Bisnow Multifamily Annual Conference (BMAC) Midwest

Shaylyn Cullen

President
Cullen Construction Management

Shaylyn Cullen is the Founder and President of Cullen Construction Management. Over her 20-year career as a General Contractor and Owners Representative, Shaylyn has led projects ranging from apartments to office buildings, interior buildouts to airport renovations, LEED certified Outdoor Classrooms, Luxury High Rise residences as well as Cargo and Logistics facilities. These experiences have focused on all aspects of building from conceptual cost planning through final turnover. Her sharp focus on cost control provides clients a full service of design and change management which ensures that quality and costs are maintained. Shaylyn graduated from Marquette University with a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, and DePaul University with a Master’s in Business Administration. She spent 10 years at Lend Lease, where she developed her preconstruction skills while also spending time in the field. Cullen CM is a City of Chicago certified Women’s Business Enterprise as well as a State of Illinois BEP Certified firm. Cullen works with clients of all types to fill any gaps in the development and construction process. They provide top level expertise to guide each stage of the project with respect to design, budget, constructability, schedule and quality. The Cullen team delivers creative and sensible solutions to any situation.

Brian Goldberg

Founder and CEO
LG Group

Brian is the founder and CEO of LG Group and has spent the last 17 years developing over $2 billion in high-end residential and commercial projects. His expertise has grown to include a multitude of project types over several different asset classes, consistently focusing on high design and cutting-edge technology. His relentless pursuit of the highest level of quality and service has led LG to become a top tier, vertically integrated platform that today includes development, construction, asset management, leasing, and interior design. Brian is most proud of LG’s work with several local hiring programs in the community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Brian is also involved in several local charities benefiting Chicago’s disadvantaged youth (Camp Out for Kids), homeless (Back on My Feet) veterans (Herban Produce), and various mental health (Pariah Foundation & Tourette Association of America) as well as the YWCA and JUF. Brian graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in General Engineering, as well as an MBA. Brian lives in Lincoln Park with his beloved wife of 14 years, two incredible daughters, and two mischievous dogs. In his spare time, Brian loves to stay active with golf, tennis, and fishing.

Alan Lev

Chairman
Belgravia Group

Alan D. Lev is the Chairman of Belgravia Group, Ltd., a Chicago based, and Phoenix area residential homebuilder specializing in townhome, condominium, and apartment developments. Belgravia has developed over 2,500 homes in Chicago as well as rental apartments and commercial projects, and three times recently was awarded Developer of the Year from Chicago Agent Magazine and Impact Award winner from Lincoln Park Builders of Chicago. He is also in the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chicago Court of Honor and the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame. Alan joined Belgravia Group in 1989. Mr. Lev earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy in 1982 from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. He later obtained his J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago in 1985. During law school he worked in the tax department at Price Waterhouse. Mr. Lev practiced real estate law from 1985-1989 at Greenberger, Kraus and Jacobs and then Goldberg, Kohn, et al. He has been a CPA since 1982, an attorney since 1985, a licensed real estate broker since 1989, a licensed insurance broker since 2012, a licensed personal trainer since 2017 and a Registered Investment Advisor since 2020. Alan is a proud member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, is Past President of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chicago, is Past Chairman of the Illinois Division of the American Cancer Society, a member of the Directors Loan Committee at First Bank Chicago and on the Advisory Board of TRO Investment Advisors, Blip Energy and Equilibrium Ventures. He has a strong attachment to the Chicago area and the University of Illinois and has been involved in many charitable and civic organizations and with the University of Illinois by guest lecturing in the business school, funding a scholarship, participating in the business school job shadow program, and serving on the Business Alumni Board and Dean’s Business Council.

Renato Gilberti

Associate Partner
BKV Group

Renato has 20 years of experience in student living, residential/mixed-use, senior living, and hospitality practice areas. He has a desire to be on the cutting edge of housing trends and a passion to develop high quality architecture. This drives him to create innovative and progressive designs that are highly amenitized and create social/interactive communities. Renato’s experience includes design leadership, master planning, brand development, diagrammatic studies, and rendering development on local, state, national and international projects. He is a registered architect and is a LEED Accredited Professional BD+C with experience on multiple LEED projects. Notable student and university living projects include Trinitas Ventures - Collegiate, Landmark Development - Standard at Indianapolis, Harbor Bay – Center City District Apartments at Michigan State University.

Chris Phares

Vice President
Clark Construction

Chris Phares has over 20 years of experience in the general contracting market. In his current role as Vice President at Clark Construction Group, he oversees operations for the company’s Northern Division. Chris has contributed to the transformation of the city’s skyline leading projects such as 300 N LaSalle, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Expansion and Renovation, 150 North Riverside, 215 West Lake, 110 N Wacker, and the in-progress 320 S Canal. He has also worked on significant projects throughout the country including the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, the Wheeler Sack Army Airfield Barracks in Fort Drum, New York, and Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern Indiana and an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. He is a registered Ohio Professional Engineer, a LEED accredited professional, and a Safety Trained Supervisor. Chris lives in Chicago with his wife Jennifer and two children, Harper and Reid. He enjoys golfing, coaching his kids’ sports teams, and traveling.

Andrew DeCoux

Director, Multifamily Financing
Illinois Housing Development Authority

Andrew DeCoux is a Director in the Multifamily Financing Department at the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Mr. DeCoux joined IHDA in July 2015 to lead the rollout of the Authority’s lending products and expand usage of tax-exempt bonds and tax credits to preserve and create affordable housing throughout Illinois. Prior to joining IHDA, he spent 13 years at Citigroup Global Markets as a Banker providing financing for community development and multifamily affordable housing communities. Throughout his career, Mr. DeCoux has focused on complex loan and bond transactions using a variety of financing structures including tax-exempt bonds, community development lending, and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs). Prior to joining IHDA and Citi, Mr. DeCoux worked for Merrill Lynch, Accenture, and The Prudential. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Economics from Saint John’s University, post-graduate studies in Philosophy and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, and received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver. Mr. DeCoux has also held his FINRA Series, 7, Series 53, and Series 63 licenses.

Veronica Gonzalez

Regional Director, Development
The NHP Foundation

Nick Ryan

CEO
Marquette Companies

Kyle Shoemaker

Managing Director
Affordable Housing Investment Brokerage

Kyle Shoemaker, Managing Director, formed Affordable Housing Investment Brokerage after identifying a need for an investment brokerage company dedicated to the specific needs of the affordable housing industry. Since the company was founded in 2013, Kyle and his team have executed on over 70 sales totaling over $300M in market value. These deals were closed in 17 different states. Prior to founding the company, Kyle participated in the the brokerage of 97 transactions totaling over $700M in market value as a Senior Associate at a national investment real estate company. Kyle earned a BS in finance from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

Paul Tsakiris

President, Managing Broker
First Western Properties

Paul Tsakiris founded First Western Properties, Inc. in 1999 and is a leading figure in Chicago’s real estate community. Mr. Tsakiris has appeared as an expert guest on Stock Market Observer, the Chicago Real Estate Council and is frequently quoted in publications such as the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, as well as Crain's Chicago Business. He has also written articles published in Chicago Realtor Magazine. His extensive real estate background includes: • CEO of First Western Properties, a commercial real estate firm based in Chicago and Miami. • CEO of Paradise Construction, a European luxury home developer • Award Winning Brokerage Results; Mr. Tsakiris has earned numerous sales awards including: CoStar Power Broker, Top Multi-family Sales, Top Investment Sales, Top Retail Leasing by the Chicago Association of Realtors. He has also been recognized in the Wall Street Journal • Development of Multifamily, Retail and Medical facilities both locally and abroad • Acquisition and Turn Around of under-performing retail and medical properties • Acquisition and Rehab of over 2,500 decimated apartment units, resulting in 6 Good Neighbor Awards; an award given to projects that have the greatest positive impact on a community • Receivership and REO Advisory to a wide range of debt investors from local community banks to large institutional clients Prior to founding First Western Properties, Mr. Tsakiris worked as a Sales Associate with Hallmark and Johnson. Mr. Tsakiris holds a Master’s degree from Thunderbird, The Garvin School of International Business (U.S. News #1 ranked international business school). He also holds undergraduate degrees in Economics and International Business. He is fluent In Greek and highly proficient in Spanish. Mr. Tsakiris belongs to a number of real estate and community organizations including: Board member of Chicago’s Sister Cities-Athens Committee, Commercial Forum, ICSC, Chicago Real Estate Council, Commercial Roundtable, Chicago Association of Realtors and the Chicago Restaurant Brokers Association.

John Goodwin

Senior Principal
BSB Design

John has 20 years of experience in residential architecture throughout the country, including numerous types of single family housing, multifamily developments and commercial projects. He oversees the daily operations of the Chicago office and is responsible for all components of project delivery, including contract agreements, scheduling, phase execution, contract documents, code compliance, municipal meetings, consultant coordination, client communication and construction administration.

Craig Knapp

Founder & Managing Partner
Meta Properties 

Craig Knapp is the Founder and Managing Partner of Meta Properties, a Chicago based development, consulting, and brokerage firm founded in 2004. Craig has been developing real estate for over 20 years and his expertise is focused in both technology and real estate.  He has held positions with Cisco Systems, IBM, Alcatel Lucent and Nokia all in software and networking systems design and sales. He brings together tech and real estate at Meta Properties, which is engaged in ground up and value add real estate development primarily focused on multifamily and mixed use projects. He also does consulting and brokerage for the firm’s strategic partners. Meta Properties delivers exceptional returns by using design and technology to create a superior tenant environment and experience.

Mike Baker

Vice President
BH Equities/BH Management

Mike has more than 10 years of real estate experience in a myriad of fields including Regional Manager and Regional Vice President with BH. His previous employment includes working for Prudential Mortgage Capital Company (“PMCC”) in Chicago, IL as a loan underwriting analyst within the CMBS group. He later moved to Washington, DC and became an Associate within PMCC’s affordable housing and multi-family loan programs at a volume of approximately $150MM per year. Mike earned his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and his MBA from The George Washington University – School of Business with a focus in Real Estate Development. He currently offices out of Chicago, IL.

David Lizak

Senior Director
Xfinity Communities

David Lizak, Comcast’s regional senior director of Commercial Development, has nearly 20 years of industry experience in a variety of technical and leadership roles, with a primary focus on new product and fiber facility rollouts. Recognized for developing high-performing sales organizations, in his role, David leads the regional Xfinity Communities team, which is responsible for acquiring and servicing large multi-unit residential customers, including apartment complexes, condominium associations, hospitals and colleges/universities). In addition to Xfinity’s state-of-the-art Internet and TV service, Xfinity Communities recently launched Smart Communities, an innovative new IoT platform that automates property management and helps attract residents by bringing smart technologies to individual units. David, who lives in Chicago, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Miami University in Oxford, OH, with a focus on marketing and entrepreneurship.

Michael Patton

Founder & CEO
Fetch

Michael Patton is the Founder & CEO of Fetch. Founded in 2016, Fetch is the first off-site package solution for the multifamily industry. Michael and the Fetch team work to solve last-mile delivery for apartment buildings, accepting all resident packages at off-site warehouses and coordinating scheduled, door-to-door delivery. A native of Nashville, TN, Michael graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BSB in Finance. Prior to Fetch, he held various corporate finance and pricing roles at UnitedHealth Group and Constellation Brands. Michael is also an avid marathon runner, having completed 14 and qualified for Boston.

Konrad Koczwara

Founder & CEO
Elevated Living

Konrad is the founder and CEO of Elevated Living, a tech-enabled resident experience & lifestyle marketplace that works with over 70 apartment communities in the Chicago area. He is quickly establishing himself as a trailblazer (disrupter) in the multifamily rental space. Elevated Living streamlines the digital experience for renters with an in-house team of event planners, amenity “activation” consultants and personal service providers. Elevated Living’s platform unlocks new revenue streams for property owners and managers by integrating B2C services such as housekeeping, massage, personal training, dog walking, meal delivery, private chef services, handyman services, smart home installation, moving, and more! Konrad is a lifelong Chicago native from the Jefferson Park neighborhood. He received his undergraduate degree at Loyola University and doctorate degree at Northwestern University

Todd Wendell

VP, Architecture & Design
Magellan Development

Todd Wendell is a vice president of architecture and design for Magellan Development Group LLC. His primary responsibilities include coordinating Projects from design through completion. He works closely with Project Owners, City Officials, Contractors, Engineers and Consultants. Wendell manages and coordinates the architect team and outside consultants to ensure the project meets its design specifications, building codes, permit approvals, and overall Project interests. He is a LEED-accredited professional. Wendell is currently working on Parcel O at Lakeshore East, a proposed 50-story, mixed-use development with 660 rental apartments, 315-key hotel, complementary retail and a lower level parking garage. He was the project manager for the multiple award-winning Aqua at Lakeshore East which broke new ground by combining retail, commercial, rental apartments, condominiums, townhomes, a hotel (Radisson Blu) and parking into a single tower. Wendell also took the lead on Magellan’s two new apartment towers in River North – The Gallery on Wells and Exhibit on Superior. He has been involved in numerous other high-rise buildings, planning and development projects in the Chicago area as well as in Austin, Texas. Prior to joining the Magellan team, Wendell held project architectural posts with prominent Chicago architectural firms: Murphy/Jahn, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, and Ross Barney Architects. Wendell earned a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Architecture, and a Masters in Architecture from the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He also has an MBA from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University in Chicago.

Mark Hauser

Project Coordinator
Magellan Development

Mark Hauser is a Project Manager and Lead Designer/Reviewer for Fitness Centers for Magellan Development Group LLC. He leads Magellan’s efforts to re-think fitness center design which focuses on interior design, structure, flooring, sound mitigation, programming, comfort and more. Hauser is a 3-time member of USA Triathlon’s National Age Group team and is an active participant in several sports. He raised over $130k for charity in a relay swim across Lake Michigan. In Hauser’s role as Project Manager, he focuses his efforts on residential and commercial mixed-use high-rise projects. Successfully completed Projects in Chicago’s River North neighborhood include Wolf Point West and Exhibit on Superior and in the Midtown Miami neighborhood in Florida, Midtown 5 and Midtown 6. Hauser is also involved in renovation projects in and around Lakeshore East, Magellan’s master planned award-winning development. Hauser is currently working on the Vista Tower Chicago in Lakeshore East. At 101 stories, it will become the 3rd tallest building in Chicago with the highest occupied residential floor. Hauser is part of a separate initiative to change hiring related to the construction industry in Chicago. He’s also immersed in a redesign effort to modernize building data networks. Hauser received his Bachelor of Education in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics from Deakin University in Australia.

Michael Mini

Executive Director
Chicagoland Apartment Association

Steven Fifield

Founder & CEO
Fifield Companies

As founder and CEO, Steve has built 15 million sf of apartments and offices worth over $7 billion in 7 different markets. Particular focus continues in mid and high rise luxury apartments in Chicago, Los Angeles and Texas, where the company has delivered over 3,000 units in the last 5 years. Steve has been named Developer of the Year twice in Chicago, National Executive of the Year (with his wife Randy) by Multi Housing News and has received numerous project awards for design and innovation in Los Angeles and Chicago. He is a trained mathematician with an MBA from the University of Chicago, an active member in YPO GOLD (Chicago and Los Angeles), a Foundation Board member of both Chicago's Children's and Prentice Hospitals, and the father of 7 children.

Will Murphy

CEO & Managing Partner
CEDARst Companies

Will Murphy is CEO & Managing Partner with CEDARst Companies responsible for all aspects of the development process and the ongoing management of its portfolio, with a market cap in excess of $1 billion.  CEDARst Companies is a fully integrated commercial real estate firm with a focus on development, general contracting and property management. Will has over 15 years of commercial real estate experience in development and finance. Prior to joining CEDARst, Will was an Associate Director within the Real Estate Capital Markets Group of Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank headquartered in London, England. Most recently, Will was a Senior Vice President at Cole Taylor Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Chicago, IL. Over his career, Will has been involved in the acquisition, finance and development of $3 billion in commercial real estate transactions across all asset classes in every major domestic market. Will holds degrees in real estate and finance from the Business School at The University of Wisconsin. He serves on the Board of Advisors of the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the University of Wisconsin and is an active member of the Urban Land Institute. A frequent speaker on the development process, prior engagements include: REIA, Bisnow, Jones Lange LaSalle and the Urban Land Institute Will resides in Lincoln Park with his wife Alexandra, daughter Charlotte and son Emmet.

Richard Aaronson

CEO
Atlantic Residential

Richard Aaronson is CEO and Founder of Atlantic Realty Partners. He is responsible for all of the firm’s operations throughout its two operating regions -- the Southeast based in Atlanta and the Midwest based in Chicago -- including development, construction, leasing, and property management. ARP is a private real estate development and management company headquartered in Atlanta. Through affiliated entities, it currently owns and manages over 3,000 apartments. It has developed mixed-use and residential projects with over 6,000 apartments and condos and an aggregate value of over $1.5 Billion since its inception. It is currently developing eight new multifamily communities in Atlanta (3), Chicago (1), Milwaukee (1), and South Florida (3) containing over 2500 apartments. Richard received his BS in Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and his MBA from Emory University. He is a past-president of both the Atlanta Apartment Association and the Georgia Apartment Association.

Angela Spadoni

Principal
bKL Architecture

As a Principal at bKL Architecture, Angela Spadoni leads client engagement, with an emphasis on the seamless delivery of the firm’s services. Over the course of her career, Angela has established a reputation for her commitment to serving clients. She combines expert management skills with an ability to generate and articulate design ideas and a dedication to collaboration. Angela has grown alongside bKL since joining in 2012, leading the development of projects in Chicago, Miami, Phoenix, Austin, Washington D.C., and Toronto. She brings specific expertise in mid-rise and high-rise multifamily projects, and has led the design of more than 10,000 units since joining the firm. She is an active leader within the Chicago chapter of the Urban Land Institute and was named one of Crain’s Notable Women in Construction and Design in 2020. Angela is known for her ability to listen first and deeply understand the goals and aspirations of the client, and then collaboratively lead a broader bKL team to deliver projects that are not only rational and efficient, but functional and beautiful as well. Angela received her Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania with a certificate in Historic Preservation and Bachelor of Science in Design from Arizona State University.

Todd Linehan

Senior Vice President
KeyBank Real Estate Capital

Todd Linehan is a Senior Mortgage Banker and Vice President with KeyBank Real Estate Capital Markets in Chicago, Illinois. He currently works in multifamily loan originations covering KeyBank’s institutional clients with a focus on the Midwest. He is responsible for permanent student housing, multifamily and manufactured housing loan production in this region, with an emphasis on agency lending (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA), as well as life company placement and CMBS. Todd is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

John Rutledge

Founder, President & CEO
Oxford Capital Group, Oxford Hotels & Resorts

John is the Founder, President and CEO of Oxford Capital Group, LLC, a national real estate investment and development firm focusing on large scale hospitality, mixed-use, senior housing, multifamily, urban retail, parking, and other operationally intensive forms of real estate. Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC, its wholly owned management affiliate, specializes in developing, operating and branding distinctive, high design lifestyle hotels, rooftops and other food & beverage venues around the country. Oxford, its affiliates and principals have been involved in approximately $3 billion of transactions, including approximately 13,000 hotel rooms. Noted national projects include Godfrey Hotel-Hollywood, Godfrey Hotel-Boston, Metropolitan Hotel and Lexington Hotel – New York City, National Conference Center-Lansdowne, VA, Residence Inn and Spring Hill Suites in Charleston, SC, and Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas-Tampa Bay. Included in his 17 Chicago area projects (13 of which are hotels) are the recently topped off 56 story Essex on the Park luxury apartment building, and his soon to open Hotel Julian-Millennium Park. Other Chicago projects include Langham Chicago, LondonHouse Chicago, Godfrey Chicago, Hotel Essex, Hotel Felix, Hotel Cass, Hotel Versey, Claridge House, Hyatt Magnificent Mile, Renaissance North Shore, Doubletree North Shore, and Hyatt House Northwest. Additional rooftop and food and beverage venues include IO, LH, SX-Sky Bar, ALK, WTR and Spa Boutique. John and/or Oxford have been nominated for and/or won numerous awards including: Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Arthur Rubloff Humanitarian Award, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Crain’s “40 under 40” and Who’s Who, Developer of the Year, Development of the Year, Redevelopment of the Year, National Hotel Transaction of the Year, Historic Redevelopment of the Year and the Top Hotel in the Continental US. He earned a BA from The University of Michigan and an MBA from University of Chicago. He also studied at Northwestern University, Harvard Business School (YPO’s Presidents’ Program) and Oxford University (Christ Church).

Robert Bond

Co-Founder & President
Bond Companies

Robert J. Bond, co-founder and president of Bond Companies, a national real estate development and investment firm with three decades of experience in financing and creating properties that enhance the communities around them through sustainable practices, innovation and a relationship-oriented approach. Its goal is to develop properties in concert with community, leaving a positive and lasting legacy while generating significant returns for its partners. Since its founding, Bond Companies has focused on fully sustainable designs and innovative building practices for the variety of ventures it has undertaken, from transit-oriented developments and master-planned communities to multifamily, retail, mixed-use, civic and hospitality projects. Within the past year Bond Companies has opened multifamily/mixed-use projects including Spoke Apartments in the River West neighborhood of Chicago, Inspire Southpark in Charlotte and 333B Echo Park in Los Angeles. As a thought leader, Rob has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and Investor Business Daily, as well as several industry publications discussing mixed-use development and the retail marketplace. His philosophy focuses on downside yield protection through the effective use of risk management. As a frequent speaker on the development process, Rob guest lectures at the University of Wisconsin and has presented to the London School of Economics. He has spoken at several industry conferences including the Urban Land Institute, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Bisnow, the Big Ten Real Estate Forum, and Young Real Estate Professionals, among others. He is an active participant in several professional and trade organizations, including the Urban Land Institute (UDMUC Red Council) and the International Council of Shopping Centers. He is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization (former chapter chair and founder, Chicagoland Chapter), a member of the Metropolitan Planning Council, a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Wisconsin Center for Real Estate and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the City Club of Chicago. Rob is the former chair for real estate acquisition and dispositions for the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, and a National Council Member of The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Rob's personal contribution to his community includes helping at-risk youth make a positive difference as a role model in his ongoing relationship with Chicago's Principal for a Day program. He also acts as a volunteer youth coach and participates in the City of Chicago's Real Men Read Program, and is an active mentor and senior thesis advisor at North Lawndale College Prep School. Rob is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison holding a Master of Science in Real Estate Investment Analysis and Appraisal Theory with a concentration in Finance. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics.

Andy Ahitow

Founder
CityPads

Prior to founding City Pads LLC, Andy Ahitow was the founder of Chicago Apartment Finders (“CAF”), a company he grew to 5 locations with 150+ employees. During his helm at CAF, Andy formed a development partnership with Marc Realty Residential (“MRR”) where as Director of Development, he oversaw the construction of approximately $338M of real estate value. He also expanded CAF into property management to manage the rapidly growing portfolio. The success of CAF was recognized by Coldwell Banker and in September 2015 Andy sold the company to pursue and focus on his own development projects. Following the sale, City Pads LLC was started with the vision of developing residential properties that match his own personal attention to detail with forward thinking projects that combat the demand of modern renters looking for convenience, style and value. In the 4 years since its conception, City Pads has acquired and developed 15 developments worth approximately $111M in real estate value. Andy is responsible for overseeing all operations of the company’s growth and current $111 million portfolio.

Susan Tjarksen

Managing Director
Cushman & Wakefield

Susan Tjarksen joined Cushman & Wakefield in October 2018 serving as Managing Director of the firm’s multifamily investment sales team in Chicago. Susan co-founded KIG CRE in 2015 which was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield in 2018. She brings more than 30 years of real estate experience working with both private and public investment institutions throughout the country. Prior to brokerage, Susan was a leader in apartment and mixed-use development, having planned, built, designed, financed and delivered projects totaling more than $3.5 billion in revenue. She has also successfully developed and sold 12,000 residential units, 2,500 hotel rooms and more than 2M square feet of retail and office space. Additionally, Susan is the co-founder and chair of Enodo, an AI-assisted multifamily underwriting and valuation platform. She is an active in the commercial real estate industry and her community. Susan is a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council, Roosevelt University’s MBIRE Advisory Board and the Lincoln Park Builders Club of Chicago.

Beth Phillips

Regional VP, Real Estate
Stay Alfred

Over the course of her 20+ year commercial real estate career, Beth has worked for and partnered with some of the largest and most notable real estate owners and investors in the U.S. She’s sat on both sides of the deal table – evaluating and executing innovative technologies, amenities, services and programs across national portfolios as well as co-founding and leading several startups serving the real estate industry. Her experience has given her a deep understanding of the needs of building owners, enabling her to conceive of and develop win-win partnership strategies. As Stay Alfred’s Regional VP of Real Estate, Beth leads the company’s efforts to educate and partner with multifamily owners and developers seeking new ways to innovate and build long term value for their investors, partners and shareholders.

Kristin Rick

VP, Originations
Pender Capital

Kristin Rick is VP of Originations for Pender Capital. She brings over 15 years of national commercial real estate finance and management experience to the team. With the majority of her background in traditional bank funding, she is thrilled to now work on the side of private bridge financing. To Ms. Rick, Pender Capital’s common sense approach to funding transactions has been a breath of fresh air when compared with the stringent bank underwriting guidelines used in her past. Ms. Rick has lived and worked in major markets from LA to DC, and currently lives in Chicago with her family.

Rick Hurd

Chief Investment Officer
Waterton

Rick Hurd Managing Partner, Investment Management Mr. Hurd joined Waterton in 2013 and serves as managing partner, investment management. Mr. Hurd collaborates with the firm’s executive management and works closely with the acquisition and capital market teams to oversee all real estate transactions. He helps to set strategy and further develop the firm’s market focus, investment execution and network of industry relationships. Mr. Hurd participates on the firm’s Management, Investment and Valuation Committees. Mr. Hurd has over 35 years of real estate investing experience with a strong focus on multifamily. Prior to joining Waterton, Mr. Hurd was the co-founder, president and chief investment officer of Strategic Capital Partners, a privately held real estate investment management company that invested over $1 billion in value add multifamily, hotel and commercial properties across the country. Prior to that, Mr. Hurd spent almost 20 years at GE Capital Real Estate (“GE”), where he was most recently a managing director responsible for GE’s institutional real estate equity program. While at GE, Mr. Hurd invested just under $2 billion in various equity joint ventures, preferred equity, mezzanine debt and convertible preferred equity strategies. Mr. Hurd holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a board member of The Catalyst Schools, a Chicago based chartered school organization. Mr. Hurd is a member of the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) and a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Multifamily Silver Council. He is also on the board of Up for Growth Action.

Matthew Fiascone

President
The Habitat Company

Matt Fiascone, president of The Habitat Company, has led a full range of real estate development and investment activities for more than 30 years. Since joining The Habitat Company in 2011, Matt has been instrumental in strategizing, executing and managing capital events including development joint ventures, recapitalization of existing ventures and acquisitions. Matt has also established new relationships for both debt and equity, as well as strategic partnerships. As president he leads the creation and integration of the vision and growth of Habitat. During his tenure he has overseen the expansion of the company's footprint and assets under management with a focus on continuously enhancing the company's culture for its team members, partners and residents. Previously, Matt served as senior vice president for Inland Real Estate Development Corporation, where he originated and implemented real estate transactions involving assets valued at over $1 billion and negotiated and managed equity joint ventures. Matt serves as vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Inland Bank and Trust and is a member of Lambda Alpha (a Land Economics Honorary Society), the Urban Land Institute and the National Multifamily Housing Council. Matt has been a frequent speaker and panelist for industry events. In addition, he is a licensed real estate broker in Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin and Missouri. Matt has a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Bradley University.

John Kinzelberg

Founder & Principal
Highgate Capital

Christopher Charboneau

Senior Vice President
Walker & Dunlop

Christopher Charboneau, senior vice president, is responsible for originating commercial financing for properties located nationwide. Mr. Charboneau is based out of Walker & Dunlop’s Chicago office. Prior to joining Walker & Dunlop, Mr. Charboneau served as an originator and banker in the real estate investment banking groups of Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan. In addition, Mr. Charboneau has experience as a mezzanine/structured finance lender with Rubicon America Trust and Key Bank. Mr. Charboneau holds a MBA in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics from the University of Wisconsin and a BA from the University of Michigan. Beyond the Company, Mr. Charboneau is an active member of the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association.