Follow the Money: Who's Sourcing and Deploying Capital, and How Today's Deals are Getting Done

From construction financing to creative partnerships, learn who's making waves in the Music City, where they're deploying capital, and what assets and submarkets are ripe for investment

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  David Lawrence

  David is a Managing Director responsible for overseeing Hines’ platform in Nashville. He has contributed to the development of more than 1 million square feet of office, residential, and mixed-use projects and led acquisitions and origination efforts across asset classes in the city. Since joining Hines in 2016, David has led multiple projects and investment opportunities. This includes efforts at The Finery and T3 Wedgewood Houston, a placemaking mixed-use development with residential, retail, and office components which won the 2025 NAIOP Nashville Mixed-Use Development of the Year. David also served as project manager for 222, a 390,000-square-foot office and retail project in downtown Nashville which achieved a record-setting sale valuation after delivering in 2017. In addition, in 2022 he led the $102 million acquisition of a five-property self-storage portfolio which represented the first storage acquisition for a Hines fund. David earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Haverford College, a dual Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management, and a Master of Science from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University where he graduated with distinction.

  Hines

  Managing Director

  David Lawrence

  Managing Director

  Hines

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  Aaron Friedman

  Aaron Friedman currently serves as Director, Acquisitions for Core Spaces (a vertically integrated developer, nationally). With a background in real estate acquisitions and debt capital markets, Aaron has been pivotal in Core Spaces' growth, particularly in the Build to Rentsector. His expertise extends across acquisitions, including sourcing, capitalization, and development,contributing significantly to the company's reputation for excellence and innovation. Aaron’s target markets for acquisitions include Tennessee, the Carolinas, and South Florida. Prior to Core Spaces, Aaron worked at JP Morgan Investment Management, focused on Acquisitions, Asset Management, and Capital Markets.

  Core Spaces

  Director, Acquisitions

  Aaron Friedman

  Director, Acquisitions

  Core Spaces

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  Alex Sanders

  Alex Sanders, Jr. is a visionary leader and accomplished real estate executive with a proven track record of delivering complex projects and driving growth across diverse markets across the United States and internationally. His work spans urban neighborhoods in cities such as Chicago, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Currently serving as the CEO of Pinnacle Construction and Development Partners, headquartered in Nashville, TN, Alex spearheads the company’s strategic vision, operational growth, and innovative development initiatives. His leadership emphasizes fostering key industry partnerships, reducing reliance on subcontractors, and expanding Pinnacle’s presence across industrial, healthcare, multifamily, and higher education sectors. Alex is deeply committed to helping individuals and teams grow to their full potential. His leadership philosophy centers on building strong teams, creating opportunities, and driving projects that positively transform communities. With a passion for empowering others, Alex also serves on multiple non-profit boards, reflecting his dedication to community engagement and sustainable development. Alex’s extensive career includes executive roles at industry-leading firms such as Mortenson and RM Companies, where he successfully delivered large-scale projects and implemented strategies that enhanced market share and operational efficiency. His portfolio of developments spans multiple asset types, including student housing, multifamily, office, and mixed-use real estate. He holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate and Development from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from North Carolina A&T State University, graduating cum laude. Outside of his professional endeavors, Alex has a passion for vintage timepieces, valuing their timeless craftsmanship

  Pinnacle Construction Partners

  CEO

  Alex Sanders

  CEO

  Pinnacle Construction Partners

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  Max Herzog

  Executive Managing Director

  IPA

• Moderator

  Francisco Crespo

  Director of Originations

  Nuveen Green Capital

Enjoy the Experience: A Hotel and Retail Update

From acquisitions to latest partnerships, learn what hotel and retail owners and operators are investing in the Music City, where, and why

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  Dean Stratouly

  Dean Stratouly co-founded Congress Group over 40 years ago, building it into one of the area's leading commercial real estate investment and development firms. Alongside a solid wealth of knowledge and expertise with a proven commitment to creating value, Mr. Stratouly collaborates with his investment partners on complex high-quality office, mixed-use, and multi-family developments to maximize return and realize a property's highest and best use. Mr. Stratouly spearheads the company's investment strategy, deal generation, institutional relationships and long-term strategic planning. He actively oversees every company transaction with hands-on energy and focus. A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and from Central Michigan State University with a Master of Business Management, Mr. Stratouly resides with his family in Boston. Leadership positions include: Massachusetts Convention Authority, Former Board Vice Chairman and Development Committee Chair. Responsible for overseeing the development and construction of the 2.1 million square foot Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, * Greater Boston Real Estate Board, Member and Former President Featured Lecturer: MIT Center for Real Estate; Brown University Urban Studies Program Additional corporate and non-profit boards

  The Congress Group

  CEO

  Dean Stratouly

  CEO

  The Congress Group

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  Elam Freeman

  Elam Freeman is the Founder and Principal of Ojas Partners, a boutique commercial real estate advisory firm specializing in servicing developers and emerging brands. Clients value Elam’s unique capability of identifying vision aligned partners, understanding evolving neighborhood needs, and tapping her vast national network to craft strategic plans. Elam started her Commercial Real Estate career as a Commercial Property Manager for Elmington Capital Group before becoming an Affiliate Broker at Baker Storey McDonald. Building upon her foundational experience, Elam then embarked on her business plan to work with like-minded Tenants and Landlords who continue to raise the bar for retail in the Southeast Elam stays involved in the community through her contributions to the arts and to nonprofits, such as Artville and Walk Bike Nashville. She is also an active member of Wedgewood Houston, the neighborhood in which she resides. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Pepperdine University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. In her free time, Elam enjoys traveling with her husband.

  Ojas Partners

  Founder & Principal

  Elam Freeman

  Founder & Principal

  Ojas Partners

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  Ward Kampf

  Ward Kampf is the forward-thinking President of Northwood Retail. Always seeking to be on the vanguard, Ward has an envelope-pushing intuition and trendsetting mindset that has propelled Northwood Retail’s portfolio to contain more than 85 first-to-market tenants and over 30 digitally native brands throughout its properties, which span from California to Texas to Tennessee, and the Carolinas.   Ward has spotted and opened early concept locations for brands such as RH, Dry Bar, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker, AWAY, lululemon, Vuori, Faherty, Mastro’s, and Sam Fox Restaurant Concepts. Ward is a creative force that’s been instrumental in shaping dynamic shopping centers and mixed-use assets, such as Domain NORTHSIDE in Austin, Texas; Freshfields Village in Kiawah, South Carolina; Scottdale Quarter in Scottsdale, Arizona; The RIM in San Antonio, Texas, and The Forum in Carlsbad, California, among others.  With more than 30 years of experience, Ward has been at the helm in senior leadership roles at Glimcher Realty Trust, Thomas Enterprises Inc., General Growth Properties, Columbia 27, and Gap Inc. before joining Northwood Retail in 2014.   From 1999-2001, Ward was at the forefront of the open-air movement, leading a special development project for Gap, Inc. to grow the brand and move its stores away from mall environments and into streetscape retail and lifestyle centers. While at Gap, Inc., Ward was exposed to the rise of e-commerce through planning for all of Gap’s brands. He was able to process the future of retail early on – the shift to streets and outdoor spaces while starting to hone his eye for direct-to-consumer concepts. Then, as the President of Thomas Enterprises, from 2005-2009, Ward developed and leased iconic open- air projects like The RIM in San Antonio, Texas; The Forum Carlsbad in Carlsbad, California; Peach Tree Parkway in Atlanta, Georgia, and Hamburg Pavilion in Lexington, Kentucky.   Championing placemaking and continually evolving shopping center environments with forward- thinking merchandise mixes, Ward helped conceive and create Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale, Arizona, while acquiring and repositioning assets like University Park Village in Fort Worth, Texas; The Malibu Lumber Yard in Malibu, California, and Arbor Hills in Ann Arbor, Michigan for Glimcher Realty Trust in his role as Senior Vice President of Leasing and Strategic Investments from 2009-2013.  While at Northwood Retail, Ward has devised, developed, and acquired assets like Domain NORTHSIDE in Austin, Texas; Hillside Village, Prestonwood Place, and The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas, Texas; Freshfields Village in Kiawah, South Carolina; The Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina; Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo, California, and Fifth + Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, since 1996, Ward has served as a partner in Charger, LLC, where he worked with Farallon Capital Management to purchase The Goldman Portfolio – one of the most significant and transformative real estate purchases in the history of Oklahoma City.   Ward lives with his family in Dallas, Texas, the home of his alma mater Southern Methodist University, where he graduated with a BBA in Business.

  Northwood Retail

  President

  Ward Kampf

  President

  Northwood Retail

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  Janak Jay Patel

  Janak ‘Jay’ Patel brings over fifteen years of expertise in hospitality and real estate development to SiLa Developments, where his focus on strategic growth and operational excellence has been instrumental. Starting with JV Hospitality in 2007, Jay made his mark by developing and managing properties in secondary and tertiary markets, building a reputation for value-driven development and innovative operations. Since co-founding SiLa Developments with Andy Bhakta in 2019, Jay has steered the company toward ambitious projects in high-barrier urban areas, leading its expansion into primary markets across the nation. His portfolio includes hospitality and multifamily developments, spanning ground-up construction, adaptive reuse, and brand conversions, all reflecting his dedication to quality and enduring value. Known for his strong partnerships with major brands like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, Jay is adept at negotiating complex joint ventures and franchise agreements, ensuring SiLa’s steady growth in competitive markets. Jay is deeply committed to community engagement and professional organizations, including AAHOA, AHLA, THLA, and GCA. A graduate of the University of Tennessee and an enthusiastic Vols supporter, Jay values the balance between his professional achievements and personal life, enjoying time with his family and staying active within his community. Jay Patel’s dedication to both his industry and his community sets him apart as a leader whose impact reaches beyond business, making him an invaluable force within SiLa Developments and the broader hospitality field.

  SiLa Development

  Principal & Co-Founder

  Janak Jay Patel

  Principal & Co-Founder

  SiLa Development

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  Keith Randall

  Winstead Shareholder Keith Randall is a trusted advocate for real estate owners and developers, safeguarding their interests in negotiating design and construction agreements for complex, high-profile projects in Tennessee and nationwide. His extensive experience with high-impact commercial projects spans a wide array of sectors, including healthcare, hotel & hospitality, multifamily housing, mixed-use, and manufacturing. Areas of Experience Complex Project Experience: Keith has played a key role in shaping the landscape of major commercial developments. He notably contributed to the 2017 revision of the proprietary design and construction agreements for a publicly traded healthcare company. Affordable Housing: Keith led the creation of a new suite of documents for a large public affordable housing agency in Middle Tennessee and represents numerous private and public affordable housing developers in the region. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Advisor: He also provides counsel to REITs on a diverse range of construction projects, demonstrating his versatile skill set. Shaping the Nashville Skyline: Keith has been instrumental in drafting construction agreements for a number of prestigious projects that are redefining the Nashville skyline, showcasing his impact on the local landscape. Prior to entering private practice, Keith gained valuable insights as an Extern for Judge William J. Haynes Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee and as a Law Clerk in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

  Winstead PC

  Shareholder

  Moderator

  Keith Randall

  Shareholder

  Winstead PC

Creating Place in the Music City: Office and Mixed-Use Outlook

From amenitization to new tenant attractions, hear how developers and owners are understanding today's consumers for tomorrow's renewals

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  Alex Chambers

  As Senior Vice President and Nashville Market Leader of Highwoods Properties, Alex Chambers is responsible for the company’s 5.2 million square foot portfolio and new development in Music City. With more than 30 years of commercial real estate and development experience, he oversees all leasing, property management and development activities. Highwoods develops and manages Class A workplaces in the BBDs (Best Business Districts) across the U.S. and is the largest office landlord in Nashville. Highwoods is in the business of work-placemaking and believe in creating environments that spark experiences where the best and brightest can achieve together what they cannot apart.

  Highwoods

  SVP, Nashville Market Leader

  Alex Chambers

  SVP, Nashville Market Leader

  Highwoods

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  Matt Robinson

  Matt Robinson has 17 years of experience in the real estate industry and pursues multi-family residential, mixed-use acquisition and development opportunities for MRP Realty. Since joining the firm in 2007, Matt has overseen the entitlement, development, and repositioning of over 3.2 million square feet including over 1,100 units. In his seven years at TCC prior to joining MRP, Matt developed a total of 1.5 million square feet comprising 924 residential units and 542,000 square feet of retail and commercial space totaling over $654 million. Before joining TCC, he was an architect with Dimella Shaffer Associates in Boston, Massachusetts focused primarily on age-restricted residential and hotel projects. Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University and received his MSRED from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

  MRP Realty

  Principal

  Matt Robinson

  Principal

  MRP Realty

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  Carrie Bobb

  Carrie is a placemaker for mixed-use developments where she curates a sense of place and drives value vertically for an asset through retail leasing and merchandising. During her 20+ year career in commercial real estate, Carrie has negotiated over $2 billion in transactions. Prior to joining Foundry, Carrie was the founder of Carrie Bobb & Co. and co-founder of hellojenny. Carrie Bobb & Co specialized in mixed-use developments and evoking emotion through retail leasing. Hellojenny develops digital strategies for commercial real estate by aligning the social media strategy of an asset with the leasing strategy. Prior to starting her own companies, Carrie had been with CBRE in San Diego for 15 years where she worked on projects out of the ground such as One Paseo, The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, Pacific Gate, Flower Hill Promenade (re-development), Encinitas Village (re-development) and several others. Carrie has completed transactions with retailers such as Sephora, Blue Bottle Coffee, lululemon, Cinepolis, SoulCycle, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Salt & Straw, drybar and several others. She has represented landlords including Kilroy Realty, IQHQ, Bosa Development, Asana Partners, Protea Properties, Heitman, Regency Centers, as well as many others.

  Foundry Commercial

  SVP

  Carrie Bobb

  SVP

  Foundry Commercial

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  Jana Truman

  Jana Truman serves as the Managing Director and Investment Advisor at SVN | Accel Commercial Real Estate. With a distinguished background spanning over fifteen years in marketing and advertising for renowned brands and startups, Jana transitioned to commercial real estate appraising in 2011. Her expertise covers all facets of commercial real estate valuation across various asset classes in Tennessee, providing her investor clients with unparalleled insights. In 2014, fueled by her passion for real estate, Jana expanded her focus to commercial real estate advisement. Currently, she holds the role of managing broker at her own brokerage and, alongside her husband, oversees Accel Exit Advisors, a leading business brokerage firm. Her real estate team comprises highly educated and dedicated brokers, each specializing in distinct areas, supported by a skilled operations crew. Recognized for her industry knowledge and leadership, Jana is a sought-after speaker at educational events and conferences, where she shares her expertise on commercial real estate with associations, nonprofits, investors, and fellow agents. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jana enjoys exploring Tennessee with her husband of over 30 years, engaging in discussions about technology with her four grown sons, and immersing herself in continuous education opportunities. An active member of her community, she dedicates her time to various volunteering initiatives. With a passion for foreign language films and a vibrant creative side, Jana, along with her husband and partner Brian Truman, has been proud residents of Middle Tennessee since 2006. Join Jana Truman on her journey as she continues to redefine excellence in commercial real estate and empower investors, business owners, and entrepreneurs to achieve their financial goals.

  SVN

  Managing Director

  Jana Truman

  Managing Director

  SVN

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  Chris Griebe

  Chris Griebe is a dynamic leader in the health, wellness, and amenities management industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Arch Amenities Group. With a strategic mindset and a passion for creating exceptional experiences, Chris specializes in developing and managing best-in-class fitness, wellness, and lifestyle solutions for commercial, residential, and corporate properties nationwide. Chris has a proven track record of spearheading growth initiatives, forging strong client relationships, and delivering tailored amenity solutions that drive engagement and enhance overall well-being. His expertise spans fitness center management, corporate wellness programs, hospitality services, and luxury residential experiences. Throughout his career, Chris has played a senior role in national, multi-unit wellness center operational management and leadership. Additionally, Chris was integral in expanding Arch Amenities Group’s footprint, securing high-profile partnerships, and leading innovative strategies that set the company apart in the competitive landscape. He has successfully worked with prominent clients, including corporate headquarters, luxury residential communities, and hospitality venues, to design and implement comprehensive wellness and lifestyle offerings. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris is deeply passionate about fostering strong relationships and ensuring that every partnership thrives. His leadership is defined by a commitment to customization, excellence, and long-term success. Chris is also a dedicated family man and an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fly fishing and mountain adventures. He is based in the Denver, CO market.

  Arch Amenities Group

  Senior Vice President of Business Development

  Chris Griebe

  Senior Vice President of Business Development

  Arch Amenities Group

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  Peri Demestihas

  Peri is the Head of Real Estate Growth for North America for Industrious, and is responsible for negotiating partnership agreements across the US and Canada. Founded in 2012 and recognized as one of America’s 500 fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine, Industrious offers premium flexible workplaces at more than 200 locations in over 65 cities globally.

  Industrious

  Head of Real Estate Growth

  Moderator

  Peri Demestihas

  Head of Real Estate Growth

  Industrious