Sean is CEO & Principal at Formativ, a full-service real estate development and investment firm based in Denver. The firm is focused on in-the-path-of-growth real estate and urban in-fill development projects. Developments that, through the built environment, turn blocks or micro-neighborhoods into sustainable and inclusive communities that thrive in our modern world. With placemaking at the core of these developments, Formativ incorporates complimentary asset types, public spaces, and additive best-in-class amenities to deliver projects where people want to live, work, and play. The firm specializes in Mixed-Use, Master-Planned, Multifamily, Creative Office, and Hospitality

asset categories. By developing thriving communities and properties, Formativ delivers superior, risk-adjusted returns for its partners and investors.

Sean is a real estate developer, community builder and former Wall Street executive with a strong background

in finance, real estate, and business development. Sean founded Formativ with the vision to establish a real estate firm that was centered around transformative urban projects that grow communities and businesses. He is involved in the full lifecycle of FORMATIV’s

developments leading the visioning, investment and execution of our projects.

Prior to founding Formativ, Sean was co-founder and developer of INDUSTRY, Colorado’s foremost creative office concept. Before becoming a leader within real estate development community, Sean spent over a decade in NYC’s financial sector in fixed income trading and investment banking. Sean is a leader in Denver’s business and non-profit community serving on the Boards of Metro EDC, The Denver Zoo, The Other Side Academy and 10.10.10.. Sean is originally from Washington D.C. and attended the University of Maryland.

The embodiment of our mantra “think like an owner, act like a partner,” Jason spearheads the strategic direction of our investments and financial systems, guiding our teams in decision-making that not only supports Sage’s goals, but meets and exceeds the goals of our partners.

A strategic and thoughtful leader, Jason oversees all financial actions for the entire organization and leads our continued growth in the real estate investment market, targeting urban lifestyle hotels and developments nationwide that align with our vision. Jason was instrumental in supporting our company as we navigated the incredible challenges of the pandemic and continues to confidently guide us through recovery.

Jason lives in Denver with his wife, Cindy, and three children. He enjoys running in his spare time and travels with his wife whenever possible. has been involved in various non-profit causes, including serving for six years on the board of a New Jersey charter school.

Council member Darrell Watson represents District 9 on the Denver City Council. He is the vice-chair of the Land Use Transportation and Infrastructure committee, a member of the Safety, Housing, Education & Homelessness Committee and the Boards and Commission Committee. He is the vice-chair of the Metro Area County Commissioners.

He enjoyed a 30-year career in finance, most of that time working at TIAA. He is the co-founder and principal of the Watson Wenk Group, a catalyst transforming how governmental agencies, for profit businesses, and nonprofits leverage justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) as transformational tools for collaborative engagement in BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) and other untapped communities.

Darrell currently sits on the boards of the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative and the Colfax Marathon. He was the founding chair of the Housing Stability Strategic Advisors board, co-creating with community common sense policies to address the housing crisis as well as developing strategies to increase wrap-around services that lead to permanent housing for currently unsheltered residents.

As the former co-chair of the Denver Game Plan for a Healthy City, a former chair of the Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and former chair and founding board member of the Denver Park Trust, Darrell has collaborated with community members, Denver Parks and Recreation, and Denver City Council to pass common sense policies that created a dedicated funding source for parks, created a foundation to increase park space and quality parks throughout Denver and created the 30-year strategic plan, Gameplan for a Healthy City, detailing strategies that will lead Denver in reclaiming its ‘City in a Park’ heritage.

As the former co-chair of the Denver Biased Policing Task Force, Darrell coordinated with Denver City Council, Denver Mayor’s Office, Denver Police Department, and the wider community to update DPD training when contacting community members and create tactics to reduce instances of biased policing across the city.

Parag joined PACE Loan Group in 2023 as Vice President, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting, and closing on PLG’s pipeline of transactions. He brings 25 years of experience in capital markets, asset management, valuations, and consulting in the hospitality market, having held various positions in commercial real estate with companies such as K2 Developers and CBRE Hotels. While working for CBRE Hotels, Parag participated in the underwriting of more than $3B of hotel transactions and was involved with $1B in financings.

Parag holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Missouri and a Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) from Cornell University.

As a Partner at JNS Architecture + Interior Design, Tobias Strohe contributes to the firm’s technical and creative direction. Tobias, who has 26 years of professional architecture experience, ensures projects meet JNS’ high standards, collaborating with all partners and teams to create pragmatically beautiful solutions. His expertise spanning the entire spectrum of the architectural industry is balanced with an acute attention to detail. Tobias is also a trained cabinet maker.

Valerie Bromley is a seasoned professional well-versed in the complexities of real estate transactions. With a wealth of experience representing both tenants and landlords, she has successfully negotiated intricate commercial, office, and industrial/warehouse leases in various countries. As a partner in the Messner Reeves LLP Real Estate Group, Valerie’s practice revolves around a wide range of real estate matters, from acquisitions and dispositions to land use and development.

Valerie Bromley excels in navigating the intricacies of real estate transactions, from start to finish. Whether it’s the acquisition of a property or the disposition of an existing asset, Valerie’s expertise shines through in every step of the process. Her in-depth knowledge enables her to efficiently guide clients through contract negotiations, due diligence reviews, title evaluations, and real estate financing. Furthermore, Valerie is no stranger to the multifaceted world of development, skillfully handling all aspects, including land use and zoning matters. Her meticulous approach ensures that projects proceed smoothly and with optimal outcomes.

Valerie’s prowess extends to lease negotiations, a critical component of real estate transactions. Representing both tenants and landlords, she brings a balanced perspective to the table, seeking fair and advantageous terms for her clients. Whether it’s a commercial, office, or industrial lease, Valerie’s expertise in drafting and negotiating these agreements ensures that all parties’ interests are protected. Additionally, she navigates licenses and easements with precision, addressing the complex legal requirements to secure favorable outcomes for her clients.

Valerie Bromley’s proficiency in real estate transactions is not limited to a single jurisdiction. Her extensive experience spans the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada. This global perspective allows Valerie to adapt to varying legal frameworks and cultural nuances, providing valuable insights to clients seeking to expand their real estate ventures internationally. Her cross-border expertise ensures that clients can confidently navigate complex transactions and mitigate potential challenges.

Valerie’s tenure as in-house counsel for a global real estate investment trust (REIT) adds depth to her practice. During this period, she honed her negotiation skills, handling leases and development agreements with global e-commerce clients. Additionally, Valerie was responsible for negotiating contracts with vendors and consultants, training new field personnel, and conducting risk analyses for corporate mergers and acquisitions. This firsthand experience in a corporate setting allows Valerie to anticipate and address the unique needs and challenges faced by her clients, providing a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to real estate transactions.

LEED® Accreditation and Sustainability Initiatives

Valerie’s dedication to environmentally conscious practices shines through in her commitment to green building and sustainability initiatives. She earned her LEED® accreditation in 2009, demonstrating her expertise in sustainable building practices and certifications. Valerie leverages her knowledge and experience to represent clients who prioritize green building and sustainability. By offering guidance on environmentally friendly construction materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable design principles, Valerie plays a vital role in shaping a greener future for the real estate industry.

Valerie Bromley’s expertise in real estate transactions is a testament to her skill, adaptability, and comprehensive approach. From navigating acquisitions and dispositions to negotiating leases and licenses, Valerie’s keen eye for detail and in-depth understanding of the industry have resulted in successful outcomes for her clients. Her international experience and in-house counsel background further enhance her ability to provide valuable insights and tailored solutions. With a passion for sustainability and a commitment to building greener futures, Valerie Bromley is a trusted advisor and a valuable asset in the complex realm of real estate transactions. Outside the office, she continues to embrace her passions for family, nature, and community engagement, further showcasing her well-rounded approach to life.

Scott McChesney is a founding Principal of Blackridge Group. Prior to Blackridge, Scott worked for

Stonebridge Companies, a national hospitality company, for 10 years. As Senior Vice President of

Acquisitions and Development. Scott oversaw hotel development, acquisitions, project funding, and

new business development totaling over $800 million. Prior to Stonebridge, Mr. McChesney was Vice

President of RD Olson Development where he was instrumental in growing the company from its

inception in 2001, into Southern California’s 20th largest real estate developer by 2007. Mr.

McChesney also worked for The Walt Disney Company for eight years where he was Director of

Development & Acquisitions for their Disney Imagineering Division. He also spent one year in Disney’s

Corporate Strategic Planning Group. At the Pepsi-Cola Corporation/Yum Brands, he was Senior

Manager of Development where he analyzed and approved or disapproved the development of

proposed fastfood sites, overseeing approximately $300 million in development capital. Mr.

McChesney also has two years of investment banking experience. Scott is a graduate of Penn State

University and has an MBA in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Southern California.

Tom provides executive leadership for CoralTree Hospitality Group and previously was the Chief Operating Officer of the Two Roads Hospitality/Destination Hotels portfolio. A 20-year veteran of Two Roads, Tom held multiple operations titles with the company. He started with Two Roads in 1998 at Sunriver Resort in Oregon where he was Managing Director. He previously held senior resort and hospitality executive positions with The Woodlands Corporation in Texas, where he oversaw the hospitality division including resorts, hotels, corporate conference centers and club operations, along with master planning the 36,000-acre community.

Tom also has held various executive and leadership roles with Busch Properties, operating and expanding hospitality, golf, club and condominium developments. After graduating college, where he was managing restaurants in Miami, Tom joined Gaylord Hotels in Nashville, Tenn., and held an executive-level role in management for the original Opryland Hotel. Tom is an active member of the American Hotel & Lodging Resort Resort Committee, the Urban Land Institute and is the founder and board member of The Wonderland Express, a non-profit organization that provides memorable holiday experiences to economically challenged and at-risk families in Central Oregon.

He is a two-term past Chairman and Board Member of the Oregon Tourism Commission and the Cascade Culinary Institute. Tom received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University.

Leon Hurley is a Licensed Architect and recently partnered in the forming of development and consulting firm Cypress 16 in 2018, where he has recently developed a Marriott Residence Inn in Steamboat Springs, CO and is currently developing a Kimpton Hotel at Belleview Station in Denver, CO. Leon spent the previous 10 years as the Senior Vice President of Development at Miller Global Properties where he lead design and construction on such projects as the JW Marriott San Antonio Resort and Spa; Embassy Suites Springfield, VA; Residence Inn Bellevue, WA; Residence Inn Alexandria, VA; and Arrow Electronics Headquarters Denver, CO. Prior to that Leon was founder and principal of Rhadius Architects in Denver, CO where he focused on Multi-Family Residential, Mixed-Use, Industrial, and Recreational projects.

George Prine is the General Manager of Populus, the country’s first carbon positive hotel, which

is opening in Denver in summer 2024 and is operated by Aparium Hotel Group. In his role, Prine

is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of the hotel, including its operational

carbon footprint, revenue management, employee engagement, and the overall guest

experience inspired by Aparium’s translocal hospitality. With over 25 years of industry

experience, he is a seasoned hospitality veteran with a proven track record of opening and

managing luxury hotels, ranging from 60 to 800 room establishments. At the heart of Prine’s

success is a leadership approach that prioritizes team mentorship, community connection,

operational excellence, exceptional design, and environmental stewardship.

A veteran hotelier and tenured leader, Prine previously managed the Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis,

and the high-end boutique hotel, Le Meridien Chambers Hotel in Minneapolis, where he

opened Jean-Georges’ three-star MICHELIN restaurant, Chambers Kitchen. He also spent four

years as General Manager of The Armstrong Hotel, the leading boutique hotel in Fort Collins,

Colo., where he led its redesign renovations, marketing repositioning, and branding. Under

Prine’s leadership, the hotel reached #1 on Trip Advisor, #1 in RevPar and was celebrated in the

MICHELIN Colorado Guide selection.

In addition to Prine’s dedication to hospitality, he is an entrepreneur who founded Dig Design,

a leading biophilic and landscape design firm for large residential estates and corporate

campuses in Minnesota and California. He is also an accomplished artist and sculptor.

A graduate of the University of Colorado, where he studied business and showcased his athletic

prowess as a pro mogul skier on the ski team, Prine currently resides in Boulder, Colo. with his

partner Jennifer and their two dogs, and is a father to two grown daughters. In his free time,

he enjoys an active lifestyle of trail running, downhill skiing, mountain biking and doing yoga,

and fosters an appreciation for home remodeling, contemporary art, mid-century homes,

architecture, and interior design.

Prine is thrilled to bring his leadership excellence and background in exceptional hospitality

along with his passion for nature, sustainability and biophilic design to Populus, which will

epitomize Aparium’s commitment to hotels done differently and help to shift the entire

hospitality industry towards a greener future.

In 2009, Jennifer joined the TWC Management team upon completing her degree in hospitality management. Her early years were immersed in limited-service hotel properties, fostering a deep passion for hospitality. During college, she gained exposure in the full-service hotel market. Post-graduation, Jennifer excelled as a Hotel General Manager, earning the Revenue and Marketing Award from AmericInn and a top-three nomination for General Manager of the Year in 2010. This success led to her promotion to a dual property General Manager, eventually advancing to the Director of Operations role. In 2018, she became the CEO of TWC Management, overseeing property development, daily operations, and fostering a culture of professional growth. In her tenure, she has facilitated multiple hotel acquisitions, including two ground-up construction projections. Jennifer, a Certified Hotel Administrator, actively engages with Best Western Hotels, serving as a Governor, Chairman of the Global Quality Assurance Committee, and contributing to the BW Colorado Co-Op committee.

Anneke Haggerty currently serves as McWhinney’s Director of Hospitality Investments overseeing the firm’s underwriting on new hotel developments and acquisitions as well as assisting in the sourcing of new deals and capital raising. Prior to joining McWhinney 6 years ago, Anneke worked several hotel operations jobs and earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a concentration in real estate from University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business. Anneke is still heavily involved with University of Denver’s hospitality school today serving as an adjunct faculty member teaching the “Introduction to Hotel Investments” 10-week course for the last five years.

Shervin Rashidi is responsible for the day-to-day management of operations, including but not limited to design through planning and operations, budgeting, approvals and construction. Over the past 30 years, Shervin has been a part of some of Colorado’s most iconic restaurants projects. Having built one of the largest restaurant management companies in Colorado and a successful construction company, Shervin’s expertise has been instrumental in putting River Run on the map – by opening and operating the four anchor restaurants along with co-founding the world-famous Keystone summer festivals.

With his wealth of experience, Shervin brings a background in the areas of construction administration relative to hospitality, commercial and residential development as well as planning, scheduling and contract compliance. His expertise includes construction management, monitoring project schedules and coordination of performance of the commissioning among contractors, architects and engineers. He has worked on residential and commercial construction projects aggregating more than $100 million, which include multi-million-dollar restaurant design projects wherein his expertise in strategic planning, marketing, advertising, general contracting, project coordination and developing positive relationships with clients and investors was invaluable.

Jay spent the first 9 years of his career with East West Partners in Lake Tahoe securing development financing in excess of $500M. In addition to being a lead member of the development team that created The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Jay’s responsibilities included overall financial management for East West’s California location. In 2013, an opportunity presented itself in Denver, where Jay transitioned his CFO role to the new location and has helped lead the nationally recognized Union Station redevelopment. Combining his resort experience with a new understanding of the urban environment, Jay brings a well-rounded perspective to his responsibilities include financial management and reporting, securing debt and equity financing, acquisition and disposition of real estate assets and project management.

Eric Rubottom joined RTM Engineering Consultants, a national MEP, Civil, and Structural

Consulting firm as a principal through the merger of his previous firm, BG Buildingworks, and

brings nearly two decades of experience within the hospitality market throughout the US. Eric is

responsible for overseeing a variety of project aspects of building systems consulting, design,

and engineering, promoting continuous communication, collaboration, and innovative solutions

along the way. His expansive portfolio spans both renovation and new construction of

hospitality-focused projects including urban center lodging, exclusive resort properties, resort-

adjacent amenities, and luxury residences.

As Chief Executive Officer, Jon Buerge leads the overall strategy, operations, and future growth of Urban Villages. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience within the company, Jon is responsible for executing the firm’s vision and ensuring its mission is woven into every aspect of the business. He provides direct oversight for several key company initiatives, including the development and expansion of Populus Hotels, the brand poised to disrupt the hospitality industry, and the firm’s comprehensive Environmental Stewardship programs. He also provides curatorial leadership for Urban Villages’ core assets, ensuring they perform financially while delivering a positive community impact.

A key part of Jon’s role is driving the company’s future growth. He is spearheading a strategy focused on three core pillars: creating holistically regenerative urban communities, pioneering a new, scalable model for attainable workforce housing that is both beautiful and deeply integrated into its local context, and establishing a new market for nature-inspired hospitality. Jon is the primary liaison for the company’s capital and strategic partners, building and maintaining the critical relationships that fuel these ambitious projects.

A Colorado native with a JD and an MBA from the University of Colorado, Jon’s leadership is deeply connected to his community. He was previously a board member of the Colorado Climate Action Task Force, Energize Denver, the Urban Land Institute, the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, the LoDo Board and the Denver Park Trust. He currently serves as a board member of the Downtown Denver Partnership and the City of Denver’s Sustainability Council.

Jon has a passion for the outdoors and extreme sports, including skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking with his wife and three children. In his free time, he also loves to travel and write and recently finished his first novel.

Brad Buchanan, CEO of the National Western Center Authority, is a dynamic leader in the Rocky Mountain region, with roots in entrepreneurship, city planning, design, development, agriculture and community building. Appointed in 2018, he is responsible for implementing the vision of the National Western Center. When complete, the 250-acre campus in north Denver will be a year-round, global destination for culture, entertainment, education and agribusiness innovation.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Brad began his career as an architect in Denver, and started his own architecture firm in 1987. Over 25 years he expanded it to include design-build services and real estate development — focusing on mixed-use, urban infill projects, including some affordable housing developments. In 2011 he joined RNL Design (now Stantec) as principal.

In 2014 during Denver’s historic post-recession building boom, Mayor Michael B. Hancock appointed Brad executive director of Denver Community Planning and Development. Under Brad’s leadership, city planners engaged more than 20,000 residents in drafting Denveright — an ambitious 20-year plan for land use, mobility, parks and recreation. Also during his tenure, Brad and his team streamlined and modernized city permitting — eliminating backlogs and improving the customer experience for projects of all sizes.

Brad has been deeply involved in the community his entire career. As an architect he served as chair of the Denver Planning Board, the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Downtown Denver Partnership’s board. He participated in creating the original Blueprint Denver land use and transportation plan, as well as the city’s innovative, form-based zoning code. In 1999 he founded Freedom by Design, a community service program to provide pro bono design and construction services to the low-income disabled community; today there are 60 chapters nationwide.

Brad has agricultural roots. He and his wife, Margaret, and their grown children Grace and Will own and operate Flying B Bar Ranch in Strasburg, Colorado where they raise Wagyu-Angus grass-fed cattle. Flying B Bar employs regenerative agriculture, a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds and enhances the ecosystem. Brad is a member of the board of directors of the American Grassfed Association.

As Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Grant McCargo is responsible for all aspects of company development, from selecting development projects and teams to securing investment partners and defining the company’s vision and goals.

For over 30 years, he has been involved in all forms of property development and ownership, and has successfully completed more than $4 billion worth of transactions as advisor and principal. Grant is committed to place-based neighborhood developments designed and constructed to last for generations.

Grant recently completed a ten-year term on the board of directors of the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and considers himself an environmentalist first.