Construction Trends Shaping CRE Decision Making

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  Kathy Carr

  Kathy brings over 25+ years of experience and knowledge in the areas of portfolio management, new construction, consolidations, divestitures, and all things commercial real estate, having previously worked for Abbott Labs, Cushman & Wakefield and Freescale Semiconductor. Most recently Kathy led JE Dunn Construction’s Client Solution organization focused on business development and investment strategies. Kathy holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Texas in Austin as well as numerous industry certifications to include a Master in Corporate Real Estate and Workplace Strategy. Her focus at NXP as Head of Global Real Estate and Workplace Strategies is the optimization of the real estate portfolio so that it promotes innovation and becomes a business differentiator.

  NXP Semiconductors

  Head of Global Real Estate

  Kathy Carr

  Head of Global Real Estate

  NXP Semiconductors

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  Kristin Thompson

  Kristin brings over 15 years of construction management expertise with a very diverse project background. Having started her career working as a laborer in the field, she understands the construction process from start to finish, and draws on that knowledge to plan and execute projects in the most cost effective manner. She is focused on building and managing strong teams and providing the oversight and direction that ensures that the project exceeds expectations. As Vice President of Construction Operations, Kristin is involved with and responsible for every phase of a project from preconstruction through completion and turnover. This includes coordination of cost estimating, budget preparation, design development, preconstruction and construction activities as well as subcontractor negotiation. An efficient and thoughtful leader, Kristin is well respected for her keen ability to bring the right people together to solve problems. She has a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time, developing strong relationships with customers along the way.

  Ryan Companies

  VP, Construction

  Kristin Thompson

  VP, Construction

  Ryan Companies

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  Graham Dewar

  Graham Dewar is Vice President and General Manager of Turner’s office in Austin. Graham oversees day-to-day operations and establishes short- and long-range goals for the Austin office, with a focus on building Turner’s presence in the Greater Austin market. Prior to Austin, Graham held various positions for Turner in Philadelphia and Malaysia. Throughout his nearly 20-year tenure in the industry, Graham has been involved in more than 10 million square feet of construction across many market segments including Commercial, Hospitality, Higher Education, Lifesciences, Healthcare, and Residential. In addition to building his career, Graham is also aware of the need to balance work and personal life. As a husband and father of one, he shows as much dedication to his family as he does his profession. He still takes the time out of his busy schedule to enjoy time with his wife Sara and their sons, Brooks, and Callum.

  Turner Construction

  Vice President and General Manager

  Graham Dewar

  Vice President and General Manager

  Turner Construction

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  William Jenkins

  William C. Jenkins is a Principal with Stonelake Capital Partners in the Austin office, where he is responsible for new investment evaluation, capital markets activity, and office and multifamily development. Mr. Jenkins joined Stonelake as an Analyst in the Dallas office in 2014. Mr. Jenkins focused his attention primarily on evaluating potential debt and equity investments across all product types and asset management responsibilities related to Stonelake’s industrial and multifamily portfolios. Prior to joining Stonelake, Mr. Jenkins worked as a Financial Analyst for Viacom, a global mass-media company, in their New York office. While at Viacom, Mr. Jenkins was a part of a small team tasked with restructuring the company’s shared service finance function. Mr. Jenkins received his undergraduate degree in Finance, with distinction, from the University of Tennessee.

  Stonelake Capital Partners

  Principal

  William Jenkins

  Principal

  Stonelake Capital Partners

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  Monte James, Jr.

  Monte James is a member of Winstead’s Real Estate Development & Investments and Construction Practice Groups. Monte’s practice is focused on real estate development, with an emphasis on drafting and negotiating construction contracts and structuring and administering residential, mixed-use and office condominiums, and residential and mixed-use communities. Representative Experience Real Estate Development: Representation of developers and builders in the creation, development, governance, management and administration of master planned communities, mixed-use, residential, condominium and other covenant-controlled projects; Representation of developers and builders in the formation and operation of property owners associations; Representation of condominium, residential, and mixed-use property owner associations. Construction: Representation of developers and contractors for all phases of the construction process, including owner/contractor agreements, owner/architect agreements, subcontracts, professional services agreements and project management agreements. Acquisitions and Dispositions: Representation of both purchasers and sellers of real estate in the acquisition, disposition and development of improved and unimproved property. Leasing: Representation of both landlords and tenants in connection with the negotiation of lease agreements for various types of real property. Awards & Recognition Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, (BL Rankings, LLC), 2021-2023 Admitted to Practice Texas, 2015

  Winstead

  Shareholder

  Moderator

  Monte James, Jr.

  Shareholder

  Winstead

Hot Topic: Redevelopment & Reuse

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  Matt Whelan

  Matt Whelan is the Founder and Principal of RedLeaf. With over 25 years of experience, he is responsible for strategic direction with oversight of development activities and public-private partnerships. Matt leads the adaptive reuse and redevelopment of Highland Mall in conjunction with Austin Community College. The 80-acre mixed-use redevelopment has transformed the failed mall into a vibrant district that will feature nearly 4 million square feet of residential, office, retail, hospitality, and educational uses at full completion, the majority of which is complete and thriving. He also oversees the development of The Bell District, RedLeaf’s P3 development with the City of Cedar Park. The 50+ acre mixed-use development will transform fragmented and obsolete real estate into a dense walkable urban experience with a variety of uses including, multifamily, retail, restaurant, park space, as well as a new public Library to the center of Cedar Park. Prior to founding RedLeaf in 2009, Matt was responsible for delivering numerous large-scale mixed-use projects in the Central Texas region, totaling over $2B in value. Matt has previously served as: Partner at Live Oak – Gottesman. Regional Director for Catellus Development Group Senior Executive at CCNG Realty, Inc.

  RedLeaf Properties

  Founder & Principal

  Matt Whelan

  Founder & Principal

  RedLeaf Properties

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  Jesús Aguirre

  Jesús Aguirre is CEO of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, a nonprofit creating and maintaining an innovative park system in downtown Austin. Jesús previously served as Superintendent of the Department of Parks and Recreation in Seattle and has more than 20 years of public service leadership experience in major metropolitan jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. After graduating from the University of Texas, Jesús received an MBA from Arizona State University. He spent much time working in the education sector, as a middle school science teacher, and ultimately as the State Superintendent of Education in D.C. Jesús and his wife co-founded and ran a nonprofit dual-language charter school in Phoenix for 10 years. He serves on the boards of the National Recreation and Park Association and Children and Nature Network, and is a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

  Waterloo Greenway

  CEO

  Jesús Aguirre

  CEO

  Waterloo Greenway

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  Sergio Negrete

  Sergio Negrete is an energetic leader focused on transforming ideas into thriving communities. As Principal & Senior Vice President of Development at Arterra, he pursues new business opportunities, while overseeing project planning and execution. Before joining Arterra, Sergio served as Vice President of Development at Catellus Development Corporation, where he built strategic partnerships, managed commercial brokers, and led major development initiatives. Prior to Catellus, his real estate journey took him to CBRE, Inc., where he oversaw a diverse, two-million-square-foot portfolio of retail, redevelopment, and mixed-use projects across Central Texas. His dedication extends beyond his projects—he currently serves as a board member of the Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA) and serves on the finance committee for Leadership Austin and the Advisory Committee for the Housing Accelerator Fund for Austin Community Foundation. A licensed Texas Real Estate Broker, Sergio earned his BBA in Real Estate Finance and Development, with a minor in Finance, from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Whether leading complex negotiations or working alongside communities, Sergio is committed to creating spaces that inspire, connect, and thrive.

  Arterra Development

  Principal & SVP

  Sergio Negrete

  Principal & SVP

  Arterra Development

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  Todd Runkle

  Todd Runkle brings more than 25 years of professional design experience to the leadership of Gensler's Austin office. Todd has led a wide variety of project types from large-scale master planning and architectural, multi facility complexes to high-end executive offices. His design and management skills are reflected in his diverse portfolio of innovative and award-winning commercial projects. In addition to his experience at Gensler, he was a founding member of a widely respected interior architecture boutique firm, with a wide variety of award-winning projects around the country. Todd is recognized for his focus on serving his client's best interests. His keen abilities to work with brokers in analyzing real estate options and work with clients in finding creative design solutions are hallmarks of many of his successful projects.

  Gensler

  Principal and Managing Director

  Todd Runkle

  Principal and Managing Director

  Gensler

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  Drew Hanish

  Drew Hanish is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pravo Construction, a commercial general contractor in the Austin area specializing in tenant improvements for historical buildings and first-generation spaces. In addition to having extensive knowledge in Austin's historical sites, buildings, and preservation methods, Drew works closely with top-area architects, designers, subcontractors, and brokers that work with high-end material who caters to some of the largest tech giants and industrial companies in America. As more and more companies begin to relocate to the area, there is a greater need to help facilitate and build spaces that support a growing sophisticated and tech-savvy workforce while preserving the area's cultural values. Drew graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Construction Management and was awarded a scholarship to play for the University of Minnesota's Men's Baseball Team. Drew is an active member of RECA as a Christmas in October committee member and ULI as a Creative Culture committee member. When not overseeing developments or attending City of Austin Construction committee meetings, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, working out with a fitness community, and cheering on his Gophers.

  Pravo Construction

  CEO, Founder

  Drew Hanish

  CEO, Founder

  Pravo Construction

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  Amber Autumn

  With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Amber brings an abundance of industry knowledge to her Business Development role at Summit Design + Build. Amber grew up admiring the art of building construction, following her father into the industry. She began her career in the field in various superintendent roles before shifting her focus to project management and business development. Amber’s experience in all facets of construction allows her to better understand current and prospective clients’ unique visions and construction needs.

  Summit Design & Build

  Director

  Amber Autumn

  Director

  Summit Design & Build

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  Timothy Ramon

  Timothy N. Ramon is a 3rd generation Demolition Contractor. As President of JR RAMON Demolition, LLC., he has nearly 30 years of experience in the demolition industry and previously served as a Director on the Board of the National Demolition Association, an organization in which he remains heavily involved. JR RAMON was the first, licensed demolition contractor in San Antonio and has provided demolition and support services to Austin, San Antonio and South Texas for over 50 years. The company earned its excellent reputation for safety and demolition expertise by providing on-call demolition services to state, federal and municipal entities throughout Central and South Texas. They provide residential, commercial, and industrial demolition – from selective to total demolition services, as well as bridge demolition, concrete removal, roll-off dumpster service, site preparation and restoration, disaster emergency response, and debris removal and final disposition resulting from natural disasters. In addition, JR RAMON owns and operates a concrete crushing facility to produce top grade recycled concrete aggregate material for use in the construction of commercial and residential developments and infrastructure. After 75 years in business, JR RAMON continues to be an integral part of re-shaping the San Antonio and Austin urban skylines by clearing the way for new developments. The company still operates under the founder’s original vision of creating a company that will provide employment opportunities for the families in the community. Joe Ramon, Sr. started J.R. Ramon & Sons as a “mom and pop” business after returning from WWII in 1945. Today, under Tim’s leadership, JR RAMON employs 120 full-time employees and maintains their outstanding reputation as a highly capable and experienced Demolition Contractor.

  JR RAMON Demolition

  President

  Moderator

  Timothy Ramon

  President

  JR RAMON Demolition