Oxnard and Carson, Calif. — ERG International has acquired West Coast Industries Inc. (WCI) for an undisclosed price. Together, Oxnard-based ERG and Carson-based WCI offer commercial furniture solutions for hospitality, office, multifamily and student housing properties. WCI will operate as a division of ERG International, but product offerings and brands within the two companies will remain independent. “This strategic move aligns seamlessly with our growth objectives as we seek to diversify our business and capitalize on our synergies,” says Roy Zaki, CEO of ERG International. “The WCI brand, President and …
Only a few developers in the student housing space have successfully managed to have strong programs on- and off-campus. Gilbane Co. is one of them — and the company has a successful contracting business to boot. The 150-year-old company is a competitive player in the public-private partnership (PPP) development business, active on a number of campuses nationwide. It also has a robust off-campus development business, though selective about when and where it builds properties. SHB recently caught up with Russell Broderick, Gilbane’s executive vice president, who leads the company’s on-campus …
Denver — Customer feedback platform Opiniion has partnered with Cardinal Group Management. Through the partnership, the Denver-based firm will utilize Opiniion’s resident satisfaction software to garner resident feedback, survey, manage reviews and communicate with residents. “Cardinal Group is focused on building engaging communities where our residents thrive and Opiniion helps us do just that,” says Avery Lewis, marketing services and program manager at Cardinal. “With Opiniion’s innovative approach to review generation and feedback collection, we’re eager to better understand what’s driving each community’s reputation.”
Lafayette, Ind. — Trinitas Ventures has hired Nick Drummond as senior vice president of property management and operations. In his new role, Drummond will ensure the operational and financial success of the Lafayette, Indiana-based company’s portfolio, which includes student housing, build-to-rent, conventional and multifamily properties. Drummond brings over 20 years of student housing experience to the position, most recently serving as regional vice president of operations with Landmark Properties. “Nick’s extensive property management experience and leadership in student housing will be a great addition as we continue to grow our …
Austin, Texas — Parallel has hired Austin Lewis as director of development and design. Lewis is rejoining the Austin, Texas-based firm, having previously worked as development associate. In his new position, Lewis will focus on operating, designing and developing best-in-class student housing projects. He brings 10 years of industry experience to the position. “We’re very excited to have Austin back in the family,” says Principal David Pierce. “He has returned to help us progress to the next level in leading the country in new student and multi-family developments. His depth …
Austin, Texas — American Campus Communities has announced senior leadership promotions. Michael Cipriano has been promoted to senior vice president of development; Brian Bowers has been promoted to senior vice president of construction management; Heather Laney has been promoted to senior vice president of procurement; and Kris Kelley has been promoted to senior vice president of acquisitions and asset management. “As we continue to grow, it will be the expertise of our talented leadership that helps ensure we are delivering a great experience for our residents while maintaining the implicit …
Lehi, Utah — Multifamily operating system Entrata has acquired Rent Dynamics for an undisclosed price. Rent Dynamics provides rent reporting services and financial resources, which promote economic inclusion and financial health for residents. “Since Entrata’s founding, we have made tremendous strides in streamlining property operations by creating tools that improve both the operator and resident experience,” says Adam Edmunds, CEO of Lehi, Utah-based Entrata. “Today, our vision for how we can drive the industry forward has greatly expanded. The combination of Entrata and Rent Dynamics will deliver a huge advance …
Austin, Texas — American Campus Communities has promoted Brian Bowers to senior vice president of construction management. Bowers joined the Austin, Texas-based company in 2015 as director of development management. In his new role, Bowers will continue to lead ACC’s construction management group and aid in the company’s efforts to increase its development pipeline. Since joining ACC, Bowers has assisted in the execution and delivery of over 15,000 beds. He also played a pivotal role in the development and construction supervision of Flamingo Crossings Village at Walt Disney World Resort.
Atlanta — Niles Bolton Associates (NBA) has announced several leadership changes as part of its ongoing commitment to future growth. Jeffrey Smith has been named president; C. Cannon Reynolds has been named managing director; Ray Kimsey has been named president emeritus; and Niles Bolton will remain as chairman of the board. Smith previously served as the company’s executive vice president and Kimsey served as president. “We are thrilled to announce these leadership changes at NBA,” says Niles Bolton. “Jeff Smith’s proven track record and passion for design make him the …
Newtown Square, Pa. — GMH Communities has hired Nick Lee to the role of chief acquisitions officer. In his new position, Lee will oversee the Newtown Square, Pennsylvania-based company’s strategic acquisition of commercial real estate across the U.S., including student housing and life sciences properties. Prior to his new role, Lee spent six years with Blue Vista Capital Management, where he most recently served as senior vice president. “GMH Communities is thrilled to continue advancing our growth with the addition of Nick Lee, an experienced investment professional with a proven track …