The Saxum Real Estate office in Summit — Courtesy: Saxum
By Joshua Burd
Saxum Real Estate has continued its string of growth with six new hires aimed at strengthening its acquisitions, project and operations teams.
The recent additions include John Fontana as vice president of acquisitions, who will be responsible for sourcing, evaluating and executing the firm’s acquisition and joint venture opportunities in the industrial sector. Throughout his career, he has overseen more than 40 real estate transactions comprising some 700,000 square feet and over $300 million of total capitalization, including those involving raw land development sites, office buildings, industrial, retail and medical properties.
Before joining Summit-based Saxum, Fontana was a director of acquisitions at Jadian Capital, where he oversaw property acquisitions, development and portfolio growth for the life sciences-focused real estate fund known as Collection Center Property Co.
“John has a demonstrated track record of successfully sourcing and executing complex deals across geographies, which will be instrumental for the continued growth of Saxum’s industrial platform,” said Sean Gilbert, a principal with the firm.
Frank Caputo, as a senior project manager, brings extensive preconstruction and project management experience spanning more than 25 years in the residential and commercial construction industries, according to a news release. He works closely with Saxum’s acquisition and development teams during due diligence to assist in determining the viability of projects, while directing preconstruction, design professionals and budget development.
Caputo, who also works directly in selecting and managing contractors, holds a bachelor’s in architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
“I knew Frank would quickly prove to become an integral part of our Saxum team,” said Kieran Flanagan, a principal, who spearheads construction for the firm. “He manages all players, on all projects extremely well. Frank has the experience from both the office and the field to confidently manage and solve constructions challenges to deliver the excellence that we require as Saxum. I’m thrilled to have Frank working with us.”
The new hires also include Harry Day-Reiss as an acquisitions associate. Saxum noted that he works on the underwriting, due diligence, financing and closing activities for its acquisition and joint venture opportunities, having previously worked as an investment banking analyst at Jefferies with a focus on M&A and capital markets transactions in the health care sector.
While attending graduate school, Day-Reiss gained experience evaluating multifamily, office, retail and industrial property investments through internships at Rockport Equity Partners and SL Green Realty Corp., the news release said. He began his career in the private banking division of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., while he holds a master’s in real estate development from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in finance from Wake Forest University.
“Harry’s analytical experience will be accretive to the acquisitions team as we continue to expand our industrial and residential platforms throughout the Southeast and the Texas Triangle,” Gilbert said.
Cindy Caldas, as a design associate, works within the architecture and design team across verticals to aid in the planning and design of Saxum projects, the news release said. The firm also cited her experience at an award-winning high-end residential firm and with interior design projects both domestically and internationally.
Caldas is also a graduate of NJIT, where she obtained her B.A. in interior design.
Kirsten Alvarez, meantime, comes to Saxum as an office manager and assists in the day-to-day operations. Prior to joining the firm, she spent most of her 18-year career in an inside sales support role in the electricity industry.
Alvarez is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, holding a bachelor’s in hotel, restaurant and institutional management.
“In our never-ending conquest of ‘Developing Tomorrow, Today’ we look to bring on talented professionals who can help elevate our company and as a team, work together, to execute on our mission,” said Dave Schoer, vice president of accounting and operations. “Saxum’s portfolio recently surpassed $1.7 billion in total capitalization and as we look forward to the next $1 billion, we will continue to add teammates like Kirsten to further build our best-in-class real estate investment and development firm.
“Kirsten brings a range of skills that will allow her to support multiple verticals, assisting the teams to work as a more cohesive unit.”
Ellie Bissonett, as marketing coordinator, assists in executing overall marketing goals and graphic preparation, while working closely with team members from across departments, the news release said. She is a recent graduate of Texas State University, where she earned a bachelor’s in advertising with a minor in fashion merchandising.
“Ellie’s addition to Saxum strengthens Saxum’s capacity to share our message more broadly as Saxum continues to expand its footprint and audience,” said Caitie Kroeger, the firm’s marketing manager. “Ellie’s enthusiasm brings new opportunity to showcase our successes.”
