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DEVELOPING LEADER PROGRAM UPDATES

Welcome to NAIOP Colorado's Developing Leaders (DL) programming updates page, where you can find the latest details on the Chapter's DL programming and events.  


Developing Leader Mentor Program Celebrates a Decade of Success and Welcomes the 2023 Mentor Class

Published August 2023

NAIOP Colorado's Developing Leader (DL) Mentor Program, which launched in 2010, has reached a remarkable milestone, having guided over 250 mentees to success in the real estate industry. The program's 2023 Mentor Class, which began in April, marks another chapter in its impactful journey with 24 successful Mentor/Mentee pairings.

“We had an incredible level of interest in the 2023 Mentor Program, with a record number of Mentee applicants this year", stated DL Mentor Program Co-Chair Megan Kranichfeld with Prime West. "The 2023 roster really represents the best-in-class commercial real estate professionals in the Denver market," she said. "Our chapter’s success with the NAIOP Mentor Program is largely attributable to the amount of support and commitment our industry leaders and local community have shown the program year over year. I’m grateful to be a part of such a great program that provides valuable mentorship to our next generation of leaders.”

Fellow Co-Chair Blaire Butler with Essex Financial Group noted that “In addition to strong Mentee interest, the program also saw elevated interest from tenured commercial real estate professionals looking to participate as Mentors." Blaire said she "thinks this speaks to the program’s track record of success, to be perceived by industry leaders as a valuable channel for giving back."

With a focus on fostering the next generation of real estate leaders, the DL Mentor Program provides a unique opportunity for DL Member participants to advance their careers. The program's key strength lies in its personalized approach, selecting only 15 to 20 candidates annually and matching them with mentors based on their individual goals and work history.

Beyond one-on-one mentorship, the program cultivates a supportive community through a series of events and programs throughout the year, facilitating networking not only with mentors but also with fellow participants. The commitment spans eight months, from April to November, ensuring a comprehensive and transformative experience for the mentees. Congratulations again to the 2023 DL Mentor Class participants.

While the application window for the 2023 Mentor Program has closed, NAIOP Colorado and our Developing Leader (DL) program sponsors First American Title-NCS and Essex Financial Group, continue to exemplify our collective dedication to shaping the future of real estate leadership and looks forward to welcoming mentors and mentees alike to apply for the 2024 program beginning early next year. For more information or to join the wait list for 2024, please contact Megan and Blaire

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The Developing Leaders Real Estate on the Rocks Networking Event & Fundraiser 

Submitted January 2022

The Developing Leaders Real Estate on the Rocks networking event series partnered with the Community Outreach committee to host a joint networking and fundraising event at Three Saints Revival on February 16. The fundraiser benefits the Community Foundation Boulder County’s Marshall Fire Relief Fund, which, in the words of the Foundation, “As Boulder County’s trusted philanthropic partner for over 30 years, Community Foundation Boulder County will work closely with our government and nonprofit partners to coordinate, align resources and fill gaps to support those most impacted by the wildfires. Our experience has shown us the importance of deep local relationships in meeting short- and long-term community needs in a crisis with equity, transparency, and integrity.”

Despite the blizzard conditions outside, NAIOP welcomed over 60 people to the event! While attendees raised over $5,000 for the foundation, NAIOP members Dan Metzger (Brue Baukol Capitol Partners) and Tyler Carlson (Evergreen Development) stepped up and graciously offered to match fundraising, with the NAIOP Chapter donating as well. With their contributions, NAIOP Colorado will have raised over $15,000 for the Fire Relief Fund! A huge thank you to everyone who attended or fundraised, and especially to Tyler, Dan, and the NAIOP Chapter for their generosity. The Developing Leaders look forward to maintaining this positive energy throughout 2022.

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MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Welcome to NAIOP Colorado's Members on the Move Board, where you can find the latest updates on local Chapter members and their recent career news. Want to share details about a recent job change, Submit your posting now.


Members on the Move - Submitted February 2024, Posted March 2024

Ian Nichols Takes New Role at Red Cedar

Red Cedar Advisor Services (“Red Cedar”), a leading company specializing in fund administration, accounting, and human resources, is excited to announce the addition of Ian Nichols. After most recently serving as CFO of Flywheel Capital, Ian is set to bring comprehensive industry knowledge, leadership acumen and a forward-thinking mindset to Red Cedar. This confluence of passion, skills and experience will contribute to Red Cedar’s goal of being a leader and expert in the real estate industry.

Ian has served on the NAIOP Colorado Board of Directors since 2015 and has also served as Developing Leader (“DL”) Chair, Fight Night Chair, Finance Chair, and President of NAIOP Colorado. Ian is looking forward to continuing his participation on the NAIOP Colorado Board in his role at Red Cedar. Feel free to reach out to Ian at [email protected] and for more information, please visit redcedar.io.


 

embers on the Move - Submitted November 2023, Posted December 2023

Whitney Hake Joins Newmark 

Whitney HakeNewmark is pleased to announce that agency leasing professionals Whitney Hake and Grace Lessard have joined the firm’s Denver office as Senior Managing Director and Senior Associate, respectively. Hake and Lessard, renowned for their reputation of delivering exceptional leasing results to office owners, will play pivotal roles in elevating Newmark’s landlord representation services. In their new capacities, Hake and Lessard will team and work closely with industry veteran and Executive Managing Director Jamie Gard to expand Newmark’s agency leasing business in Denver.

“As Newmark continues its growth trajectory with an area of focus around agency leasing, Whitney’s and Grace’s expertise and track record is exemplary of the top talent Newmark is known for,” said Kevin McCabe, President, Western Region. “We are thrilled to welcome this distinguished team as a strategic addition to Newmark’s leasing business.”

Hake and Lessard join Newmark from Transwestern, where Hake previously served as Senior Vice President and Lessard as Senior Associate, focusing on landlord representation in the Southeast Denver and Downtown Denver markets.

“Market changes over the past three years have spurred innovative ideas for us as brokers and for landlords,’ said Hake. “Grace and I are excited to join Newmark and reach new heights in Denver. Partnering with Jamie Gard, I am confident that we will achieve great success in delivering top-notch leasing solutions to our clients and driving growth in the market.” Continue Reading details from Newmark

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Members on the Move - Submitted November 2023, Posted December 2023

Scott Komula Makes Moves at BNBuilders

Scott KomulaScott Komula has recently transitioned from his role as senior project manager to business development manager for BNBuilder’s Denver office

Scott joined the BNB team in 2021 with over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technical University, Scott went on to hold project engineer and project manager roles at Washington Group International, JT Magen Inc., Skender Construction, and Howell Construction. 

As the business development manager for the Denver region, Scott plays a crucial role by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, fostering relationships with clients and partners, and helping the company grow and expand its projects as well as ensuring that BNBuilders remains competitive in the market. 

Scott has been an active member of NAIOP Denver for two years.

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Members on the Move - Submitted November 2023, Posted December 2023

Megan Kranichfeld Transitions to Trammell Crow Company

Megan KranichfeldTrammell Crow Company (TCC), has recently welcomed Megan Kranichfeld to its Denver team in the capacity of Senior Vice President. Megan's primary focus in this role will be to drive the expansion of TCC's industrial development platform in the Rocky Mountain Region. 

Megan comes to TCC from Prime West Development, where she previously held the position of Vice President of Industrial Development. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in leading the company's foray into the industrial development sector. Before her tenure at Prime West Development, Megan served as Vice President of Development at United Properties. Over her six-year tenure with the firm, she advanced from initial roles as Development Associate, Development Manager, and Director of Development. During this time, Megan played a direct role in the development of over 1 million square feet of speculative industrial product and facilitated strategic ground-up developments in Colorado. 

A native Coloradan and alumna of the University of Colorado Boulder, Megan brings a robust background in industrial real estate development in the Rocky Mountain region. Her collaborative and goal-focused approach is evident in her professional memberships and leadership roles with NAIOP, Denver Metro Commercial Association of Realtors (DMCAR), and ULI Colorado. This strategic addition is anticipated to further enhance TCC's position and accelerate growth in key markets under Megan's leadership.

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Members on the Move - Submitted May 2023, Posted August 2023

Joe Swensson: Joins NAIOP Colorado Board of Directors

Joe Swensson, Director of Real Estate Development with Opus Development Company, L.L.C., was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for NAIOP Colorado in late April. A member of NAIOP since 2015, Joe has served the Colorado Chapter of NAIOP in a variety of roles to include former Chair of the Winter Classic Skiing with the Icons event, volunteering on both the Developing Leaders and Public Affairs Committee, and currently serves as a NAIOP Forum Member on the National Industrial Perspectives group. Joe is  a graduate of the Chapter's Mentor Program and was recognized as Developing Leader of the Year for 2020. 

Joe has been with Opus since June 2016. Prior to joining Opus, Joe spent several years on the U.S. Ski Cross Team and competed in the ESPN Winter X-Games and at the F.I.S. Freestyle Ski Cross World Championships. Joe previously worked for a family development company and was involved in design, planning and site management.

As Director of Real Estate Development, Joe focuses on creating new development opportunities throughout Colorado. He works on site selection and acquisition, due diligence, government approvals, partnership formation, project financing and coordinates the efforts of the design, construction and development teams.

Joe has developed or has under construction $690 million of projects in the Denver market, including over 1,000 apartment units and nearly one million square feet of industrial space developed or under construction. That figure will climb significantly with Sun Empire, a 316-acre, 3.9 million-square-foot master-planned industrial development near the Denver International Airport.

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Members on the Move - Submitted June 2023, Posted August 2023

Erin Kelley: Begins Exciting New Chapter in SLC

Erin Kelley has been a longstanding, active NAIOP Colorado member and has left a meaningful mark on our Chapter.  It is our pleasure to wish Erin farewell as she embarks on her next chapter in Salt Lake City, UT, in her new role as Client Development Manager for Terracon.

Soon after Erin joined NAIOP and became active with the Developing Leaders in 2013, she quickly found herself in charge of the Mentor Program.  After four years overseeing the program, she, with the help of Marc Perusse, completely revamped the program and significantly increased interest in it and the impact it has on countless careers.  Through this time and the years after, Erin has been a steady, active presence – she was a two-time Developing Leaders Co-Chair (once with Brandon Kramer and once with John Huemoller), was an integral part of establishing our Chapter’s DEI Committee and was passionate about her involvement in the Legislative Affairs Committee, even testifying to the House regarding reformation of construction defect laws. Most recently Erin was a NAIOP Colorado at large Board Member until having to step down as she embarks on her next milestone in Salt Lake City.

Erin’s involvement in NAIOP was never passive.  She never missed an event and always was looking for ways to improve the committees and programs she was a part of to better the experience they would provide other members and participants.  Erin is passionate about people and connecting them with one another.  We will miss her greatly but know her energy will be welcomed to what will now become her new chapter in Salt Lake.

 

When asked what her favorite NAIOP Colorado memory was she knew right away: NAIOP Fight Night 2016 - when she wore the Hillary Clinton mask and went toe-to-toe with Donald J. Trump himself (also known as Chris King).

Erin’s parting advice to her Colorado peers is, “Say yes to everything! Find something you like about the organization and be all in.  You won’t regret it.”

Cheers, Erin!

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Members on the Move - Submitted May 2023, Posted August 2023

Jim Mellor: Retires from Pinkard Construction

Long-time NAIOP Colorado member Jim Mellor retired this past April from Pinkard Construction, where he worked as Director of Business Development for almost 30 years. A mainstay on the Chapter's Programs Committee since joining in 2000, Jim has served a past Property Tour Chair and participated as a mentor for multiple years.

Jim is a 1978 graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in construction. He studied at the University of Santa Clara for his MBA with an emphasis in marketing. Jim has worked as a project engineer, project manager, estimator, and superintendent. During his tenure at Pinkard Construction, Jim performed and managed all aspects of marketing and business development, from sourcing leads, to writing proposals, and conducting presentations; from creating strategic and targeted business plans, to developing lifelong client relationships.

Jim's remarkable achievements within the real estate industry were recently acknowledged in Colorado Construction and Design Magazine. His enduring legacy is poised to serve as an ongoing source of inspiration and influence for the construction sector in the years ahead, as Jim begins doing consulting work, helping AEC companies with their business development efforts. 

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Members on the Move - Submitted May 2023, Posted August 2023

Erik VanMeetren: Promoted to Senior Manager

Erik VanMeetren has recently been promoted to senior manager of finance at Confluent Development. Since he  joined the team in August of 2020 as an Associate, he has quickly ascended in his career progression, as he was promoted to Senior Associate in 2021. 

Erik is responsible for a variety of tasks, including financial modeling, capital raising, joint venture structuring, investor relations, loan monitoring, and disposition analysis. Additionally, he is tasked with developing and measuring Confluent's annual corporate budget. 

Prior to joining Confluent, Erik worked at Logic CRE in Las Vegas, where he was an associate on the Capital Markets team. He also spent time at a boutique investment bank in Las Vegas and played minor league baseball in the Washington Nationals organization. 

Erik holds a bachelor's degree and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is also a CFA charterholder and was a student-athlete for four years and later an active member in the athletic department.

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Members on the Move, posted November 17, 2022

Howard Pollack

Full Name: Howard Pollack

Company: Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC

Title: Shareholder & Director

Howard Pollack has practiced for over 30 years in multiple jurisdictions across the country and across a wide range of practice areas. His expertise lies in quarterbacking large, complex real estate transactions from the earliest stages of the deal through completion and operations including drafting and negotiating letters of intent, joint venture agreements, purchase and sale documents, construction agreements, acquisition, construction and permanent financing, ground leases and condominium documents. He routinely leads pre-development and entitlement activities, due diligence review with an emphasis on title, survey and environmental matters and works with his clients on analyzing and making strategic business and operational decisions. Over the years, he has also drafted and negotiated numerous development agreements, hotel/property management agreements, retail and office leases, franchise agreements, non-disclosure agreements and services contracts. Howard takes a broad view of representing his clients throughout the entire life cycle of each project and seeks to find practical, effective solutions to complicated legal issues. He places a high degree of emphasis on being an integral part of his client’s team and values extensive communication and working with all members of the client’s organization to achieve the best results possible. Immediately prior to joining the Firm, Howard served as the executive level general counsel for a large privately owned hospitality company for almost 13 years. There he directly oversaw and actively engaged in all aspects of the legal affairs of the company. Prior to that, he worked as a transactional real estate attorney at a large Denver based firm for 18 years and a large firm in Wilmington, Delaware for 3 years.

Practice Areas

  • Business Transactions & Capital Markets
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Finance

Publications

  • In the Right Place at the Wrong Time: Should Federal Prisoners be Required to Exhaust Their Administrative Remedies Prior to Bringing a Bivens Typle Claim in Federal Court, 42 Syracuse L. Rev. 241 (1991)
  • Purchase of Promissory Notes Secured by Real Estate, CLE International Conference: "Distressed Real Estate", Denver, Colorado

Awards & Involvement

  • Denver Business Journal 40 under 40
  • Denver Botanical Gardens, Board of Directors (former)
  • Colorado Outward Bound, Board of Directors (former)
  • Denver Athletic Club, Board of Directors (former)
  • American Jewish Committee, Board of Directors (former)

Jurisdiction

  • State of Colorado
  • State of Delaware

Education

  • J.D., Syracuse University College of Law (1991), cum laude, Senior Editor, Syracuse Law Review
  • B.A., University of Delaware (1987), Economics

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Members on the Move, posted March 29, 2022

Tim Schlichting

Full Name: Tim Schlichting

Company: Prime West

Title: President

Prime West, a Colorado‐based commercial real estate firm, announced today Tim Schlichting has been named President of Prime West Development, effective Jan. 1. In this new role he will be responsible for the overall success of Prime West Development and work directly with the leadership team to enhance its vision, goals, objectives, strategies, and market focus. Jim Neenan, who joined the firm in 2012, has served as Prime West’s President and CEO since 2015. He will continue serving as CEO. 

“We are excited about Tim taking the helm as president of the firm,” said Jim Neenan. “Tim’s leadership skills, strategic thinking and vast experience in commercial real estate will expand our business growth in both our core business of office development and into new sectors including multifamily and oversee our further diversification into industrial development.”

Schlichting has been in the real estate industry for nearly 25 years, most recently serving as Prime West’s Chief Development Officer since joining the firm in 2019. While his new role as president expands his strategy and leadership responsibilities, he will continue to focus on sourcing development opportunities, formulating the vision and investment strategy, managing underwriting and financial modeling, directing project entitlements and community relations, and forming the optimal capital stack with Prime West’s equity investors and lenders.

Prior to joining Prime West, Schlichting was a partner with LCP Development in Denver where he worked on office development and value‐add repositioning. He also spent several years specializing in healthcare real estate while serving as the Regional President for Cogdell Spencer Erdman and as Managing Director with NexCore Group. He was also the regional acquisitions officer for Lowe Enterprises, a national real estate investment and development company. He started his real estate career as an associate with Walton Street Capital, a large real estate opportunity fund based in Chicago, IL.

“It’s an honor to become president of Prime West Development and lead this incredible team,” said Tim Schlichting. “My goals as president are to lead the firm effectively in developing forward thinking, innovative solutions that add value for our stakeholders and the communities in which we operate.”

Schlichting earned his MBA from Stanford University and his M.S. from the University of California at Berkeley. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.

Prime West has been a premier real estate developer in Colorado’s Front Range since 1981. From inception, the core philosophy of Prime West has remained the same: to develop best‐in‐class buildings with an emphasis on quality, reliability, and relationships. Over the past several decades, Prime West has completed over seven million square feet of commercial projects. For more information, visit https://www.primew.com/.

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PROJECT DESTINED BRIDGE PROGRAM


NAIOP Colorado, Project Destined Launch Bridge Program for Local Students

We are excited to partner with Project Destined to prepare a new generation of talent for opportunities in commercial real estate.

The six-week program provides college students with the opportunity to gain exposure to the skills, resources and network required to build a career in commercial real estate. The program will include interactive speaker sessions with sector leaders, skill-building workshops, and site visits, providing participants with exposure to early career opportunities at NAIOP Colorado.

APPLY NOW

About the Bridge Program

The NAIOP Colorado Real Estate Development, Financing & Operations Bridge Program will provide students with the opportunity to explore real estate development, financing, and operations with leaders from NAIOP Colorado Member Firms.

Through this live, 6-week program students will attend interactive speaker sessions with sector leaders, skill-building workshops, and site visits, providing participants with exposure to early career opportunities at NAIOP Colorado Member Firms.

Program Features Include

      • Earn an academic scholarship stipend upon successful completion of program activities.
      • Gain accelerated access to paid Early Career Opportunities at NAIOP Colorado Sponsor Firms.
      • Participate in site visits to build relationships and network with leaders from NAIOP Colorado Sponsor Firms.

2025 Program Sessions
Fridays from October 3rd through November 7th 

      • Speaker Series to build awareness for Company and Development
      • Training Course to build knowledge of real estate development and exposure to key early career skills
      • Site visit to support students in networking with real estate development leaders
APPLY NOW

Support Future Leaders: Sponsor a Student

      • Help build a more diverse commercial real estate industry by supporting the Project Destined Bridge Program.

Program Sponsor Benefits

      • Access to Project Destined’s Talent Acquisition platform which provides access to 10,000+   students across 2,000+ universities.
      • Opportunity to engage with students in-person at your firms Office or Select Assets.
      • Recognition on Project Destined’s Social Media Platforms and (Potential) Video of In-Person Event.

 2024 Program Outcomes

      • Trained nearly 20 students from 4 academic institutions in Colorado with an average GPA of 3.5 in Real Estate Development, Financing & Operations.
      • Since 2003, 10+ program alumni have joined Real Estate Firms in Denver for Full-Time & Summer 2025 positions at firms including Ares Management, CBRE & NorthMarq, among others.

Sponsor a student with a $2,000 contribution or donate any amount to help aspiring leaders gain valuable industry experience.

Every donation makes a difference in empowering students to participate in the program, shaping the future of our communities and the commercial real estate industry.

SUPPORT A STUDENT

Interested in learning more about the NAIOP Colorado's outreach efforts and opportunity to sponsor Project Destined Students? Contact [email protected] for more details.


2025 MAJOR PARTNERS 
   
 2025 SUPPORTING PARTNERS
     
     
 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES

 

NAIOP Colorado, Project Destined Launch Bridge Program for Local Students

Updated on August 9, 2023

NAIOP Colorado is excited to announce our partnership with Project Destined to launch a new Real Estate Bridge Program, with support of our Chapter's DEI | Project Destined Sustaining Sponsor Trammell Crow Company (TCC). 

The eight-week program will provide Junior and Senior College students with the opportunity to gain exposure to the skills, resources and network required to build a career in retail real estate. The program will include live training sessions, an executive speaker series, multiple site visits with NAIOP Colorado member companies and a scholarship stipend.

Interested Candidates can apply here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/99dfdd16c44d0598eaba9df9543b1301?r=use1

We are excited to partner with Project Destined to prepare a new generation of talent for opportunities in retail real estate. Special thanks to our DEI Project Destined program sponsors: Trammell Crow Company, McWhinney, EverWest Real Estate Investors, Evergreen Development, LOWE, Mark IV Capital, Prime West and United Properties

Interested in learning more about the NAIOP Colorado's DEI efforts and opportunity to sponsor Project Destined Students? Contact [email protected] for more details.


NAIOP Colorado, Project Destined and TCC Partner to Launch Bridge Program for Local Students

Added to NAIOP Website on March 23, 2023

NAIOP Colorado, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Project Destined, a leading social impact platform, and Trammell Crow Company (TCC), a global development firm, are partnering to launch a Real Estate Development, Financing & Operations Bridge program in the Metro Denver area. The program stems from NAIOP Colorado’s existing partnership with Project Destined and consists of a seven-week "bridge" training program, where participants from Colorado Universities and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will learn from NAIOP professionals, as well as TCC mentors, about topics in the commercial real estate industry. 

This new program will provide an unprecedented opportunity for Project Destined students – known as fellows – to learn from leaders in commercial real estate and earn a Financial Modeling Certification through Project Destined’s partnership with NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate and Columbia’s Graduate School of Real Estate. In addition to weekly sessions, accepted fellows will earn scholarships and network with NAIOP Colorado and TCC leaders through site visits and asset tours throughout the Colorado area. 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Project Destined and develop a robust talent pipeline as we train the next generation of leaders and help them prepare for the workforce. We are thrilled to have TCC on as a partner, offering valuable insight and real-world examples that the students will be able to learn from,” said CJ Manning, Vice President at Prime West and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at NAIOP Colorado.

As part of the Bridge Program, NAIOP professionals and mentors will prepare, engage and guide students to help them develop a range of fundamentals – including financial, technical, presentation and leadership skills – designed to aid their search for internships, certifications and full-time employment in the commercial real estate industry. TCC, which has been working with Project Destined across the U.S. since 2022, is acting as the lead sponsor for the 2023 Bridge Program.

“TCC’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programming and partnerships are continuing to grow, and we are always looking for ways to expand our programming locally. The missions of NAIOP Colorado and Project Destined align with TCC’s ‘R.I.S.E.’ values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence, which we share with our parent company, CBRE, also a partner of Project Destined,” said Erik Hagevik, leader of the TCC Denver office. “TCC launched a national partnership with Project Destined in 2022 and has since expanded to many local markets. In Denver, we look forward to partnering with Project Destined and with NAIOP to help introduce the world of commercial real estate to students earlier in their high school and college careers, with a goal of building a robust talent pipeline of future leaders that represent the diverse local communities where we live and work.”   

“We are excited to partner with NAIOP Colorado to prepare this incredible group of students for a career in commercial real estate,” said Project Destined Co-Founder Cedric Bobo. “The real estate industry provides unparalleled opportunities to build a great career while also impacting your community and your city. This program will ensure that these students are ready to take on that challenge.”

Following the successful sponsorship of a Denver High School Program in Summer 2022, NAIOP Colorado helped Project Destined serve more students by sponsoring a team of college students in Fall 2022. 

Since its founding in 2016, Project Destined has worked with more than 5,000 students in 35 cities across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. NAIOP Colorado’s partnership will support Project Destined and its mission to provide training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and real estate to students from underserved communities and students at various HBUCs.

Interested in learning more about the NAIOP Colorado's DEI efforts and opportunity to sponsor Project Destined Students? Contact [email protected] for more details. 


 NAIOP Colorado Launches Partnership with Project Destined to Advance Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Colorado Commercial Real Estate

CRE Firms Sponsor 15 Local High School Students in Summer 2022


Denver, Colo. (August 3, 2022) – NAIOP Colorado launched a paid summer internship for high school students in partnership with Project Destined. Project Destined, founded by Cedric Bobo, has partnered with leading real estate firms across the country to provide diverse students with internship opportunities to explore ownership through live real estate deals. Students gain access to the experience and expertise of corporate mentors and industry executives as they examine pathways to careers in the field. The program is a ten-week virtual internship which commenced in June for 15 underrepresented high school students from across the Denver metro area.

The program features training in real estate, digital marketing and provides an opportunity to collaborate with real estate professionals to prepare presentations as part of weekly team-based competitions. The program also included a “Shark Tank” style finale where intern teams presented a digital marketing plan for a live multifamily real estate deal to industry leaders.

Throughout the ten-weeks students learn the fundamentals of market research, value creation, and deal financing. Students emerge with the skills to secure internships and full-time job offers from some of the world’s largest real estate firms while becoming stakeholders in their community.

CJ Manning, Vice President at Prime West and the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at NAIOP Colorado, has led the way locally recruiting the best and brightest students from school districts across the Denver metropolitan area. Manning defines diversity as hiring for representation in a company, equity as giving all individuals equal access to opportunities, and inclusion as creating a sense of belonging for diverse talent to thrive.

Manning highlights the need for the commercial real estate industry to embrace a mindset shift away from soft diversity to hard diversity. “Soft diversity is hiring for representation to meet a quota or keep up with competitors. Whereas, hard diversity is hiring for inclusion and belonging, yielding a competitive advantage.”

“We are excited to expand our work and believe providing opportunities for future leaders early is key. Many of these students start with no prior real estate experience and to see what they were able to achieve in just ten-weeks is amazing. In partnership with Project Destined we’re developing a robust talent pipeline as we train the next generation of leaders and help them prepare for the workforce.” CJ Manning, Prime West.

Manning was ‘sold’ when Bobo invited him to serve as a judge for the Project Destined division finale and witnessed students presenting their sources and uses of capital required for their business, along with return metrics and sensitivity analysis.

“These are things we look at on a daily basis and it’s impressive to see young minds present this information with such poise and confidence,” he said.

Over 20 real estate firms sponsored the summer program, to include: Alcorn Construction; Baron Properties and Essex Financial Group; Brinkman Real Estate; Confluent Development; DPC Development; Evergreen Devco, Inc.; Fidelity National Title National Commercial Services; First American Title-NCS; Flywheel Capital; Golub & Company; Granite Properties; Hines; Hogan Lovells US LLP; Lincoln Property Company; Lowe; Mark IV Capital; McWhinney; Newmark; Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors; Prime West; United Properties; and Xcel Energy.

Jeff Dean, Senior Vice President with Mark IV Capital and Supporting Sponsor of the Project Destined program said, “Mark IV Capital was excited to play a role in helping expose top-tier, diverse Denver students to the industry through this hands-on “master class” format. Organizations are constantly seeking the best talent – and programs such as Project Destined help ensure the future holds more opportunities for both companies and candidates alike.”

Fellow Supporting Sponsor Michael Sapp, Manager of PSCo State Public Affairs with Xcel Energy, shared that "Xcel Energy is committed to reducing racial inequality as one of the most important things we can do to support the communities where we live, work and do businesses. We are honored to collaborate with the NAIOP Early Talent Program to cultivate inclusive, engaged and diverse future business leaders that reflects the communities we serve."

NAIOP Colorado Chapter will be partnering with Project Destined and area universities to host a similar program for undergraduate students this fall.

About NAIOP Colorado
The NAIOP Colorado Chapter provides advocacy, education, and business opportunities by connecting members in a powerful North American and Front Range network in the commercial real estate development and investment industry. We get business done. We create valuable, meaningful connections. We keep you current. We are a powerful voice. We actively advocate on your behalf at the local, state, and national levels to influence policies and regulations that affect our commercial real estate community.

About Project Destined.
Project Destined is a leading social impact platform that provides training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real estate. Project Destined partners with corporations, schools, and nonprofits to deliver training using its proprietary e-learning platform and live courses. Project Destined leverages a work-based learning approach where students work with executives to evaluate live deals in their community and present them in a pitch competition to industry leaders. Scholars emerge with the skills, confidence, experiences, and networks that prepare them to secure a solid first job and to become stakeholders in their community. For more information, please visit projectdestined.com.

Press Contact: CJ Manning, NAIOP Colorado DEI Chair and Vice President, Development - Prime West Companies
Direct: 919-805-1387
Email: [email protected]


 

Added to NAIOP Website on March 29, 2022

The NAIOP Colorado chapter is proud to announce two exciting partnerships with community organizations in the Denver area: Northeast Denver Leadership Week and Project Destined.

In conjunction with Denver Councilman Christopher Herndon, NAIOP Colorado’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee is coordinating a half-day program in Commercial Real Estate for the Northeast Denver Leadership Week, in June 2022. This program “offers high school students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to connect with civic and industry leaders throughout Denver. The program’s goal is to grow the next generation of leaders by educating students about careers in leadership and inspiring and motivating them to pursue such roles in their own careers." In support of this effort, the DEI Committee is currently seeking volunteers to host a construction site tour in the Northeast Denver area, as well as event volunteers to facilitate the programming. 

In complement to the Northeast Denver Leadership Week initiative, NAIOP Colorado announced that it will sponsor a local chapter of Project Destined. This unique program enlists top industry talent to mentor students in underserved communities and put them on track for internships or employment in the Commercial Real Estate industry. According to Project Destined, “we deliver our programming through the model: TRAIN, COMPETE, GROW. Students work with leading executives to evaluate live deals in their community and present them in a pitch competition.  Scholars emerge with the skills, confidence, experiences and networks that prepare them to secure a strong first job.” The local chapter of Project Destined will be funded in part by NAIOP Colorado and local CRE industry sponsors. In support of this effort, NAIOP Colorado will be seeking volunteers to serve as mentors, competition judges, panel speakers, host property tours, and conduct programming.

For more information on how to volunteer or sponsor either of these opportunities, please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

 

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to NAIOP Colorado's bi-monthly newsletter and Sponsor Spotlight page. 


Posted December 2023

BROWNSTEIN - WE'RE ALL IN.

Founded in 1968, more than 50 years ago, by three University of Colorado graduates, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck provides its clients a value that no other western law firm can match—an integrated approach that combines sensible business solutions with a federal, state and local government perspective. At Brownstein, “all in” isn’t just a catchy slogan or an empty claim. It’s an approach we apply to each challenge we take on. And an attitude that keeps our clients coming back, time and time again. This mentality inspires us to put all of our resources to work for our clients. From our multidisciplinary perspective—which brings together our unparalleled understanding of law, business and policy—to the deep connections we cultivate across industries and communities, we have a unique ability to see the bigger picture. 

Having been based in Denver for our entire 55 year history, Brownstein, and specifically our Real Estate Department, has had the pleasure of helping shape the growth of downtown Denver and Colorado’s front range. From urban renewal and major infill projects to development, financing and sale of multifamily, hotel and office projects in all of the surrounding sub markets our attorneys have worked on some of Colorado’s most impactful projects: the historic redevelopment of Union Station, the award-winning development of McGregor Square, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new visitor center complex and the Populus Hotel which will be the first “carbon-positive” hotel in the nation. 

Shareholder Caitlin Quander, a member of the firm’s Real Estate Department, serves as 2023 president of the board of directors of NAIOP Colorado. Caitlin has been involved with the organization for 11 years and now serves as the face of the organization during her year-long term as president. She credits her NAIOP involvement with connecting her with countless professionals in the commercial real estate industry and helping her understand the development process as a whole. In this role, Caitlin wants to be part of shaping the vision for Denver and Colorado. “My goal is to enhance the image of the commercial real estate industry with the general public,” she said. “Many have this idea that development is disconnected from the community or just out to make money. That is so far from the truth. The NAIOP Colorado members I know live and work in the communities that they love and want to shape Colorado so it is sustainable and affordable for our children that we are raising.” 

Click here to learn more about our work in Colorado.

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Posted December 2023

FirstBank—Doing What’s Right for Our Customers, Communities, and Employees 

FirstBank began providing banking services in 1963 and has grown into one of the nation’s largest privately-held banks. The bank offers a variety of commercial banking services, including business financing, commercial real estate loans, treasury management, and full range of consumer deposit accounts, home equity loans, mortgages, rental property loans, and more. 

As an industry leader, FirstBank has spent the last 60 years creating a meaningful and stress-free banking experience. We’re proud to be named “Best in State Banks” by Forbes, voted “2023 Best Bank” by ColoradoBiz Magazine, and selected as one of the nation’s “10 Top-Performing Banks with $10 to $50 billion in Assets” by an American Banker study. 

FirstBank attributes this success to an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for our customers, communities, and employees. This also includes ensuring commercial businesses and developers -- which are the heartbeat of our economy -- have the needed resources to grow and run more efficiently. 

In fact, we pride ourselves on providing solutions that can help your company’s bottom line, and offer a  variety of finance opportunities, including Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate (OOCRE) loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans, and construction loans, to name a few. 

Moreover, FirstBank has financed several notable mixed-use commercial developments across Colorado, Arizona, and California, including Denver’s Union Station and Larimer Square. We’re proud to help businesses, large and small, expand their footprint. 

As a long-time sponsor of the NAIOP, FirstBank is proud to partner with an organization focused on making Colorado a great place to live, work, and play. Learn more at efirstbank.com.

         
Adam Sands
Market President
FirstBank
  Nick Job
Senior Vice President
FirstBank
  Lauren Cheney
Senior Vice President
FirstBank

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Posted December 2023

Transwestern Real Estate Services

Transwestern Real Estate Services (TRS) strives to add value for investors, owners and occupiers across all commercial property types. Fueled by a holistic perspective of the real estate life cycle, agility and creativity are hallmarks of our approach, while vast national resources and sound market intelligence underpin customized recommendations and property solutions. Transwestern has been active in the Denver-area real estate market since the early 2000s and we’ve seamlessly transacted on a diverse range of properties and development opportunities. Each transaction is approached with a customized strategy, tailored to align with the unique intricacies and requirements presented.

TRS is part of the Transwestern enterprise, which consists of five dynamic, integrated companies. Clients and investors rely on us for expertise that spans institutional and opportunistic investment, development, hospitality, and brokerage and asset services. Our award-winning, collaborative culture empowers team members with resources and independence to work across boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions, reinforcing a reputation for service excellence that translates to measurable results. Through offices nationwide and alliance partners around the globe, we positively impact the built environment and our communities while fostering a work climate that champions career vitality for all.  

Transwestern is pleased to support and be part of NAIOP. In 2023, Jack Ellis, an associate in the Denver office, was named the NAIOP Colorado Rising Star. 

You can learn more about the firm at www.transwestern.com and @Transwestern. Or contact Robert Knisely, Managing Director and Market Leader for our Denver office.

 
Robert Knisely
Managing Director & Market Leader
Tranwestern Real Estate Services

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Posted August 2023

First American Title-NCS - We're here to close your deal.

First American Title NCS Colorado offers title insurance, escrow, and settlement solutions through a team of industry-leading professionals whose expertise, commitment to excellence and dedication to innovation and exceptional service provide clients with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Our escrow team offers the most informative and dedicated service in the industry, backed by a strong team of title professionals empowered to deliver creative underwriting solutions.

First American Title NCS is recognized as the most innovative and respected commercial real estate business partner, and we are committed to providing solutions that contribute to your success.

Your Local Sales Team

         

Nicole Haapala
Vice President |
National Account Manager

First American Title-NCS

  John Huemoller
National Account Manager
First American Title-NCS
  Annie Arnwine
National Account Manager
First American Title-NCS

 

If you would like to learn more about First American Title NCS Colorado and their services, please visit: https://www.firstam.com/title/commercial/

 


Posted March 2023

Alcorn Construction

Alcorn Construction is an award-winning general contractor specializing in relationship-based commercial office, light industrial, retail, multi-family, and senior living projects in the Denver and Phoenix metro areas.

Alcorn was established by Amy and Chris Alcorn in 2008, with a vision to act like an in-house construction company for customers who wanted a high level of service, without having the kind of overhead that would be required to have your own construction company. They quickly found that new construction work was drying up, rolled up their sleeves, and became experts at tenant finish work, all while keeping their eye on their vision of behaving like an in-house construction company for their customers. In 2011, as the economy began to rebound, Alcorn completed their first of many successful ground-up projects and continued to provide the high level of service that their tenant finish customers had come to expect, by bringing their “design-build mindset” to the commercial interior arena.

Since 2008, Alcorn has grown, largely by word of mouth, from a $1.5M start-up working our Amy and Chris’ basement, to an award-winning $100M general contractor with nearly 50 employees across two offices. Alcorn has built more than 700 projects since our founding – always with the drive to build with the power of partnership. We have kept Amy and Chris’s vision of behaving like an in-house construction company and have added a supporting vision to be a place where great people love to work, and in turn, customers are delighted. In 2018, Alcorn implemented EOS, which solidified our values, documented our proven process, and provided direction through 2026. We have also won back-to-back Denver Business Journal Best Places to Work Awards from 2019-2022, lending credence to our goal of being a great place where people love to work.

Today, Alcorn is managed by our leadership team of Derek Simpson, Jim Roland, Julia Miller, Jason Randels, and Matt Newman under the guidance of Amy and Chris. We have a dedicated preconstruction department, which we have invested in to provide excellence from concept to completion, and we continue to be known for our unique blend of being easy to work with, driving excellence from concept to completion, and living by the 26 behaviors of the Alcorn Way in order to make the construction process easy for developers, architects, commercial real estate brokers, project managers, tenants, and owners.

You can check their website out here - Alcorn Construction

Their various projects can be reviewed here - Parc Santa Fe, Palm Gateway Logistics Center, Cresset Capital, Platte 56, Sunrise Kitchen, Salon, and Spa.


 

Fidelity National Title is deeply committed to NAIOP’s mission to serve Colorado’s commercial real estate industry 

Through the efforts of NAIOP Colorado's Past President John Ellis, Erin Kelley, Katie Picone, Bob Masten, Geoff Sanders, Steve Boyka, Mej Ellsworth, Darren Hone, and John Miller, Fidelity continues its tradition of support for NAIOP-Colorado’s charitable endeavors, educational efforts, and advocacy for the commercial real estate industry. We have volunteered our time and energy on NAIOP’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Legislative Affairs Committee, Mentor-Mentee Program, Fight Night, Awards of Achievement, Developer Showcase, Developing Leaders Committee, and many more of NAIOP’s important programs.

Fidelity National Title is the nation’s oldest title insurance company and has deep roots in Colorado. Founded in 1847, Fidelity National Title offers unsurpassed financial strength as the national title insurance market share leader. 

As an innovative, customer-focused industry leader, Fidelity is consistently ranked in the FORTUNE® 500 and on the FORTUNE® list of America’s Most Admired Companies. Fidelity is also on the Forbes list of The World’s Best Companies, and has recently been ranked as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, The Best Employers for Women, The World’s Best Employers, and America’s Best Employers.

Our first Colorado office opened in 1946 and today we are the market share leader in the state. We have 35 offices across the state and over 400 employees serving Colorado’s real estate community.

Fidelity’s Colorado-based National Commercial Services Division is the largest operation of its kind in the Rocky Mountain Region, handling every facet of commercial real estate transactions in Colorado and across the United States. Ours is the most experienced commercial title insurance team in the region and has the expertise to handle transactions of all sizes: whether it’s a family-owned operating business, a complex construction project, a professional sports stadium, an energy project, or a multi-state portfolio of assets.

Our roots run deep in Colorado and our commitment to the success of our customers and our community is strong. It is our pleasure to support NAIOP and the commercial real estate community it serves.

If you would like to learn more, check us out at: https://ncscolorado.fntg.com/


 

LAND TITLE GUARANTEE COMPANY AND NAIOP INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP 

Land Title Guarantee Company, Colorado's largest locally owned and operated title agency, has a long and proud history with NAIOP. A corporate member since 1994, Land Title has been the presenting sponsor of the NAIOP Colorado Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge for over ten years and regularly supports various committees.

In addition to providing support for annual events, Land Title team members are personally involved with NAIOP. Most recently, Luke Davidson was a Board Member from 2014-2019 with Mindy Humphrey taking his place on the Board as of 2020. Both served as NAIOP committee members for the past 10 years.

“Land Title is a long-time supporter of NAIOP and our partnership continues to be extremely mutually beneficial,” said John E. Freyer, Jr., President of Land Title Guarantee Company. “In addition, we are delighted to be involved with the NAIOP Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge again this year, in that it marries students with industry leaders against a real-world backdrop to both challenge, educate and inspire everyone involved. We are happy to see a spotlight on Colorado Springs as a top place to work, live and grow.”

In late May, Land Title committed to sponsor the NAIOP Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge through 2027. NAIOP Colorado's Executive Director Kathie Barstnar shared, "Without the support and dedication of the staff and ownership of Land Title – NAIOP Colorado might not be the organization it is.  We certainly would not have been able to develop the Real Estate Challenge to the premier event it is without the long-standing support of Land Title both of time and treasure.  Additionally, we have worked together to help create good public policy that protects the consumer and advances the commercial real estate industry. We could not have asked for a better partnership."

Founded in 1967, Land Title has more than 50 offices spanning the state with its headquarters in the heart of Cherry Creek North. Land Title is the commercial market share leader in both transactional and dollar volumes across all of Colorado in each of the last 10 years. With more than 600 annual closings over $10M, the Company boasts the largest team of tenured title, closing and sales professionals dedicated to the commercial real estate market. By combining the financial strength and flexibility of the nation’s strongest underwriters with the knowledge of Colorado real estate laws, customs and markets, Land Title seeks to deliver an unsurpassed transactional experience.

The team closed some of the largest, most complex and most recognized transactions in Colorado including Union Station, McGregor Square, Larimer Square, Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, among others.

Further, Land Title is dedicated to Colorado communities. Each year, the Company supports numerous organizations across the state ranging from local food banks, to mental health advocacy groups, to youth athletics and relief for those impacted by wildfires. Leadership starts at the top and the executive team regularly donates their time to professional and civic organizations that promote and support the communities in which we work. You can learn more at ltgc.com.


 

 

ARCH-CON® CORPORATION OPENS DENVER OFFICE IN CHERRY CREEK

NAIOP Colorado Sustaining Sponsor and commercial general contractor Arch-Con® Corporation is proudly taking root in Denver and is a veteran supporter of NAIOP nationally. 

Arch-Con recently purchased an office building at 131 Madison Street in Cherry Creek for its Colorado operations, is well underway building its first industrial project in the area and is actively working with clients through preliminary pricing, site plans and preconstruction on a number of projects in the Mile High City.

Arch-Con was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Houston, opened a Dallas office in 2016, an Austin office in early 2021 and is excited to be in Denver. Arch-Con has grown to revenues exceeding $500 million annually, an employee base of more than 200, listed in the Inc. 5000 seven times, listed in the ENR Top 400 Contractors the last six years and listed in Houston Business Journal as the second largest construction company in Houston based on 2020 revenues.

Arch-Con is a long-time, proud supporter of NAIOP. Arch-Con Project Developer Erin Kelley has served on the NAIOP Colorado chapter board since 2018 and was the chapter’s 2018 Member of the Year. Arch-Con Founder and CEO Michael G. Scheurich has served on a NAIOP National Forum for nearly 10 years and served on the NAIOP Houston chapter board of directors for nine years. Arch-Con President Jason M. Cooper currently serves on the NAIOP Houston chapter board of directors. 

Denver leadership and NAIOP connection

Two Denver-based leaders Chad Headlee and Kelley joined Arch-Con in 2021 and NAIOP was a valuable resource when Arch-Con was looking to hire top talent in Colorado. Scheurich turned to NAIOP and the relationships he developed through the organization, one such relationship is that with Kelley. Scheurich and Kelley met through NAIOP and fostered a relationship over the years which led them to now work together.

Kelley works with clients from concept to completion, facilitating projects and relationships. Kelley has a keen understanding of commercial construction in Denver having worked on the owner’s representation side as well as the architectural side of commercial real estate. Kelley is an active board member for the NAIOP Colorado chapter, served as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce Chair for two years, the Developing Leaders Chair in 2018, the Mentor Mentee Chair for four years and served as a Government Affairs Environmental and Infrastructure Committee Member for three years.

Chad Headlee serves as vice president for Arch-Con in Denver with nearly 30 years in the construction industry and more than 20 years of project management and executive experience. Headlee has led various design-build, LEED certified and build-to-suit projects totaling more than $500 million in various project types from high-end office buildings to convention centers. Headlee is also an active member of NAIOP as well as a member of the Downtown Denver Partnership Economic Development Committee and SIOR. 

Arch-Con looks forward to advancing the mission of NAIOP in Colorado! Come visit us at our Cherry Creek office and at www.arch-con.com.

Construction is hard. We make it easy.

 
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