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Dear Readers,
You’ll also find stories of innovation across industries. In food supply, plant-based B2B companies are pushing forward despite rising ingredient and market costs.

BUSINESS by LA Times STUDIOS
Director, Client Services and Systems Advertising.

Reaching Z
Businesses work to understand an emerging generation of new professionals’ outlook as consumers and employees

25 Years of Banking Evolved: How Axos Continues to Redefine the Financial Experience
In 2000, before smartphones and mobile apps became ubiquitous, Axos Bank launched with a bold vision: to be the first bank that existed entirely online.

The Herpes Hope
Cancer-fighting, genetically engineered herpes simplex virus has been shown to be an effective treatment for advanced melanoma and is ushering in a whole new category of pharmaceutical products

Attorneys in the Spotlight
Video is Transforming Legal Marketing – Here’s Why

DESPITE OBSTACLES, PLANT-BASED B2B POWERHOUSES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOUNT SURPRISING RESURGENCE
Proving to be no passing fad after all, plant-based food businesses in Southern California are surging – with investors, customers and corporate partners lining up to get a taste

Movers & Shakers: Highlights of Recent Executive Hires and Climbs
Los Angeles-based financial technology company Sunbit has announced the appointment of Shai Terem as chief financial officer.

M&A Roundup
Air Lease Corp. to go Private in Merger Valued at $7.4 Billion

VC Roundup
Torrance Firm Divergent Closes $290-Million Series E Round at $2.3-Billion Valuation to Scale Digital Manufacturing Platform

Out-of-the-Box AI
Innovative applications disrupt unexpected industries

Is IaaS the Next Big B2B Trend in SoCal?
The worldwide infrastructure as a service (IaaS) market grew a whopping 22.5% in 2024, reaching $171.8 billion, according to Gartner, Inc., a business and technology insights company

GAME-CHANGER
L.A.-based Exploding Kittens and founder Elan Lee add a big dose of “fun” into “fundamentally changing a business model”

Cosentus Invests in Accreda Healthcare Management – An Anesthesia-Exclusive RCM Provider
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Cosentus’ commitment to deepening its specialization and elevating its service offerings in the anesthesia sector

CRE in Flux
Tariff uncertainty and rising costs are stalling over a third of California CRE projects

Healthcare Projects Thrive Amid Challenging Commercial Real Estate Market
A continued focus on healthcare facility construction and expansion bolsters CRE projects in O.C., L.A. and Inland Empire

TOP ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
Business by LA Times Studios presents the 30 largest architecture firms ranked by Southern California architectural fee income for 2024. Firms have been active over the past year with mergers, expansions and executive promotions.

TOP GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Business by LA Times Studios presents the 30 largest general contractors ranked by Southern California revenue for 2024. Firms that perform health care, education and infrastructure work are among the largest in the region.

TOP COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRMS
Here are the 30 largest commercial real estate brokerage firms ranked by Southern California transaction volume for 2024, presented by Business by LA Times Studios.

Michael ARNOLD
As founder of the Tenant Consulting Group and an executive vice president at NAI Capital Commercial, Michael Arnold provides strategic real estate advisory services for occupiers.

David ALVARADO
David Alvarado is a partner at Harvest LLP, where, as a founding partner, he has been central to shaping the firm’s vision since its 2022 launch. He focuses his practice on purchase and sale, financing, development and leasing transactions, guiding deals with an aggregate value of over $5 billion in development and $10 billion in acquisitions.

Christopher V. BONBRIGHT
Christopher V. Bonbright is a principal and managing director at Avison Young, bringing 34 years of commercial real estate experience and over $3 billion in successful transactions to his role. He oversees the firm’s West Los Angeles and Los Angeles North offices while maintaining an active brokerage and consulting practice.

VISIONARIES
Southern California’s commercial real estate landscape is as dynamic and competitive as any in the nation, shaped by soaring skylines, mixed-use innovations and transformative infrastructure developments.

Anthony BERGEMAN
Recognized as a multi-year top producer in DAUM Commercial Real Estate Services’ President’s Club, EVP and principal Anthony Bergeman is a key figure in Southern California’s industrial property market. Since joining the firm in 2008, he has built a transaction volume totaling several hundred million dollars across millions of square feet.

Ryan BARNCASTLE
A partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Ryan Barncastle is a transactional attorney and licensed real estate broker specializing in corporate law and real estate. He advises institutional investors and developers on high-value deals, recently representing Vantage Aviation in a long-term ground lease at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

Laura BARON
Guiding the growth and strategic direction of SDS Capital Group as its COO & CFO, Laura Baron has driven the firm’s operational and financial success since 2009. She developed the internal infrastructure for the firm’s National New Markets Fund and was instrumental in its growth to nearly $2 billion in assets under management.

Eve BRACKMANN
Eve Brackmann is a senior partner at Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP, where she leads the expansion of the firm’s real estate litigation practice in the Los Angeles market. Over her 20-year career, she has developed a significant client portfolio that includes a national grocery chain and one of Orange County’s largest commercial real estate companies.

Noah BORO
Noah Boro, VP & general manager of Turner Construction Company’s Special Projects Division, is a leader with two decades of industry experience focused on innovation and growth. Since joining Turner in 2003, he has held several key roles, including being one of the region’s first Building Information Modeling (BIM) engineers.

Tim BYRNE
Guiding clients through complex real estate transactions as regional director at Elevated LA | Compass, Tim Byrne brings over 25 years of experience, transitioning from real estate appraisal to finance and ultimately brokerage.

Sandra BURNS
As a partner in Ernst & Young’s Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction assurance practice, Sandra Burns is an audit and accounting professional with 25 years of experience. She advises public and private real estate companies through complex processes, including IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and SEC filings.

Saul BRESKAL
As a partner in the real estate practice at Blank Rome LLP, Saul Breskal counsels clients on complex transactions spanning the entertainment, hospitality and construction sectors.

Gina CHANG
Gina Chang is a principal at CO Architects, where, for more than 20 years, she has been at the forefront of healthcare design, pioneering innovations like Universal Patient Rooms.

John Mark CARRICK
Recognized by Family Capital Publishing as one of the world’s top 50 family office investment professionals, John Mark Carrick is the co-founder and managing principal of Integrated Capital Management. His firm represents the U.S.

Craig S. COAN
As a partner at Greenberg Glusker LLP, Craig S. Coan serves as a legal counselor to developers, family offices and REITs in the commercial real estate industry. His unique business perspective is informed by his background as a CPA and his experience outside of law.

Philip COHEN
As the founder of Mansfield Equities and its president, Philip Cohen established the firm in 2006 to guide clients through complex commercial real estate finance transactions.

Jeremy CRAMER
Jeremy Cramer is the SVP and head of California commercial real estate for IDB Bank, joining the firm in April 2024.

Katy CONROY
Guiding clients through complex deals as a partner at Sklar Kirsh LLP, Katy Conroy maintains a dynamic corporate and real estate practice. She advises on mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings and joint ventures across asset types, including multifamily, industrial and hospitality.

Todd COTTLE
Recognized for its commitment to quality affordable housing, C&C Development is led by principal Todd Cottle. Since 1995, the firm has developed a portfolio of 40 communities for families and seniors across Southern California.

Chet A. CRAMIN
As a partner in Musick, Peeler & Garrett’s Orange County office, Chet A. Cramin focuses on complex real estate and business transactions. His practice spans property sales, commercial leasing and construction agreements, informed by two decades of experience as a senior member of the legal team at one of the nation’s largest publicly traded REITs.

Danijella DRAGAS
Guiding international clients through structured finance as chief executive officer of The Lending Corporation LLC, Danijella Dragas specializes in construction finance, fintech and asset repositioning. Her expertise is built on a distinguished international career, including work in London, Beijing and New York.

Anthony DELORENZO
Anthony DeLorenzo is a vice chairman at CBRE Capital Markets, where he is a leading investment sales professional in the Orange County region. He co-leads CBRE’s Investment Properties partnership, a national model for excellence that he helped successfully expand into 13 key markets throughout the Western U.

Jeffrey D. DIENER
As a partner at BakerHostetler and co-leader of the firm’s Hospitality Industry team, Jeffrey D. Diener has been a fixture in complex real estate transactions for over 20 years. The UCLA M.B.A./J.D.

Brett DEDEAUX
Recognized as an innovator in logistics real estate, Dedeaux Properties is led by chief executive and managing partner Brett Dedeaux. He has transformed the firm into an institutional-quality platform with numerous private equity and family office partners, focusing on transportation-oriented properties and cold storage facilities.

Jacky DILFER
As chief executive officer of Business Finance Capital (BFC), Jacky Dilfer is a commercial and SBA lending expert with over two decades of experience. For more than 12 years, she has led BFC’s rapid growth, consistently ranking the organization among the top national institutions in SBA loan volume.

Daniel DE LA PAZ
Guiding clients through major industrial and logistics transactions as a vice chairman at CBRE, Daniel de la Paz has been a cornerstone of the firm’s platform for over two decades. Based in the Inland Empire, he has completed over 920 transactions representing more than 177 million square feet of industrial properties.

Malcolm DAVIES
As the founder and CEO of WAY Capital Inc., Malcolm Davies is a real estate finance leader who has arranged over $20 billion in total debt and equity capitalizations throughout his career. He launched WAY in early 2022, and the firm has since closed over $3 billion in financing, with more than $1 billion completed in 2024 alone.

Jonathan EPSTEIN
Jonathan Epstein is the managing partner and head of the U.S. at BGO, where he is a key figure in the national commercial real estate landscape. With over 35 years of experience, he oversees BGO’s U.S. business and spearheads its global investments in temperature-controlled logistics.

Kyle FISHBURN
A vice president at KWP Real Estate, Kyle Fishburn is a well-known broker in L.A.’s competitive commercial real estate industry, having completed approximately 500 transactions in his career. He is currently the exclusive agent for 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, with high-profile assignments that include the Sherman Oaks Galleria.

Lindsay DUNN
Recognized by American Banker as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Banking,” Lindsay Dunn is the executive vice president of commercial real estate banking at City National Bank. A key member of the bank’s Senior Management Team, she provides a wide range of financial services to real estate developers and investors.

Anita FAMILI
As the leader of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP’s real estate and cannabis practices, Anita Famili advises clients at the intersection of these two complex industries. She serves as the go-to real estate counsel for a national specialty grocer, recently leading the nearly $100-million acquisition of a 55-acre EPA-designated Superfund site.

Stephen GREEN
Recognized as a leader in the complex healthcare construction  market, Stephen Green serves as the general manager of Suffolk’s Newport Beach office. A construction industry veteran, he joined Suffolk to spearhead the company’s strategic expansion in Southern California, establishing a new hub for healthcare and life sciences clients.

Marc GORDON
Guiding Investors Management Group (IMG) through a period of extreme interest rate volatility as co-president and CFO, Marc Gordon has been a key leader in the national multifamily housing sector. He plays a pivotal role at the firm, structuring capital stacks, securing debt financing and shaping business strategy.

Robert P. FRIEDMAN
Ashareholder at Carlton Fields and head of the firm’s Los Angeles real estate practice, Robert P. Friedman is a trusted adviser to developers and owners with over 40 years of experience.

Allan Evan FREEDMAN
Allan Freedman is a senior managing director at Berkadia, where he has specialized in multifamily finance out of the firm’s Los Angeles office since 1999. A consistent top originator, he has deep experience in debt origination for construction, bridge and permanent loans, with extensive knowledge of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA/HUD programs.

Jonathan E. FRANK
Guiding some of California’s most complex real estate transactions as the managing partner of Snell & Wilmer’s Orange County office, Jonathan E. Frank has built a distinguished 25-year career. He co-chairs the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, advising on major deals in the hospitality, life sciences and industrial sectors.

Sherri FRANKLIN
Recognized for her mission to create sustainable economic opportunities for people of color, Sherri Franklin is the managing partner of Housing Impact Partners and the founder & CEO of Urban Design Center.

Steven GOLDSTEIN
A senior vice president at Northmarq, Steven Goldstein leads the Multifamily Investment Sales team based in Los Angeles. A recognized leader in the affordable housing space, he has completed more than $200 million in affordable housing transactions across Los Angeles County in the last three years alone.

Steve FRIED
As a principal and head of originations at Mesa West Capital, Steve Fried oversees the national loan teams, which typically originate approximately $3 billion in mortgages per year. He also serves on the firm’s investment and management committees, drawing on over 20 years of experience.

Kip HAMILTON
Making a lasting impact on underserved communities as executive managing director for SDS Capital Group, Kip Hamilton structures and manages the firm’s real estate funds. Since joining in 2015, he has overseen initiatives like the American South Real Estate Fund II, which closed with $174 million in equity commitments, nearly triple its predecessor.

Eoin GUBBINS
Eoin Gubbins is a partner and cofounder of Harvest LLP, where he is known for his creative and conscientious approach to real estate law. A native of Ireland and graduate of Trinity College School of Law, he has over 15 years of experience representing clients from publicly traded REITs to smaller property owners.

Danny GUGGENHEIM
As co-chair of Mintz’s international Real Estate Section, Danny Guggenheim leads the firm’s Los Angeles Real Estate Group, handling acquisitions, dispositions and complex joint ventures. He has advised on landmark deals for trophy assets across the country, including the Fairmont Century Plaza, the Arizona Biltmore and Denver Union Station.

Ronnie GUL
As co-chair executive officer and a principal at Mesa West Capital, Ronnie Gul has been a driving force in the firm’s growth into a premier U.S. commercial real estate lender. He was named co-CEO in 2023 and helps direct a lending portfolio with loan sizes ranging up to $400 million.

Alexander HARROLD
As executive vice president and senior director of industrial at Matthews™, Alexander Harrold is a nationally recognized leader who has exemplified the firm’s growth-driven culture. Starting as an entry-level agent, he earned multiple “Rookie of the Year” and Sales Achievement awards, quickly establishing himself as a top producer.

Zach HAMMOND
Recognized for his people-centric leadership, Zach Hammond was selected to return to San Diego as general manager for Suffolk in 2020. He began his career in the company’s Career Start program and was instrumental in establishing Suffolk’s original San Diego office in 2012.

Benjamin Michael HARRIS
Benjamin Michael Harris is a senior director with Berkadia in Los Angeles, where he specializes in institutional-size, complex multifamily transactions. He has distinguished himself by structuring creative deals that pair traditional lending with preferred equity investments.

Ryan IWASAKA
Adistinguished partner at Greenberg Glusker, Ryan Iwasaka is known for his innovative, business-focused counsel shaped by his upbringing in a family of real estate developers. A graduate of Yale Law School and a Rhodes Scholar, his practice spans acquisitions, leasing and finance across the U.

Steve HERMAN
Making a positive impact on communities as SVP and manager of California Bank & Trust’s Community Development Finance Division, Steve Herman has dedicated his career to affordable housing. His work began at Rebuild Los Angeles following the 1992 civil unrest before he joined CB&T in 1997 to establish its community development finance division.

Jane HINTON
Jane Hinton is a partner in Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s Los Angeles office, where she leads the firm’s California real estate team. She maintains a nationwide practice, representing investors, financial institutions and funds in highly structured debt and equity transactions.

Robert E. HART
As founder, president and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, Robert E. Hart anticipated a market shift toward workforce housing when he launched the firm in 2013. His visionary approach has powered TruAmerica’s rise into a top-tier national owner, with a portfolio exceeding 60,000 units and $15.

Susan HORI
As the Orange County office managing partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, Susan Hori is a trusted advisor for complex land use development projects.

Andrew T. KIRSH
As co-chairman of Sklar Kirsh LLP and chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, Andrew T. Kirsh is a nationally recognized leader in commercial real estate law. A graduate of Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law, he co-founded his firm in 2013, helping grow it into a powerhouse known for excellence and deep industry knowledge.

Laura KHOURI
Laura Khouri is the president and COO of Western National Property Management, where she is a visionary figure known for her operational excellence and peoplefirst leadership. Over her 40-year tenure, she has risen through the ranks to shape the company into a best-in-class operator.

Yukiko KOJIMA
Apartner in Nossaman’s Infrastructure Group, Yukiko Kojima offers clients a unique experience with alternative delivery strategies for large-scale projects. Her deep knowledge is rooted in her work in Canada’s mature P3 market before joining Nossaman.

Damon Michael JUHA
Recognized annually by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, Damon Juha is a partner and real estate practice vice chair at Saul Ewing LLP. Drawing on early career experience as a law enforcement officer, he brings a unique perspective to his practice.

Bobby KHORSHIDI
As president and principal of Archway Capital, Bobby Khorshidi oversees all aspects of the alternative investment management firm and leads its growth strategy. He also founded its parent company, Partners Capital, an investment firm focused on value-add real estate and distressed loans.

David JOSKER
Driving innovation and strategic growth as president of brokerage for Colliers’ West Region, David Josker leads the firm’s largest U.S. region, overseeing more than 1,200 professionals. A U.S.

Brad KUHN
Recognized by both Chambers & Partners and Best Lawyers in America, Brad Kuhn is the chair of Nossaman’s Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation Group. He is a nationally recognized leader in land use and property disputes, with his work profiled in numerous publications.

Christianne F. KERNS
Christianne Kerns is the CEO and managing partner of Hahn & Hahn LLP, where she is the first woman to hold the role in the firm’s history. She has led the firm to become one of the largest in California, certified as a majority Women Owned Business Enterprise.

Garrett LEE
As president of Jamison Properties, Garrett Lee has significantly impacted the Los Angeles housing market through innovative development strategies. He has been a pioneer in adaptive reuse, beginning to convert the family company’s office buildings into residential properties in 2014, well ahead of the industry trend.

Salvador P. LAVIÑA
Salvador LaViña is a partner and chair of the real estate department at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he has built a standout legal career spanning more than three decades. A former journalist and graduate of Columbia Law School, he now leads one of the firm’s fastest-growing practice groups.

Monique LASHBROOK
Recognized as a dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion, Monique Lashbrook is a partner in Snell & Wilmer’s San Diego office. Her unique perspective is informed by her prior roles as deputy general counsel for the City of San Diego’s Redevelopment Agency and general counsel of a private equity firm.

Chad KURZ
Chad Kurz is the executive vice president and managing director at Matthews™, where he is a nationally recognized investment sales advisor. After beginning his career in residential brokerage, he transitioned to commercial real estate, playing a foundational role in the team that would ultimately form Matthews™.

Jonathan LARSEN
Jonathan Larsen is a principal managing director, and member of the U.S. Executive Committee at Avison Young. As the leader of the firm’s Downtown Los Angeles office, he oversees client services, develops new business and recruits talent to enhance local service offerings on a global basis.

Deborah LA FRANCHI
As the founder and CEO of SDS Capital Group, Deborah La Franchi has been a force in commercial real estate by launching and managing exceptional impact funds across the United States. She has grown the firm to over $1.7 billion in assets under management, developing innovative private equity models for Permanent Supportive Housing.

Alon LAGSTEIN
Making a culturally significant impact on Hollywood’s landscape as of counsel at Carlton Fields, Alon Lagstein is a real estate attorney known for his strategic insight. He recently represented an investor group, including singer-songwriter John Mayer and director McG, in the acquisition and leaseback of the historic Jim Henson Company lot.

Andrew LABOV
Creator of CO Architects’ nationally renowned lab-planning department and the firm’s science & technology director, Andrew Labov is a leader in innovative laboratory design. He has a unique talent for translating scientists’ complex needs into architecture, a skill he uses to help universities like Caltech recruit Nobel-caliber professors.

Elizabeth LEVIN
Elizabeth Levin is a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, where she leads significant real estate deals for Fortune 100 companies and major cultural institutions. She is currently representing the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in its $650-million campus modification.

Jaime LEE
As the chief executive officer of the Jamison group of companies, Jaime Lee is the face of a family-owned commercial real estate enterprise with a market capitalization of over $3 billion.

Bryan LEROY
Recognized as a 2025 Pro Bono Champion at Nixon Peabody, Bryan LeRoy is a seasoned real estate, land-use and environmental attorney. He advises clients on complex development projects, drawing on his background as a city attorney and the founding general counsel for the Orange County Council of Governments.

Martin P. LEITNER
Shaping a new chapter for one of Southern California’s most established design firms, Martin P. Leitner is the principal and director of multifamily and infill housing at Nadel Architects.

Brett LYON
As a broker and co-founder of Lyon Stahl Investment Real Estate, Brett Lyon has grown his firm into a dominant force in Southern California’s multifamily market. Drawing on a family background in real estate and a degree from USC, he and his partner built their firm from just two agents to over 100 across four offices in only 11 years.

Kirk L. MALMROSE
Spearheading Cathay Bank’s commercial real estate efforts as executive vice president, Kirk Malmrose manages all CRE and construction lending for the bank through 16 lending teams across the United States. He and his team of over 100 professionals manage a portfolio of more than $8.

Peter A. MAIR
As head of Skadden’s Los Angeles real estate group and partner, Peter Mair has deep expertise across public and private real estate, private equity and M&A transactions. Widely regarded as a “one-stop shop” for clients, he provides strategic commercial advice that has earned him a reputation as a consummate dealmaker.

Karen LORANG
Guiding some of the most complex real estate developments in the country as a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Karen Lorang is a visionary in the transactional legal market. Her practice focuses on significant purchases and sales, financings and joint ventures for large-scale projects.

Steven J. LURIE
Steven J. Lurie is a highly accomplished real estate attorney and a partner at Greenberg Glusker, where he is a trusted advisor to some of Southern California’s most successful developers and investors. His recent work includes representing Majestic Realty Co.

Mitch LUNDQUIST
Recognized for his exceptional performance with JLL’s prestigious Top Gun award, Mitch Lundquist is a senior managing director and the firm’s Orange County broker lead. With an impressive 20-year career specializing in tenant representation, he has become a strategic partner to corporate clients across global markets.

David LEVINE
Apartner at Harvest LLP, David Levine is known as a pragmatic, business-minded lawyer and savvy dealmaker who assists clients in all facets of commercial real estate. His practice spans acquisitions, financing and joint ventures, with specialized experience in the hospitality sector.

Stephen LI
Ahighly accomplished partner at Cox, Castle & Nicholson, Stephen Li specializes in the negotiation, structuring and execution of complex real estate joint venture transactions.

David MCALISTER
David McAlister is the founder and principal of McAlister GeoScience, a multi-disciplinary, geological consulting firm he established in 2012. He built his firm on the core value of helping clients achieve their goals, drawing on over two decades of prior experience in the environmental field at major companies like ERM and Tetra Tech.

Henry MANOUCHERI
Recognized for his investment foresight, Henry Manoucheri is the founder, chairman and CEO of Universe Holdings. Drawing on 40 years of experience, he leads and mentors his team to ensure all departments work in harmony to achieve growth.

Richard MENDELSON
As a co-leader of Seyfarth’s real estate practice in Los Angeles and a partner at the firm, Richard Mendelson is a visionary attorney who drives high-value commercial real estate transactions.

Mike MCCRARY
As co-leader of JLL’s Inland Empire industrial team and an executive managing director, Mike McCrary is one of Southern California’s preeminent real estate professionals. Specializing in institutional “big box” properties, he has been a consistent top performer, helping shape the industrial landscape of the region for over two decades.

Sonia NAYAK
Riversity, equity and inclusion, Sonia A. Nayak is the managing partner of Nixon Peabody LLP’s Los Angeles office. With nearly two decades of experience, her practice centers on real estate development, tax credit finance and affordable housing.

Matthew MOUSAVI
As senior managing principal and co-founder of the national net lease team within SRS Real Estate Partners, Matthew Mousavi coleads a 65-person team that has become an industry powerhouse. Since its founding in 2016, the team has grown to be one of the top three net lease investment groups in the nation.

Janet NEMAN
Janet Neman is an executive vice president at Kidder Mathews, where she has established herself as a powerhouse in California commercial real estate with a career spanning 39 years. She is widely regarded for her strategic vision and ability to deliver exceptional results in complex transactions.

Martin MUOTO
Martin Muoto is the founder and CEO of SoLa Impact, California’s largest private developer of affordable and workforce housing. Since its 2014 founding, SoLa has invested over $1.2 billion into underserved communities, developing or rehabilitating more than 4,250 units and delivering market-rate returns alongside social impact.

Marc NESS
Recognized for his leadership in structural concrete construction, Marc Ness is the Southern California co-business unit leader at DPR Construction. With over two decades of experience, he began his career as a carpenter and worked his way into project management before joining DPR in 2014.

Randy NAFT
Providing clients with capital solutions as managing director at Mansfield Equities, Randy Naft brings a multifaceted background in real estate as an agent, broker and principal. With over 30 years of experience, he has a deep understanding of land acquisition, residential development and commercial value-add strategies.

Alice MYERS
As senior managing director at KWP Real Estate and an esteemed commercial real estate veteran, Alice Myers has 32 years of experience in property and asset management. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a GlobeSt.

Dan S. MILLER
Dan S. Miller is a partner at Miller Barondess, LLP, where he specializes in complex commercial litigation with a focus on high-profile, high-stakes real estate disputes. A graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law, he is frequently retained by banks, developers and investors to litigate matters involving major developments and distressed projects.

Bo OKOROJI
Founder and CEO of Steerpoint Capital, Bo Okoroji is a commercial real estate executive who has negotiated more than $11 billion in commercial transactions. He launched Steerpoint to focus on the acquisition and long-term transformation of large-scale retail and mixed-use properties.

Ricardo PACHECO
Driving the strategic growth of Colliers’ Greater Los Angeles and Santa Barbara offices as managing director, Ricardo Pacheco is a trusted leader and partner to more than 100 professionals. He has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s reputation by recruiting some of Southern California’s most prolific sales and leasing teams.

Jerold B. NEUMAN
Jerold B. Neuman is the chair of DLA Piper’s California real estate and land use practice, where he has been the lead negotiator for many of Southern California’s most important development projects. A graduate of Columbia Law School, he has worked on significant real estate projects in nearly every one of Los Angeles County’s 88 cities.

Jesse M. NICHOLS
As a member of Polsinelli’s real estate practice group, Jesse Nichols is a principal dedicated to navigating clients through the nuances of complex real estate transactions. For over 15 years, he has built a broad-based national practice representing lenders, investors and operators in acquisitions, joint ventures and financing.

Stacy L. PAEK
Recognized for her prowess in commercial real estate by Chambers USA, The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America, Stacy Paek is a partner at Seyfarth. She has built a reputation as a go-to counsel for clients in sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional deals, with a focus on acquisitions, joint ventures and complex financings.

Tony PARK
Recognized for his ability to structure creative and complex transactions, Tony Park co-manages the commercial real estate lending division at Axos Bank. He oversees a national platform and was instrumental in growing three core business units that expanded the bank’s capabilities into new sectors.

Eric PAULSEN
Eric Paulsen is the chief operating officer of Kidder Mathews, where he is responsible for driving growth and optimizing efficiencies for the largest independent commercial real estate firm in the Western U.S.

Zoltan PALI, FAIA
Shaping some of Southern California’s most iconic cultural landmarks as the founder and design principal of SPF:architects, Zoltan Pali is respected for his elegant approach rooted in California modernism.

James PUGH
Guiding many of Southern California’s highest-profile land use projects as a partner at Sheppard Mullin, Jim Pugh specializes in complex planning and securing project approvals. He is an expert in navigating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has an undefeated record against litigation challenges to his projects.

Richard RASMUSSEN
As a partner at Lagerlof, LLP, Richard Rasmussen focuses his practice on corporate, real estate and business law, often serving in the role of outside general counsel for his clients. He represents a diverse range of local and national clients, including automobile dealerships, manufacturing companies, shopping center owners and universities.

Timothy REIMERS
Leader of Sheppard Mullin’s healthcare real estate practice and a partner at the firm, Timothy Reimers has closed hundreds of complex healthcare real estate transactions. A recognized industry leader by GlobeSt.

Gabe POTYONDY
Amanaging director at Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Gabe Potyondy has led the bank’s commercial real estate expansion in the Western U.S. since 2022. As a first-generation immigrant who began his career as a bank teller, he was drawn to real estate for its potential to support clients while transforming communities.

Andrew RAINES
Andrew Raines is a founding partner of Raines Feldman Littrell, where, as a veteran transactional attorney with over 30 years of experience, he represents many of the most successful real estate companies in the U.S.

Chris RIVIELLE
Driving a transformative new chapter as president and CEO of Plant Construction Company, Chris Rivielle has masterfully diversified the firm’s services beyond its traditional focus on renovation and seismic retrofitting.

Albert RABIL III
Recognized for his visionary leadership, Albert Rabil III is the chief executive officer of Kayne Anderson and the co-founder and CEO of Kayne Anderson Real Estate.

Craig PETERS
As a vice chair at CBRE, the highest title awarded to its sales professionals, Craig Peters is a leading figure in California’s industrial real estate landscape.

Lee SHAPIRO
Lee Shapiro is the EVP and director of brokerage at KWP Real Estate, where, as a 35-year industry veteran, he specializes in the leasing and sale of retail property. He is currently the exclusive agent for 2.8 million square feet of commercial space, representing major institutional clients like Rockwood Capital, BlackRock and Silverstein Properties.

Bryan SHAFFER
Recognized for his broad background as a property owner, operator and direct lender, Bryan Shaffer is a founding partner of Solomon Stanley Financial. With over 35 years of experience, his unique vantage point allows him to craft tailored financing solutions for a diverse client base of private investors and institutional owners.

Ignacio RODRIGUEZ
Recognized for his expertise in designing custom hillside homes, Ignacio Rodriguez, AIA, co-founded IR Architects in 2012 at the age of 28. His firm has since seen a half-billion total square feet of its luxury home designs built across Los Angeles.

Shlomi RONEN
As the managing principal and founder of Dekel Capital, Shlomi Ronen heads the company’s JV equity, capital advisory and correspondent lending platforms. He serves an elite group of commercial real estate operators with a boutique approach, creating tailored solutions for unique capital challenges.

Thomas R. SESTANOVICH
Forging a path of excellence as a partner at Saul Ewing LLP, Thomas R. Sestanovich provides expert legal counsel to California’s largest developers, banks and family-owned businesses. A cancer survivor and two-time Paralympian who represented the USA in disabled volleyball, he brings a unique strength and character to his practice.

David SELZNICK
As chief investment officer of Kayne Anderson Real Estate, David Selznick leads investment strategy and portfolio management across the firm’s equity and debt platforms.

Rony RODRIGUEZ
Rony Rodriguez is a partner and Certified Public Accountant at CohnReznick, where he serves as co-leader of the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) tax services.

Rudy S. SALO
Aseasoned public finance attorney and partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, Rudy S. Salo is a thought leader who counsels clients on a broad range of community impact financings. His work supports transformative projects that shape California’s infrastructure and cultural landscape.

Artin SHAVERDIAN
As a partner in Nossaman’s eminent domain & inverse condemnation group, Artin Shaverdian is widely recognized as an expert in real estate valuation and related litigation.

Sanford SIGAL
Recognized as the leader of one of the fastest-growing privately held shopping center firms in the U.S., Sanford Sigal is the president and CEO of NewMark Merrill Companies.

Mark SIGAL
Transforming how retail landlords analyze performance, as the CEO of Datex Property Solutions, Mark Sigal is a 30-year pioneer in the real estate technology space. He leads a company that offers a premier portfolio management platform, shifting the industry from gut instinct to data-driven decisions.

Glenn SHERMAN
Apartner at Saul Ewing LLP with more than 40 years of experience, Glenn Sherman has built a successful commercial real estate practice shaped by his early career as in-house counsel.

Michael SILVIO
Michael Silvio is a tax partner at MGO and a respected leader in California’s commercial real estate and accounting sectors with over three decades of experience. An entrepreneur within the accounting world, he was instrumental in launching the credits and incentives practices at both RSM and CBIZ before joining his current firm.

Jim STANLEY
As executive vice president of Suffolk Los Angeles, Jim Stanley is a construction industry leader who drives operational excellence with a steady focus on client satisfaction, team performance and innovation.

Amanda SPANGLER
As managing director of broker-age for Colliers’ Orange County and Inland Empire markets, Amanda Spangler oversees more than 70 brokerage professionals in two of the nation’s most prominent markets. She is laser-focused on bolstering business development, enhancing service delivery and attracting toptier talent.

Steven SONG
Steven Song is a visionary architect, real estate investor and technology pioneer who is the founder and CEO of the proptech company Diald AI.

Carl VALENTINO
Carl Valentino is the project executive at Shawmut Design and Construction with a dynamic portfolio spanning the hospitality, life sciences and commercial sectors. Known for his collaborative approach, he has built a reputation as a trusted partner who shapes projects from inception through execution.

Albert C. VALENCIA
Recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer, Albert C. Valencia is a partner and chair of the real estate department at Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP. His practice is informed by his strong business foundation as a former consultant with Arthur Andersen and Deloitte, and as a co-founder of two startups.

Jaimie TURNER
Jaimie Turner is the vice president and general manager for Turner Construction Company, where she leads business strategy and operations in Southern California. She shapes business development, fosters client trust and drives innovation across a diverse portfolio of projects in one of the nation’s most competitive markets.

Kenny STEVENS
Establishing an unrivaled knowledge of the multifamily marketplace as principal of the Kenny Stevens Team at Compass, Kenny Stevens is a widely recognized investment expert with 53 years of experience.

Zachary STREIT
Zachary Streit, founder and president of Priority Capital Advisory, leads the sourcing, structuring and execution of debt and equity placements for commercial real estate projects across the Western U.S.

Brett TURNER
Transforming a two-person vision into a premier institutional platform, Brett Turner has been an integral member of BKM Capital Partners since its formation in 2013. As senior managing director of acquisitions & dispositions, he was instrumental in shaping the firm’s thesis around the small-bay industrial sector.

Sean SWIFT
Sean Swift is a senior vice president of debt + equity at Northmarq, where he serves as a key leader on the firm’s institutional equity advisors team. He is responsible for collaborating with institutional and middle-market clients on their capital markets strategies with a focus on sourcing equity capital.

Stacey A. SULLIVAN
Recognized for her unique blend of legal and financial expertise, Stacey A. Sullivan is a partner at Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP and a seasoned transactional attorney.

Stewart WESTON
An executive vice president at Matthews™ and a distinguished real estate advisor, Stewart Weston brings over three decades of institutional experience in multifamily brokerage.

Grace WINTERS
Shaping Holland & Knight’s West Coast real estate practice group as a partner, Grace Winters is a highly accomplished attorney and strategic dealmaker. She is recognized for her expertise in complex transactions, including acquisitions, joint ventures and affordable housing.

Shaunt ZAKARIAN
Recognized for his team’s high performance in publications like Forbes and Real Trends, Shaunt Zakarian is a distinguished entrepreneur and the senior estates director of his team at Compass.

Joan VELAZQUEZ
As chair of the real estate practice at Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP, Joan Velazquez is a respected dealmaker known for her strategic, solutions-driven approach to complex transactions. She guides clients through the full life cycle of projects, from acquisition and financing to development and sale.

J. Wickham ZIMMERMAN
As the co-founder and CEO of Outside the Lines, Inc. (OTL), J. Wickham “Wick” Zimmerman is an entrepreneur who leads a design-build specialty construction company. With a background at industry powerhouses like ValleyCrest Companies, he combines technical acumen with a creative sensibility.

Brian WEINHART
Guiding clients through high-stakes transactions as a partner at Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP, Brian Weinhart is one of the nation’s preeminent real estate and finance attorneys.

David WAITE
Apartner at Cox, Castle & Nicholson, David Waite specializes in real estate, land use and environmental law, focusing on how effective strategies can address the region’s social and economic challenges.

Tingting ZHANG
As the founder and chief executive officer of TerraCotta Group, Tingting Zhang, Ph.D., leads a credit investment firm that has maintained a flawless track record with zero credit losses since its inception in 2004.