wave of growth and innovation.
TIMOTHY J. WALLEN For more than two decades, Timothy J. Wallen has served as principal and CEO of MLG Capital, during which he has grown the firm from 100 to 500 employees and has driven the acquisition of 24 million square feet of commercial properties across 19 states with a value exceeding $2.5 billion. However, most impressively, perhaps, is Wallen’s reputation among employees. He is known for embodying the firm’s principals of “absolute integrity” and “making a difference while making a living,” and for his commitment to career development and maintaining the MLG corporate culture, which has helped to foster talent and growth. This includes employees at every level that are learning to navigate the job. “Tim’s commitment to building up others permeates all levels of the organization. Tim’s incredible intellect and shrewd investing skills are easy to understand by reviewing the firm’s track record,” says Billy Fox, a VP at MLG Capital, who started as an analyst and benefitted from Wallen’s guidance. Other employees noted Wallen’s character, great judgment and willingness to embrace new ideas as aspects that make him a quality boss.
KAREN WHITT “Karen Whitt exemplifies what a best boss is,” says Jacqui Tickjy of Colliers International. Tickjy isn’t alone. As president of Colliers International’s REMS, Whitt has a remarkable reputation among her colleagues and employees. She leads a division of 1,600 professionals and is involved in multiple aspects of operations. In addition to being popular among her staff, Whitt has also driven tremendous growth. Since 2015, she has doubled the size of the company’s assets under management to 630 million square feet, and in 2020 alone—a year marked by the pandemic, uncertainty and economic dislocation—the firm added 100 million square feet to its portfolio under Whitt’s leadership. “At the end of the day, the culture of our department has become stronger and stronger every year with Karen at the helm. We pride ourselves on our culture and our teams feel appreciated and understood. This leads to a very engaged workforce that allows us to be very successful with our clients,” says one employee that works with Whitt. Whitt continues to be a leader both inside and outside of the office, serving as the Global Board of Directors for CREW and she is a founding member and industry advisory board member for the Virginia Tech Program in Real Estate.
ANDREW WRIGHT As the CEO of Franklin Street, Andrew Wright wears many hats. He is known as a driven and successful entrepreneur—he established the firm in 2006—and a storied industry veteran that has led the firm to close $5 billion in transactions, including $1 billion in 2019 alone. He also leads 250 employees, providing strong leadership in seven business divisions—investment sales, tenant and landlord representation, capital advisory, insurance, property management and project management. As the leader of the firm, he promotes a collaborative work environment and embraces new ideas. “Andrew truly considers Franklin Street and its employees as family and is dedicated to maintaining a good culture and the welfare of each and every team member. To Andrew, Franklin Street is personal, not just business, especially when it comes to its team members. He knows that without them, there wouldn’t be a Franklin Street,” says Kerrie Edington, executive assistant to the CEO. Other employees also commend Wright’s mentoring and willingness to foster internal growth. “Andrew is able to recognize talent and positive traits in people that they may not otherwise see in themselves, and that is a sign of a good leader in and of itself,” says Carrie Smith, managing director of retail at the firm.
BETH JO ZEITZER As the president and designated broker of the full-service real estate advisory and brokerage firm, R.O.I. Properties, Beth Jo Zeitzer is vastly experienced in commercial development. A licensed real estate broker and licensed attorney, Zeitzer is masterful in managing, marketing and selling properties, in addition to navigating complicated IRS, insurance and lien issues. She handles the firm’s cases with compassion and forethought while maximizing returns and considering all those involved. Zeitzer leads by example, while embodying and cultivating the company culture of kindness, knowledge and integrity. “Beth Jo takes great strides to cultivate a positive company culture and never dismisses an opportunity to help us grow,” says Bridge Vakula, special projects manager at the firm. “She’s taught us to think critically, to be efficient, detailed and considerate. She has truly reshaped the way I and others thought about business and provides us with skills that we will continue to use daily, regardless of what career field we are in.” She ensures that every mistake becomes a learning opportunity and every achievement is recognized and appreciated. She allows each employee to utilize their specific skill set and grow their interests in a way that benefits the entire company. While promoting an enriching environment where opinions matter and ideas are encouraged, Zeitzer continues to inspire her team and bring out the best in her staff, even in the most uncertain of times. A truly altruistic leader, Zeitzer sets an extraordinary example as both a business person and civic leader.
TEAMS
MARC WIEDER & ROBERT GILMAN Anchin, Block & Anchin As partners and co-leaders of the real estate practice group at Anchin, Block & Anchin, Marc Wieder and Robert Gilman lead a 36-member team that represents some of the biggest players in commercial real estate on everything from transactional guidance and 1031 exchanges to advisory on tax strategy to cash flow analysis. The duo has an impressive reputation among both clients and colleagues. “I have learned so much from both of them, and admire their positive outlooks, and passion for their careers and clients,” says Leena Daniel, senior manager at the firm about Wieder and Gilman’s leadership. They are both known for their industry knowledge, reliability and—maybe most importantly—willingness to work alongside the team. One partner at the firm said both are “always willing to get the job done, but what is most admirable is [they are] able to find time to assist others and share insights with our team members.” The pandemic has only underscored the quality of Wieder and Gilman’s leadership. They stepped up to curate webinars for staff and clients on the payment protection program and other critical information to help sustain business and support clients through the challenging year.
DANA ROBERTS & KARL KREUTZIGER C.W. Driver Cos. Together, Dana Roberts and Karl Kreutziger have shaped a close-knit supportive employee culture at construction company C.W. Driver Cos. Roberts serves as CEO of the 100-year-old company, while Kreutziger is the firm’s president. Although the firm has 300 employees and generated $586 million in revenue last year, employees praise the small-company feel. “C.W. Driver Cos. is one of the few companies left today that values their employees at the highest level. The small company feel still exists with the culture, yet we are so much larger today and have not lost the personal touch and feel of a smaller company,” says one employee. Roberts and Kreutziger set the tone, greeting every employee by name, no matter their position. The employee-first mentality surpasses workplace kindness. C.W. Driver also offers competitive salaries and benefit packages, including tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities. The company’s turnover rates are substantially lower than industry standards and employees are not only happy but active community members. Last year, the firm’s employees clocked more than 10,000 volunteer hours with $150,000 donated to local charitable organizations.
RICHARD R. JELLIES & KENT BAKER City to City CRE For more than 15 years, Richard R. Jellies and Kent Baker have served as SVP of City to City CRE; overseeing the full cycle of real estate investment, from acquisition, entitlement, design and construction to leasing and the ultimate sale of the property. Together, they have nearly 60 years of experience, and are focused on passing down their knowledge to young agents through mentorship. Jellies and Baker both underscore the importance of strong communication with their team and clients, a strategy that helps to create strong leaders and drive business. This year, the company will celebrate one of its best years on record, despite the pandemic and market disruption. That is a testament to Jellies and Baker’s strong leadership. Outside of the office, Jellies works closely with municipalities, engineers and environmental groups to help drive projects forward, while Baker is a leader in YoungLife, a program dedicated to helping develop youth into strong, grounded adults and will be an asset to our future.
MARK WILLIAMS & DREW HAMRICK Colorado Apartment Association Mark Williams and Drew Hamrick have been the duo at the helm of the Colorado Apartment Association for more than two decades; Williams as EVP and Hamrick as SVP of government affairs. Together, they have combined their skillset to drive growth in the organization to 3,100 members. As a result, rental housing support in Colorado has flourished and the housing ecosystem in the state has grown. Williams and Hamrick’s leadership strength is not only evidenced by the success of the organization, but also by the glowing reputation they have among colleagues and employees. “Williams and Hamrick are the epitome of great bosses with their heightened influence in the association industry, great leadership qualities and a true sense of caring toward staff,” the firm’s office manager, Tania Byrnes says, adding that they are both known for innovation and open communication. This year, Williams and Hamrick have guided the organization through the market dislocation by organizing coffee events and webinars to advise both organization members and staff with financial and career planning strategies.
JOSH FELDMAN & IAN RUEL Feldman Ruel Urban Property Advisors Coaching, mentoring and supporting employees—this is what makes Josh Feldman and Ian Ruel noteworthy leaders. As managing principals at Feldman Ruel Urban Property Advisors, they both represent investors in commercial real estate transactions and oversee the strategic objectives and day-to-day business operations of the firm. This year, the firm continued to grow under Feldman and Ruel’s leadership, despite new challenges catalyzed by the pandemic—but their commitment to employees over business is what really shined. “Despite the year we had, Josh and Ian have not lost sight of their employees’ importance to them. They genuinely care for everyone, and I can personally attest to Josh and Ian’s concern and compassion when it comes to personal struggle,” says one employee about the two bosses. Quickly, they pivoted the young business—the firm was founded in 2020—to focus on strategy, operations and communication and aligned with state and local regulations. The plan both continued to drive the business while supporting employees. The year tested the business’ resilience, and Feldman and Ruel’s leadership proved it is strong.
BRAEMON M. HANES & TODD S. SCHWARTZ Hanes Investment Realty Inc. Hanes Investment Realty Inc.’s president Braemon M. Hanes and CEO Todd S. Schwartz are known in the industry for advising multifamily investment transactions in Southern California. Together, they have led the firm to close hundreds of investment transactions with a narrow price variance of .63% with 74% of deals closing at or above the list price. In the office, Hanes and Schwartz are known for their superior leadership and for mentoring and elevating employees. “Through structured training sessions, Braemon and Todd have taught me and my peers invaluable lessons in analyzing investment real estate, keeping up to date on new regulation within the industry, creative investment strategies and how to utilize our knowledge to provide the best brokerage and advisory services to our clients,” says employee, Taylor Burnside. They not only focus on quality client service, but they also empower their employees to invest in multifamily and build wealth. There are numerous success stories shared among employees, from receptionists that blossom into licensed transaction coordinators, to green brokers that have thrived in the multifamily market. Employee growth is a direct result of Braemon and Todd’s management style, which inspires pride of work and acknowledges accomplishments.
MATTHEW MOUSAVI & PATRICK LUTHER SRS National Net Lease Group & Investment Properties Group SRS National Net Lease Group and Investment Properties Group’s leadership has been the driver behind the firm’s tremendous success, representing more than 400 retailers throughout the country. Led by managing principal and co-founder of the national net lease group, Matthew Mousavi and managing principal Patrick Luther, the firm’s NNLG and the western region of IPG completed 330 transactions in 2020 totaling $1.35 billion, despite the market disruption. SRS NNLG additionally has more than 500 assets under LOI or in escrow, and $1.8 billion in currently listed assets. Mousavi and Luther are known for their tenacious work ethic—they are both the top performers at the firm—and they inspire other employees to follow lead. They aim to cultivate talent, helping analysts grow into underwriters or sharing essential information with brokers. With a strong team and a low-leverage strategy, SRS has actually been able to grow market share in 2020, both in terms of revenue and brokers.