FARIS LEE INVESTMENTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Expert
- Media Coverage / Team Member
- Newsletter / Team Member
- Press Releases / Team Member
Chris DePierro joined Faris Lee Investments as a Managing Director in December of 2013. Since joining the firm, Chris has closed approximately $220 million in investment sales consisting of Multi-Tenant Shopping Centers and Single Tenant Properties. Throughout the sales process, Chris places special emphasis on his advisory role to the client, with the goal of representing each client's specific needs and requirements. Mr. DePierros' breadth of experience is a crucial element to the continued success his clients achieve on each asset. Notable sales include: Plaza El Paseo- Rancho Santa Margarita ($56M), Kenwood City Place/Kenwood Pavilion- Cincinnati ($32M), Rosedale Village, Bakersfield ($29M), Walgreens-Rancho Santa Margarita ($13.9M)
Prior to joining Faris Lee Investments, Chris spent more than 21 years in the retail industry and has been involved in all facets of commercial real estate. His broad experience ranges from investment sales to shopping center development, leasing, tenant representation, and asset management. Having been on the principal side of many investments, Chris' brokerage skills are differentiated by his ability to offer a broad range of perspectives on a property or portfolio of assets.
Mr. DePierro is an expert in the western U.S., having been on all sides of the acquisition, development and disposition process in the region. He has been involved in investment sales, shopping center development, leasing, and tenant representation in California, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana. This breadth of knowledge makes Chris an effective investment broker in any given trade area.
Chris' career in real estate begun at Grubb & Ellis Company as a retail broker in the Newport Beach, California office. From there, Chris joined Pentz & Partners, a boutique tenant representation and leasing firm. The 14 years prior to joining Faris Lee Investments were spent as a partner at DePierro Realty Advisors, which specialized in shopping center development, investment sales, consulting, and asset management throughout the western U.S.
His key accomplishments and affiliations include:
IRVINE, Calif. - Faris Lee Investments, the nation's largest retail-specialized investment advisory firm, has named Chris DePierro as Managing Director. DePierro comes to the firm with…
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer
- Junior Graphic Designer
David Ossa, a Junior Graphic Designer at Faris Lee Investments, collaborates with brokers and analysts to develop proposals. In addition, he also focuses on crafting visually appealing social media content for the company's LinkedIn and Instagram pages.
David holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from California State University, Fullerton. Prior to his tenure at Faris Lee, he honed his design skills as an intern for CSUF, collaborating with fellow designers to create captivating art events on campus. During his six-month stint, David leveraged his creativity to craft engaging social media posts, stunning illustrations, and captivating animations. In his free time, David enjoys outdoor adventures such as camping, off-roading, and fishing. He also enjoys indulging in his passion for painting.
As a Financial Analyst at Faris Lee Investments, Enzo Jiannalone focuses on supporting our teams led by Jeff Conover, Scott DeYoung, Don McLennan and Shaun Riley. Enzo assists in offering complex financial underwriting and analytical services to clients located throughout the United States. He is a pivotal component for the strategic positioning and valuation of assets, orchestrating the entire process from start to finish.
Prior to joining Faris Lee Investments, Enzo worked with a Retail Leasing Consultant and at Matthews Real Estate Investments. As a Leasing Assistant, Enzo led critical initiatives that were pivotal in optimizing tenant relationships, maximizing property performance, and ensuring the visionary alignment of the retail experience. He helped managed four lifestyle center developments throughout the Western Pacific garnering over 2 million in revenue for his clients. During his tenure with the Matthews, Enzo was an associate and would drive business success by blending analytical prowess and proactive sale strategies, aiming to identify growth opportunities and foster relationships.
Enzo graduated from The University of California Santa Barbara with a bachelor's Degree in Economics. During college, he worked for a startup where he was responsible for brand estabishment, marketing strategy execution, and user experience enhancement. Enzo grew up in Orinda, California, a suburb of San Francisco, and now lives in Costa Mesa. In his freetime you can find Enzo with family and friends at the beach, golf course or basketball courts.
As a newly appointed Director, Mr. Lukosky will be collaborating with Managing Principal, Jeff Conover, and Senior Managing Director, Scott DeYoung, on various aspects of business development. His experience and expertise in the industry make him a valuable asset to the team.
Mr. Lukosky will be responsible for leading business development initiatives to drive growth and success of the organization. He will manage offers and counter offers, facilitate the handling of purchase contracts, manage the due diligence materials, coordinate escrow processes, ensuring a seamless experience for all parties involved through the closing process. He will also work closely with the Resource Center to create compelling Broker Opinion of Value (BOV) and Offering Memorandum (OM) packages.
Greg Lukosky brings over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry. Previously serving as the Vice President of Development for VantageOne Real Estate Investments, he played a vital role in the acquisition, marketing, entitlements, and construction of retail shopping centers across multiple communities in Southern California. Prior to that, he was a partner with Peninsula Retail Partners, where his expertise in acquisition, planning, entitlements, tenant leasing, and investment analysis led to the successful development of various retail projects in the region.
As Regional Real Estate Manager for Ralphs Grocery Company & Food 4 Less, divisions of The Kroger Company, he managed a wide range of responsibilities, including new development opportunities, relocations, lease extensions, acquisitions, and asset management duties across several geographical areas.
Before joining Ralphs Grocery Company/Kroger, Mr. Lukosky was a partner at Silvercreek Properties, overseeing the development of numerous shopping centers, totaling over 500,000 square feet, in California, Nevada, and Arizona. His journey in the industry began as a broker with the Grubb & Ellis Company, and he further gained valuable corporate experience with Office Depot and Marie Callendar's Restaurants.
Mr. Lukosky is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.
Mr. Steffien is an alumnus of Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, and St. Margaret's Episcopal High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He played Division IAA Football during his time at Colgate University. His current hobbies include studying history, traveling the world and all things sports. Mr. Steffien is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) & International Franchise Association (IFA).
Ingrid Vallon is Marketing Manager at Faris Lee Investments. She is driven, innovative, and a marketing enthusiast, always striving to bring new marketing techniques and channels to the forefront.
At Faris Lee, Ingrid is responsible for all the corporate and transaction marketing at the company. She oversees all marketing initiatives, including graphic design, email marketing, advertising and print concepts, public relations, web management, SEO, social media, and trade show concepts and coordination.
Ingrid brings 10+ years of experience in Commercial Real Estate marketing. Before joining Faris Lee Investments, Ingrid served as a Marketing Manager for Landmark Capital in Newport Beach, California, where she implemented corporate and transaction marketing strategies to grow brand awareness, increasing social media outreach by 75% and open rate by 10% above industry average. Before that, she held various marketing roles at Sabal Financial Group, LP, Passco Companies, and a variety of different marketing agencies.
Ingrid holds a B.A. in Marketing with an emphasis on International Business from ESC Rennes, France.
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal
- Articles / Faris Lee / Media Coverage / Press Releases / Team Member
Jeff Conover joined with Faris Lee Investments in 1998 & was appointed Managing Principal in 2021, and has 36 years of transactional brokerage experience within the commercial real estate industry across the U.S.
As Managing Principal of Faris Lee Investments, a national leading retail advisory and investment sales firm, Mr. Conover is a top producer year-over-year with proven performance specializing in the disposition of single tenant NNN leased investments, multi-tenant shopping centers, national portfolios & sale-leasebacks.
Mr. Conover maintains a high level of control throughout the transaction process, from the initial underwriting and creation of the pricing strategy to closing the deal. He creates and facilitates the marketing, utilizes a high level of sophistication in transaction negotiations, and is able to realize the maximum value for his clients. In addition, he is actively involved throughout the appraisal process, due diligence, financing, and escrow to make sure the deal successfully closes.
Joe Goveia, Owner, GCRE Sustaining relationships over time is critical to brokerage success. Long-time Faris Lee client, Joe Goveia, Owner of Goveia Commercial Real Estate…
Before joining Faris Lee Investments, Judy held a dynamic role at Property Markets Group (PMG) in Miami, Florida. In this unique position, she collaborated across PMG's Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Construction Management teams, actively shaping the financial landscape of high-profile projects. Judy participated in pivotal meetings with private equity firms, general contractors, engineers, brokers, and other stakeholders, integral to deal negotiation and project execution. Her responsibilities included conducting detailed market analyses for multifamily developments like Society Brooklyn and Society Nashville, offering valuable insights into diverse markets. Noteworthy projects, such as the transformative Society Biscayne to the Elser Hotel and Residences conversion, featuring 49 stories, 600 units, and $235 million in refinancing, showcased her financial acumen. Judy also navigated major projects like the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences Miami, an 800,000 SF, 360-unit, 100-story development valued at $426 million. This rich experience highlights Judy's versatile expertise and effective contributions across various dimensions of the real estate industry.
Judy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate Finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During her undergraduate studies, she actively engaged in industry-focused activities such as the Cal Poly Real Estate Club and Urban Land Institute (ULI) competitions, demonstrating a proactive commitment to industry engagement early in her academic journey. Passionate about impacting the real estate sector, Judy envisions a future of continued education, staying ahead of industry innovations and contributing meaningfully post-graduation. Outside of work, she finds joy in coastal retreats, practicing yoga and pilates, and cherishing quality time with friends.
As a Financial Analyst at Faris Lee Investments, Mason Cramer is responsible for the underwriting and valuation of real estate investments. He is involved in researching market data, and leading the entire process of bringing a property to the market for sale. Mason is responsible for the strategic positioning of assets and is pivotal in valuing assets in the market.
Prior to joining Faris Lee Investments, Mason worked for Remarc Management and the Irvine Company in asset management roles. At Remarc, Mason wore all sorts of hats and learned asset management comprehensively in a hands-on approach managing nearly twenty retail centers throughout Southern California. During his tenure with the Irvine Company, Mason continued working in asset management overseeing a 1.3 million square foot portfolio of ten centers in Irvine generating over $60 million annually.
A third-generation real estate broker, Mason's real estate education and exposure began nearly once he could walk, along with his fervor. Mason received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business with a double-major in finance and real estate, giving him a comprehensive understanding of real estate transactions and deals. During college, he explored Europe while living in the South of France for one semester. Mason grew up in Zionsville, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, and now lives in Laguna Beach. The beach or golf course are where you are most likely to find him in his spare time.
As a Managing Director at Faris Lee Investments, Matt Brooks is focused on unanchored multi-tenant retail centers and single tenant assets across the country. He has transacted and underwritten nearly $700M in retail properties across the retail spectrum, representing both Sellers and Buyers. He has served in a variety roles at Faris Lee Investments including managing the Trading Desk. The Trading Desk handles all 1031 Exchange requirements directly with investors and with the brokerage community; cross-sells both on-market and privately marketed opportunities; as well as buyer sourcing and deal matching.
Matt is an alumni of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he received his bachelor's degree in Economics and played 4 years of FBS football. Upon graduation, he served 6 years as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he deployed twice to Ar Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Matt is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC); traveling nationwide to attend national and regional conferences.
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal
- / Media Coverage / Press Releases / Team Member
- Articles / Faris Lee / Media Coverage / Press Releases / Team Member
- Member of the International Council of Shopping Centers
As a Managing Principal at Faris Lee Investments, Mr. MacLellan is responsible to lead Faris Lee Investments as one of the key decision makers. In addition he leads the firm's major disposition assignments and is part of the senior advisory team. He is also active in transaction negotiations and overseeing staff in the proposal process.
Mr. MacLellan has more than 37 years of commercial investment sale experience. His focus has been in acquisition/disposition services, which includes core, value-add opportunities - primarily in the anchored retail segment - grocery anchored, community centers, power centers and regional malls. During his career, he has been directly involved in more than 650 investment transactions primarily grocery anchored & community centers valued in excess of $9 billion. Historically, he has been one of the firm's top producers including in 2021/2022 where he was responsible for nearly $600M in sales transactions.
Mr. MacLellan has been the lead broker on many large retail transactions throughout the US including: $65M Sunset Esplanade-OR , $200M - Central CA Grocery Anchored Portfolio, $24M Flagstaff Marketplace, $27M Santee Town Center , $28M Costco Plaza- Tempe AZ , $24M- Gene Autry Plaza- CA ,$48M Northglenn Marketplace, $79M- The District- NV, $101M US Albertsons Portfolio , $225M Big Box Portfolio- Macerich/Vornado, $350M AIG Retail Portfolio . In addition, Mr MacLellan has transacted nearly $350 million of Hawaii retail assets over his career.
Since joining Faris Lee Investments in 2001, Mr. MacLellan has played a vital role in growing the firm's business volume and elevating the client base and transaction profile. He was the lead broker in the disposition of the $138 million Torrance Crossroads, considered the pioneer case study for using a break up strategy for retail centers to maximize value. Subsequently, he has led the successful execution of several break up strategies and now is the market strategy for investors.
During his tenure with Faris Lee Investments, Mr. MacLellan has worked with the majority of the retail leaders in the industry - REITs, pension funds, major developers, equity and lenders - including Macerich, Clarion Partners, Invesco, Hutenskey Capital, KIMCO, Phillips Edison, Donahue Schriber, Red Mountain Retail, Fortress, PCCP, Hudson Advisors, Vestar, Vornado, Regency Centers, SITE, LaSalle, PGIM, and LNR. Prior to joining Faris Lee, Mr. MacLellan spent 17 years with CBRE and HFF in Southern California. He is considered one of the elite retail investment brokers in California based on his extensive transaction activity and client list, as well as his successful completion of the most creative and complex retail transactions in the country.
Mr. MacLellan is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and has extensive experience on the ICSC Committee. He is frequently featured as a retail industry expert on panels at the major retail conferences and is an active author for several real estate publications.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Articles / Faris Lee / Media Coverage / Press Releases / Team Member
As a Director at Faris Lee Investments, Mr. Miller provides high level advisory in the acquisition and disposition of single tenant and multi-tenant retail investments. Nicholas specializes in all retail assets classes including NNN, strip, power, community and anchored retail centers with an emphasis within the Southern California markets. A few noteworthy transactions include the disposition of the $19.5 Million record breaking Anaheim Resort Centre, the $17.3 Million sale of La Verne Plaza and the $12.9 Million sale of Meridian Plaza. Mr. Miller is committed to comprehending and achieving his client's investment goals and objectives. Consequently he manages the transaction process entirely from street level analysis and initial underwriting to marketing, pricing, financing, due diligence and the close of escrow.
Nicholas has more than five years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Prior to being a Director, Mr. Miller managed Faris Lee Investment's Trading Desk, superintending all 1031 exchange requirements personally with investors and with others in the brokerage industry. He engaged in sourcing qualified investors, cross-selling Faris Lee inventory, and matching buyers with all available on market investment opportunities and a large array of privately marketed opportunities. He also held the role of Market Analyst within the Faris Lee Research Analytics Group, where he assisted with the underwriting, lease analysis and marketing of over $1 billion in retail assets.
Mr. Miller is an alumnus of the University of Colorado Boulder where he obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. Nick's current hobbies and interests include snowboarding, swimming, traveling and golf.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Financial Offcer
- Chief Financial Officer for Faris Lee Investment
As Chief Financial Officer for Faris Lee Investment, Ms. Chin is responsible for all financial reporting and accounting matters for the company.
Ms. Chin brings more than 10 years of an extensive background in real estate tax and complex financial structuring of transactions, as well as corporate tax structure. More specifically, she has been involved in structuring complex 1031 trades, partnership structuring and tenants in common ownership acquisitions and dispositions. Over the course of her career, she has been involved in over $5 billion in transactions.
Ms. Chin joined Faris Lee Investments in 2003. She has helped to create and implement Faris Lee's corporate governance policies and has been involved with the executive management team in creating the firm's unique corporate culture and core values. Ms. Chin has previously held the role of Chief Accounting Officer and Executive Senior Vice President for the company.
Prior to joining Faris Lee Investments, Ms. Chin was based in New York City as a senior accountant for a highly reputable private accounting firm. Her client portfolio included prominent physicians and other high level executives. Her work experience encompassed tax strategy and financial planning for high net worth individuals with overall responsibility for their financial statements, tax planning and projections, business and individual income tax returns, payroll taxes as well as government compliance.
Ms. Chin has a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Pace University in New York.
As a Senior Managing Director at Faris Lee Investments, Mr. DeYoung was the co-top producer at the Company in 2021 & 2022. Mr. DeYoung has more than a decade of brokerage experience and currently holds real estate broker licenses in California, Florida, Montana, and Hawaii.
Mr. DeYoung is a fifth-generation broker and developer in Southern California, as well as an active real estate investor. Since 2021, Mr. DeYoung acquired and disposed of over $30M in real estate properties as a principal. His extensive background in his family's real estate business provides his clients with knowledge in real estate sales transactions, development, property management, landlord leasing and investment, as well as premier property level analysis. Mr. DeYoung is an active real estate investor in retail, storage, hospitality, and senior living primarily in California. He is currently a limited partner in 5 hotels with a total room count of over 950.
Mr. DeYoung since 2021 has closed over 100 properties equating to over $500M, which consisted of restaurant and grocery store portfolios, shopping center break ups, and high street retail, neighborhood & strip centers, leasehold assignments and NNN leased investments. Mr. DeYoung is actively managing a stable listed inventory of approximately $400M of commercial properties throughout the United States. Mr. DeYoung facilitates the marketing of properties with a high level of sophistication in transactional negotiations and is able to realize the maximum value for his clients in all product types. His clients range from family offices, institutions, public and private REIT's, high net worth individuals to merchant & private developers. Recent record setting transactions include Plaza El Paseo - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ($56M), Algiers Plaza - New Orleans ($35M), STNL Whole Foods - New Orleans, LA ($31.4M), STNL Ross Dress for Less - Pasadena, CA ($28.5M), Signal Hill Gateway Shopping Center Break-up, Signal Hill, CA ($28.3M), Flagstaff Marketplace - Flagstaff, AZ ($23.5M), STNL Albertson's Portfolio - Washington and Nevada ($22.4M), Anaheim Gateway Retail - Anaheim, CA ($20.5M), 10 Store Dairy Queen Portfolio in Louisiana - Real Estate with Business, 16 Store Sale-Leaseback Big Boy Portfolio - MI, OH, FL ($20M), Parkville Commons - Parkville, MO ($16.6M), La Paz Shopping Center - Laguna Niguel, CA ($14M), Walgreens & Shops - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ($13.6M), STNL Tesla - Fayetteville, GA ($13M), Halekuai Center - Kapolei, HI ($13M), FedEx - Raleigh, NC ($11.6M), STNL Sprouts - Folsom, CA ($11.3M), STNL Bank of America - Hawthorne, CA ($11.1M), San Jacinto Pads - San Jacinto, CA ($10.5M), Anson 3 & 4 Strip Center Portfolio - Zionsville & Whiteville, IN ($9.4M), Cornwell Business Center - Oceanside, CA ($9M), Cottonwood Crest Office Building - Salt Lake City, UT ($8.5M), Villa Capri Motel - Coronado Island ($420,000 per key).
Prior to Faris Lee Investments, Mr. DeYoung worked as the Assistant and Apprentice directly to the founder of Kinko's and aided in managing his Family Office, which focused on his commercial real estate portfolio. Mr. DeYoung has also worked within the family business, where he has assisted in procuring and managing a variety of real estate assets ranging from hotels, retail shopping centers, apartments, office buildings, and other projects.
Mr. DeYoung is an Alumni of the University of Southern California where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate Finance and was the captain of the track and field team. He is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the California Club and the Pacific Club. Scott's hobbies include skiing, golfing, hiking, running, and attending USC athletic events.
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal
- Member of the International Council of Shopping Centers
As a Managing Principal at Faris Lee Investments, Shaun Riley leverages his 26 year career in commercial real estate to provide advisory services to investors of retail properties. His hands-on approach and attention to detail provide his clients with the competitive advantage they need in today's marketplace.
Mr. Riley has represented clients in nearly $2 billion of transactions. Since joining Faris Lee Investments in 1998, Mr. Riley has specialized in representing investors in the acquisition and disposition of retail investment properties. He has represented some of Southern California's preeminent shopping center developers and owners including Evergreen Development, Cadence Capital, Horowitz Partners, Krausz Companies, Invest West, Makena Great American, GRAE Ventures, United Growth, Soboroff Partners, and Pacific Properties Group. Because he has consistently delivered the highest price per square foot and lowest cap rate retail investment sales of any broker in Southern California, Mr. Riley is the preferred listing broker of investors seeking the highest level of representation.
Mr. Riley has a diversified client base of institutional investors, developers, private investment funds, and high net worth individuals. A few notable transactions include representing The Krausz Companies in the sale of the $64 Million Best Plaza in Cerritos, CA and representing an Arizona based private investment fund in the sale of the $29 Million Victory Plaza in Burbank, CA, a Ralphs and CVS anchored center. Mr. Riley works closely with gatekeepers for high net worth individuals. Referrals from sports agents and wealth managers have enabled Mr. Riley to represent leaders in the sports, business, and entertainment community in Southern California. For Faris Lee Investments, he heads up the Private Capital Acquisition Advisory Group which provides a full service platform advising investors through the entire acquisition process from analytics, site selection, transaction negotiation, and escrow management.
Mr. Riley provides the highest level of advisory services by bringing his experience in leasing and investment sales to every transaction. His clients value the creative strategy, detailed analysis, and negotiating skills they receive in every transaction.
Mr. Riley is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and is active with philanthropic organizations Compassion International and Samaritans Purse.
Mr. Strauss comes from a lineage of Southern California real estate entrepreneurs, spanning across the architecture, development, and property management sectors. Prior to joining Faris Lee, Tyler spent two years as a member of CBRE's Capital Markets Business Intelligence team. A unique opportunity, as Mr. Strauss collaborated with and reported directly to the vertical leaders of CBRE. His experience providing intelligence specific to investment sales, global capital movement, financial and competitive analysis has given him a deep understanding of the commercial real estate industry and its players. Wearing a number of hats, Mr. Strauss served as the lead analyst for the National Retail Partners and has a phenomenal grasp on how retail continues to shape real estate across the country. During his tenure, he was also responsible for auditing $119B worth of sales transactions.
Mr. Strauss graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Finance. As a highly-involved member of the student body and second-generation Wildcat, Tyler is an incredibly active alumnus and always looking for ways to contribute back to the University. His other interests include sportfishing, basketball, surfing and vintage Nike sneakers.