Category: Announcements

PeakMade Real Estate Promotes Sam Soller to Director of Operations Support

ATLANTA, GA — March 19, 2026 — PeakMade Real Estate is proud to announce the promotion of Sam Soller to Director of Operations Support. In her new role, Sam will lead operational support initiatives and continue to strengthen cross-functional alignment, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and supporting PeakMade’s growing portfolio.

With over 15 years of experience in student housing, Sam has built a strong foundation in both on-site and corporate leadership. She has been with PeakMade for more than 12 years, beginning her career as a Leasing Consultant and steadily advancing through roles including Leasing Manager, Assistant Manager, Property Manager, and Executive Director. She later transitioned into corporate leadership, serving as Manager of Risk & Compliance for over two years before being promoted to Senior Manager of Operations Support. Throughout her tenure, Sam has demonstrated a deep commitment to operational excellence and team development.

As Director of Operations Support, Sam will oversee key operational functions and lead a team that includes an Operations Analyst, National Facilities Manager, and Shared Services Managers, while also supporting broader teams such as Regional Facilities Specialists and Resident Account Managers. She will report directly to Sandra Barfield, Senior Vice President of Shared Services.

“Sam is highly respected at Peak, and her reputation for operational excellence precedes her,” said Sandra Barfield, Senior Vice President of Shared Services. “She is a proven leader who demonstrates the Peak standards in every aspect of her role. I am excited to watch her continue to evolve the Peak platform in her director role.”

Sam’s achievements include being named Associate of the Year in 2024, receiving the Pinnacle Award in 2019, earning Property Manager of the Year in 2015, and being recognized as a Diamond Club member seven times.

You can connect with Sam directly on LinkedIn.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for build-to-rent, conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com

PeakMade Real Estate has Added 700+ Multifamily Residential Units in Strategic Growth Across Chicago, Tampa, Orlando, and Newtown

Atlanta, GA – December 11, 2025 – PeakMade Real Estate, a leading diversified real estate, development, and property management company, has announced the latest expansion of its multifamily portfolio with the addition of five new communities across Connecticut, Illinois, and Florida, totaling over 700 residential units. This strategic growth reflects PeakMade’s continued success in broadening its boutique-style management platform within the multifamily sector in highly desirable urban and suburban multifamily markets.

The new additions include a 126-unit multifamily community in Chicago, Illinois, offering residents a modern urban living experience with proximity to premier dining, shopping, and entertainment in the Lincoln Park area. Also in Chicago, Illinois, an additional multifamily community expands the portfolio, serving residents in and around the River North and Near North Side neighborhoods. In Tampa, Florida, a 200-unit multifamily community adds to the portfolio, with convenient access to major employment centers, businesses, restaurants, and the downtown corridor. In Altamonte Springs, Florida, a 167-unit multifamily community in the greater Orlando area, with spacious floor plans, upgraded interiors, and a strong neighborhood appeal. The most recent addition includes a 210-unit community located in Newtown, Connecticut, further broadening Peak’s multifamily portfolio, serving residents across the Greater Danbury area and Fairfield County.

“PeakMade is excited to expand our presence in our target markets of Illinois & Florida in addition to new markets like Connecticut,” said Chris Warner, Director of Client Services at PeakMade Real Estate. “This growth reflects our boutique approach, resonating with clients looking to outperform their local comp set. We will be looking to continue our growth in these markets throughout the next year.”

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company offering property management, development, and consulting services for build-to-rent, conventional multifamily, and student apartments. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience—it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information, visit www.peakmade.com

PeakMade Real Estate’s Latest Growth Strengthens Student Housing Portfolio Across Eight Markets

Atlanta, GA – December 4, 2025 – PeakMade Real Estate, a leading diversified real estate, development, and property management company, has announced continued growth in the student housing sector with the addition of eight new communities across Illinois, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Montana, and California, totaling more than 2,900 beds on behalf of 6 different clients. This expansion strengthens PeakMade’s presence in 3rd-party management within key university markets and reinforces the company’s commitment to operational excellence in the student housing sector.

The expanded portfolio includes a 544-bed community serving Oklahoma State University, a 486-bed property near the University of South Carolina Upstate, a 428-bed community serving Washington University in St. Louis, a 295-bed property near the University of Pennsylvania, a 628-bed community serving West Virginia University and a 498-bed community supporting Montana State University. PeakMade will also manage the lease-up of a 341-bed development currently under construction in Merced, California, which will serve students attending the University of California, Merced and the lease-up of a 364-bed development currently under construction in Chicago, Illinois, which will serve students attending several universities in the downtown area.

“This growth really speaks to the incredible work of our student housing team, who keep proving themselves as leaders in every market we serve,” said Mark Winkelmann, Vice President at PeakMade Real Estate.  “It means so much when our partners see the Peak difference and trust us to bring the positive change their properties deserve.”

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company offering property management, development, and consulting services for build-to-rent, conventional multifamily, and student apartments. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience—it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information, visit www.peakmade.com

PeakMade Real Estate Promotes Sarah Sugerman to Director of Learning and Operations Integrations

 

ATLANTA, GA — Oct 1, 2025— PeakMade Real Estate is proud to announce the promotion of Sarah Sugerman to Director of Learning and Operations Integrations. In her new role, Sarah will guide business initiatives and advance team development with a continued focus on enhancing PeakMade’s learning and development strategy.

With over 13 years of industry experience, Sarah began her career with PeakMade in 2011 as a Leasing Consultant and quickly advanced through on-site leadership roles before transitioning into corporate operations in 2015 as a National Operations Specialist. She later shifted her focus to training and development, serving as a National Training Specialist and then Learning and Development Manager, where she led companywide training strategies and elevated employee development initiatives. In 2022, Sarah took on the role of Senior Learning & Operations Success Manager, and most recently, she served as Senior Learning & Operations Integration Manager, where she played a key role in onboarding 47 acquisitions, overseeing 17 due diligences, and supporting the successful graduation of more than 220 on-site managers through PeakMade’s leadership programs.

As Director, Sarah will continue to drive PeakMade’s Learning and Development strategy while also overseeing the coordination of acquisitions, dispositions, and due diligence projects. Sarah will report directly to Sandra Barfield, Senior Vice President of Shared Services.

“As a recent recipient of the Corporate Partner of the Year award, Sarah is a highly respected individual in our organization,” said Sandra Barfield, SVP of Shared Services. “She embodies professional standards, and I am excited to see our Learning and Development platform continue to evolve under her leadership.”

You can connect with Sarah directly on LinkedIn.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for build-to-rent, conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com

PeakMade Real Estate Awarded 10th AJC Top Workplaces Honor in 2025

Atlanta, GA – August 15, 2025 — PeakMade Real Estate is proud to announce that it has been named one of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s (AJC) Top Workplaces for the 10th time, a milestone achievement that reflects a decade of consistent recognition for workplace excellence. PeakMade ranked #14 overall in AJC’s Top Small Workplaces list. As part of the selection process, 8,180 companies were nominated or invited to participate by employees and community members. Over 95,000 workers across the Atlanta region were surveyed to result in this year’s top 175 companies. The AJC Top Workplaces Award honors and celebrates organizations in the Atlanta and surrounding areas that have cultivated a positive, supportive, and high-performing workplace environment.

The award is determined entirely through confidential employee feedback collected by Energage, LLC, an independent research firm. The survey measures 15 critical culture drivers such as alignment, execution, and connection that have been proven to directly impact employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational health.

PeakMade was in attendance at the Atlanta Journal Constitution Top Workplaces event held at the Coca Cola Roxy in downtown Atlanta to accept the award.

“I am so incredibly proud of Peak and the culture we’ve built,” said Bob Clark, Chief Executive Officer. “Our People Matter Most mindset is clearly felt throughout the organization, as we continue to be recognized as a best place to work and, as a result, have achieved unprecedented tenure across all positions. I am grateful to the entire Peak team for all that they do to make Peak a place that people aspire to work.”

To read more about the AJC Top Workplaces, click here.
 

About PeakMade Real Estate
 PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for build-to-rent, conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com 

PeakMade Real Estate Highlights Director Leadership
Growth with Patrick Yorek and Chelsi West

Atlanta, GA – July 29, 2025 – PeakMade Real Estate is proud to recognize the continued growth and evolution of its Director leadership team. Patrick Yorek joins PeakMade as Director of Client Services, bringing with him over a decade of multifamily industry experience and a strong track record of client success. Chelsi West was promoted in the Spring to Director of People Operations in recognition of her meaningful contributions to strategic direction and continued innovation within the department. Together, Chelsi and Patrick exemplify PeakMade’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and a people-first approach that drives value for both our team members and our clients.

Patrick Yorek – Director of Client Services, Student Housing

In his new role, Patrick Yorek will work directly with clients to ensure the PeakMade platform aligns with and enhances their business strategies for student housing assets. 

With 12 years of experience in multifamily housing on the vendor side, Patrick brings a wealth of industry knowledge and client-focused insight. He most recently served as Regional Sales Director at WithMe, and previously held leadership roles at Valet Living, BH Fitness, and Impact Property Solutions.

“Patrick brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of uncovering value through fresh, strategic approaches,” said Mark Winkelmann, Vice President of Client Services. “His ability to build lasting relationships and think creatively will be a key asset to our clients as they explore new ways to enhance value in student housing.”

You can connect with Patrick Yorek on LinkedIn by clicking here.

 

Chelsi West – Director of People Operations

Since joining PeakMade nearly six years ago, Chelsi West has contributed significantly to the development and expansion of the company’s People Operations function. She has led key initiatives to build scalable systems, strengthen organizational processes, and support workforce development efforts.

In her new role, Chelsi has shifted from day-to-day execution to a broader, more strategic focus centered on fostering PeakMade’s “People Matter Most” mindset, enhancing employee engagement and nurturing the company’s people programs and initiatives to support team member experience, development, and retention.

“Chelsi is a thoughtful, strategic leader who brings integrity, presence, and a people-first mindset to everything she does,” said Mike Costello, Vice President of People Operations. “She has helped shape how we operate and live out our ‘People Matter Most’ philosophy and will continue to elevate our people strategy to enhance the team member experience at PeakMade.”

You can connect with Chelsi on LinkedIn by clicking here.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for build-to-rent, conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

PeakMade Real Estate Breaks Ground on Olathe Commons – a Build-To-Rent Community Serving the Greater Kansas City Market

Atlanta, GA –July 15, 2025 — PeakMade Real Estate and Blue Vista Capital Management have officially broken ground on Olathe Commons, a build-to-rent (BTR) community located at 14550 W 120th Street in Olathe, Kansas. Leasing is anticipated to start in August 2026 prior to the first unit deliveries, and final completion is expected in September 2027. Construction financing has been provided by Old National Bank and Open House Group is the joint venture limited partner for the project.

Located in Kansas City’s strongest rental sub-market, Olathe Commons marks a significant milestone in PeakMade’s strategic growth. The project provides a very desirable rental housing program that blends the privacy of single-family living with the connected lifestyle of a professionally managed community. The project is also adjacent to Olathe Pointe – a robust retail center with top retail anchors including Whole Foods Market and Starbucks.

Upon completion, Olathe Commons will be comprised of 60 single-family cottages and 154 townhome units. Units will feature two to four-bedroom layouts with select floorplans offering master bedrooms on the main level, and most units will have attached garages. The project will offer a robust amenity program including a clubhouse, fitness center, resort-style pool, dog park, private yards, and expansive green space for recreation and connection.

“Olathe Commons is a tremendous BTR project with an irreplaceable infill location and exceptionally strong market fundamentals,” commented Jeff Githens, President of Development at PeakMade Real Estate.

“The homes were designed to appeal to a wide range of renters offering modern upscale finishes, well-connected living spaces and additional privacy typically found in home ownership,” commented Stephen Furr, Vice President of Development at PeakMade Real Estate.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on such a well-located and thoughtfully designed residential build-to-rent project. This development represents a continuation of Blue Vista’s residential development and investment strategy in partnership with its affiliate, PeakMade Real Estate. The Olathe build-to-rent project aligns well with our focus on delivering modern rental communities to residents seeking the living experience of single-family home ownership paired with the amenities of a traditional multifamily community, ” commented Jason Schwartz, Managing Principal at Blue Vista Capital Management LLC.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for build-to-rent, conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

About Blue Vista

Blue Vista is a Chicago-based investment management firm providing investors access to diversified real estate equity and credit strategies across the risk-return spectrum. Blue Vista offers the benefits of a vertically integrated platform, strategy execution managed by veteran teams, and deep experience as an owner, operator and lender across diversified property types in the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception in 2002, the firm has invested over $14.5 billion in total capitalization. For more information, please visit https://bluevistallc.com/.

About Open House Group

Open House Group Co., Ltd., is a publicly traded company and one of the premier developers in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In 2016, the company expanded its operations into the United States, initially focusing on the Dallas-Fort Worth market. Open House’s U.S. strategy centers on investing in single-family rental homes and providing high-quality, renovated, and professionally managed properties as investments opportunities for Japanese investors. Since its entry into the U.S. market, Open House has acquired over 5,500 homes across various markets, demonstrating rapid growth and a strong commitment to its expansion strategy. The company’s portfolio showcases its dedication to delivering value to both residents and investors through meticulous property selection and management. Open House has been investing in multifamily and Build-to-Rent development projects since 2018. For more information, please visit https://openhouse-group.co.jp/en/

PeakMade Real Estate, Blue Vista Capital, and W5 Group Break Ground on Theory Ithaca, An Apartment Community Near Cornell University

Atlanta, GA – April 1, 2025 – PeakMade Real Estate (“Peak”) and Blue Vista Capital Management (“Blue Vista”), in partnership with W5 Group, recently broke ground on construction for Theory Ithaca, a new apartment development located near Cornell University in downtown Ithaca, NY, aimed to serve Cornell graduate students, university affiliates, and the greater Ithaca community. This project marks the continued expansion of Peak and Blue Vista’s Theory-branded development portfolio in major university markets. Construction financing for Theory Ithaca was provided by Kennedy Wilson.

Upon completion, Theory Ithaca will be comprised of 371 units and 518 beds, offering studio through 3-bedroom floorplans, and 239 parking spaces. The development, scheduled to open for the 2027 academic year, will feature a market-leading amenity package, including rooftop terraces, modern study lounges, a luxury fitness center, and direct access to nature along Six Mile Creek.

“The Cornell University market is one of the most undersupplied student apartment markets in the country especially for graduate students.  Theory Ithaca plans to serve this unmet demand with an exceptional project in an irreplaceable location in between Cornell’s campus and downtown Ithaca,” commented Jeff Githens, President of Development at PeakMade Real Estate.

“We are excited to begin construction on Theory Ithaca alongside PeakMade and W5 Group, and look forward to delivering a brand new, high-quality housing option to downtown Ithaca to help bridge the market’s housing gap for students,” commented Jason Schwartz, Managing Principal at Blue Vista Capital Management, LLC.

“Theory Ithaca is a continuation of our Innovative Living strategy, delivering a thoughtfully designed, community-oriented, highly-amenitized living experience in the Cornell University market,” said Ralph Winter, Founder and Principal of W5 Group. “Cornell is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, with an $11 billion endowment and a rapidly growing student population. In partnership with Blue Vista and PeakMade, we are excited to deliver a new state-of-the-art apartment community for the next generation of Cornellians, setting a new standard for residential innovation in the Ivy League.”

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

About Blue Vista

Blue Vista is a Chicago-based investment management firm focused on helping investors maximize returns through best-in-class real estate equity and credit strategies across the risk-return spectrum. Blue Vista offers investors the benefits of a vertically integrated platform, complementary strategies managed by experienced teams, and deep expertise as an owner, operator and lender across all property types and various markets in the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception in 2002, the firm has invested over $13.7 billion in total capitalization. For more information, please visit https://bluevistallc.com/.

About W5 Group

W5 Group is a real estate-focused family office, founded in 2009 to invest capital on behalf of the Winter family. Since 2024, W5 Group also invests alongside other family offices and like-minded investors. Ralph Winter is a successful global entrepreneur and real estate investor who was an early investor in European student housing, multifamily, micro-apartments and shared living. He amassed a portfolio of 40,000+ student housing units and 100,000+ multifamily units, generating over €30 billion in investment transaction volume. W5 invests in Innovative Living projects in the US and Europe across multifamily, student housing, micro living, and build-to-rent (single family rentals) and condominiums. W5’s investments include ground up developments, value-add, mezzanine debt, preferred equity as well as opportunistic real estate within its target sectors. For more information, visit www.w5-group.com

PeakMade Real Estate Awarded Management of Two Student Housing Properties Near Michigan State and University of Kansas

Atlanta, GA – March 19, 2025 – PeakMade Real Estate, a leading diversified real estate development and property management company, has announced that it has been awarded the management of two properties located in East Lansing, Michigan, and Lawrence, Kansas.

Hannah Lofts, located at 2929 Hannah Blvd, East Lansing, MI 48823, is a 702-bed, 282-unit community offering studio through four-bedroom apartments and townhomes near Michigan State University. Each fully furnished apartment features private bedrooms and bathrooms, modern finishes and appliances, granite countertops, and in-unit washers and dryers, with internet and trash included. Hannah Lofts’ amenity package includes a newly renovated 24-hour clubhouse with a pool, a fitness center, individual and group study rooms, outdoor fire pits, and a hammock garden. The property is less than a mile from the MSU campus, with easy access to local dining, entertainment, and shopping options.

Proxi Lawrence, located at 1401 W 23rd St, Lawrence, KS 66046, is a 312-bed, 120-unit community offering fully furnished studio through four-bedroom apartments near the University of Kansas. Each apartment features private bedrooms and bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, and modern finishes, with internet included. Proxi’s amenity package includes a fitness center, study lounges, an outdoor courtyard, a resort-style pool with a spa, and a clubhouse with a game room. Located only a mile from campus and near downtown Lawrence, Proxi Lawrence provides a convenient and comfortable student living experience with easy access to local amenities and university life.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to partner with a fantastic client as their management partner as they continue to grow into new markets,” said Mark Winkelmann, Vice President of Client Services. “These communities reflect our commitment to providing exceptional student living experiences while supporting our continued growth in the student housing sector.”

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience—it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.