13ᵗʰ FLOOR - Key Persons
Aaron Stolear leads 13th Floor Investments Public Private Partnership (P3) vertical. As part of his responsibilities, he oversees Link at Douglas. Link is a 1.5M SF transit-oriented development with residential, office, retail, and public infrastructure components. Prior to joining 13th Floor, Mr. Stolear worked in Project Management & Execution at ExxonMobil Development Company. There, he worked on multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects ranging from oil production facilities in Angola to a residential building campus in Iraq. During his time at ExxonMobil he held a variety of project management functions and positions.
Mr. Stolear graduated as Magna Cum Laude in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Job Titles:
- Junior Accountant
- Junior Accountant / Sales, Marketing & Investor Relations
Alfredo Sanabria joined 13th Floor Investments in December 2021 with over 13 years of experience in construction management, construction oversight, and structural design experience. Mr. Sanabria graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from Columbia University. Alfredo is a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of California.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Project Manager
Andres Gonzalez joined 13th Floor Investments in November of 2021 as an Assistant Project Manager. Mr. Gonzalez' experience in developer-owner representation for high-rise projects ranges from luxury condominiums to workforce apartment rental buildings. Mr. Gonzalez graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor's in Urban Design and an Associate's in Architecture.
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Managing Principal of 13th Floor Investments
Arnaud Karsenti is the Managing Principal of 13th Floor Investments, a real estate investment and development firm based in Miami, Florida. Since inception, 13th Floor has acquired, developed, and managed over $3.0 billion in real estate assets. The firm adheres to a value-investing philosophy and seeks opportunistic risk-adjusted returns for its investors. 13th Floor has been active across the broad real estate spectrum, ranging from distressed residential assets to condominiums, multifamily, and single-family homes. Today, the firm is mainly focused on mixed-use residential developments and expanding its homebuilding business, 13th Floor Homes.
Mr. Karsenti is primarily responsible for the general direction of the firm's investment strategy as well as its overall capitalization. 13th Floor manages capital through a series of discretionary private equity funds, which consist of private and institutional capital. In addition, the firm enjoys longstanding partnerships with best-in class capital partners across the United States. Given its unique role as both operator and capital partner, 13th Floor prides itself on being a great partner to a wide range of players in the real estate industry. This reputation has allowed 13th Floor to expand geographically as well as across a wide range of asset classes.
Prior to founding 13th Floor, Mr. Karsenti founded Collegeboxes, the nation's leading college-based shipping and storage company, which was acquired by U-Haul in 2004. Mr. Karsenti began his real estate career by knocking on doors in Miami's urban core where he assembled a portfolio of properties which ultimately lead to forming 13th Floor. Mr. Karsenti is also active in the community - he is an active member of the Young President's Organization (YPO) and sits on the executive board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Mr. Karsenti graduated cum laude from the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University, with a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Economics, and holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
Ashley Nudd joined 13th Floor Homes in March 2019. Ms. Nudd graduated from Barry University with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and Graphic Design.
Ashley Ziel joined 13th Floor Investments in 2016. Prior to working at 13th Floor, Mr. Ziel has been a Project Manager for John Moriarty & Associates, Capponi Construction, Soares da Costa and Courtelius Construction.
Cassie Charles joined 13th Floor Investments in 2019. Ms. Charles graduated from the University of New Haven with a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and Florida International University with a Master's Degree in Interior Architecture.
Christine Perez joined 13th Floor Investments in 2017. Ms. Perez graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology.
Job Titles:
- Contract Administrator
- Contract Administrator / Finance & Accounting
Claudia Sauers joined 13th Floor Investments in March 2021. Ms. Sauers graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management and holds an active real estate license. She has over 13 years of experience in construction and real estate.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Principal
As Principal and Chief Financial Officer of 13th Floor Investments, Daryl A. Shevin, CFA, oversees all financial, operational, and accounting aspects of the firm and its investment vehicles, inclusive of all debt and equity structures. Mr. Shevin is responsible for ensuring that 13th Floor's stakeholders see timely returns on their investments as well as building and fostering the firm's strong financing relationships. Mr. Shevin has over 23 years of experience in the finance and investment industry.
Under Mr. Shevin's leadership, 13th Floor has been successful in the closing of over $780 million dollars of debt and $740 million dollars in equity across 50+ vehicles. Mr. Shevin also leads 13th Floor's Investor Relations team, which administers and reports on the firm's $3.1 billion portfolio in real estate asset value. Among Mr. Shevin's major achievements include securing $95 million in financing for the Harbour, a twin-tower, 425-unit luxury waterfront condominium located in North Miami Beach; the closing of a $76 million construction loan for 1010 Brickell, a 387-unit luxury residential tower; and facilitating a $50 million loan for Motion at Dadeland, a 294-unit, high-end, transit-oriented rental community in South Miami.
Prior to joining 13th Floor in 2010, Mr. Shevin was the CFO/COO of White Barron Asset Management, an asset manager focusing on the asset-backed bond market. Mr. Shevin began his career as a fund administration supervisor at Kaufman, Rossin & Co. and also served as the head fund accounting manager at United Capital Asset Management.
Mr. Shevin was named CFO of the year in 2012 by the South Florida Business Journal. He has been a CFA charter holder since 2006 and received his bachelor's degree from the Warrington School of Business at the University of Florida.
David Benhamu has been a practicing architect for over 10 years for boutique private and large corporate developers. He has focused on high-rise residential and mixed-use buildings with a persistent curiosity to understand and drive complex real estate projects. Mr. Benhamu holds a dual Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture from Universidad Central de Venezuela and the Politecnico di Milano in Italy and is a licensed architect in the states of Florida and Ohio.
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal, 13th Floor Capital
David Karsenti leads all aspects of 13th Floor Capital, and serves as CEO of its various portfolio companies. Prior to founding 13th Floor Capital, Mr. Karsenti was with global private equity firm Warburg Pincus, focusing on industrial and food-service businesses. Prior to Warburg Pincus, Mr. Karsenti was an investment banking analyst in the technology group at Evercore Partners.
Mr. Karsenti received an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics (MMSS) from Northwestern University.
David Resnick joined 13th Floor Investments in 2016 and brings more than 13 years of experience in the real estate investment industry. Prior to joining 13th Floor, Mr. Resnick worked for Gazit Group, an international commercial real estate investment company with over $20 billion in AUM. As an Associate in the M&A group at Gazit Globe, Mr. Resnick evaluated strategic initiatives to improve the performance of the company's portfolio and developed financial models and projections for both private and public acquisition opportunities. Mr. Resnick started his career in real estate in 2009 as part of the Rotational Analyst program at LNR Property, one of the largest CMBS special servicers, investors, and originators worldwide.
Mr. Resnick graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Business Administration and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.
Elianne Klein joined the 13th Floor team in 2021 with a total of 6 years of experience in Project Management with a recognized specialty contractor. She has worked on iconic and award-winning projects throughout Miami including the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel, Jackson Hospital West Campus, and the Royal Caribbean Headquarters. Prior to her career with Baker Concrete Construction, Mrs. Klein graduated from Northeastern University in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Eric Martinez joined 13th Floor Investments in October 2016. Mr. Martinez graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and holds a Master's of Business Administration from Saint Thomas University.
Harold Fox joined 13th Floor Investments in 2018. Mr. Fox graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, and Miami Dade College with an Associate's Degree in Emergency Medical Services.
Job Titles:
- Acquisitions Associate / Operations & Asset Management
Jan Trump joined 13th Floor Investments in 2015. Prior to working at 13th Floor, Mrs. Trump worked for DR Horton, Current Builders, BETA Construction and Engle Homes.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager
- Operations and Accounts Payable Manager
Joann Dinan joined 13th Floor Capital as Operations and Accounts Payable Manager in 2022. Prior to joining 13th Floor, Mrs. Dinan served as Office and Accounts Payable Administrator for Knightstone Capital Management, a Canadian-based real estate firm. Previously, she served in a variety of management roles, including with Prepskills, an admissions test preparatory company, and several hospitality companies, including Tabule, Cara, and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.
John Lonergan joined 13th Floor Investments in 2017. Proir to joining 13th Floor, Mr. Lonergan worked as Director of Operations for Centerline Homes and Area Manager for Cal Atlantic Homes and Courchene Development Corporation.
Job Titles:
- Principal, 13th Floor Capital
Josh Young manages the legal and corporate affairs of 13th Floor Capital and its portfolio companies, as well as serving as a member of the investment team. Prior to joining 13th Floor Capital, Mr. Young founded and served as CEO of a financial technology company focused on real estate financing. Mr. Young was previously General Counsel for two banks and also served as a partner or associate for several law firms.
Mr. Young graduated summa cum laude (valedictorian) from St. Thomas University School of Law, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Florida State University.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager & Investor Relations
Juliana Varona joined 13th Floor Investments in 2023. She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in Marketing. Ms. Varona also holds a real estate license in Florida and New York with Sotheby's International Realty.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Chief Operating Officer, 13th Floor Homes
- Division COO for 13th Floor Homes
As the Division COO for 13th Floor Homes, Julie Johnston is responsible for formulating policies, managing the daily operations, strategic decisions, and working with department managers to ensure the team reaches its organizational goals. Mrs. Johnston has 18 years of direct experience in the real estate investment and homebuilding industries.
Prior to joining 13th Floor Homes in 2019, Mrs. Johnston was the Executive Vice President for Centerline Capital Advisors, a real estate investment firm focused on land acquisition, development, and investments into homebuilding related assets. Prior, Mrs. Johnston was the Controller for Centerline Homes, a private builder in South Florida averaging $200 million in revenue. Mrs. Johnston started her career in 2004 as a Financial Analyst for Centerline Homes and held various roles in her tenure that include Treasury Manager and Manager of Financial Planning.
Mrs. Johnston holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in business from Nova Southeastern University. In addition, Mrs. Johnston is licensed Certified Public Accountant in Florida.
June Kim joined 13th Floor Investments in February of 2020 as a Project Manager. Prior to joining 13th Floor, June was a practicing architect for over 11 years in the state of New York and the state of Florida.
June graduated from the University of Illinois; Urbana Champagne with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and holds dual Master's degrees from the University of Washington in St. Louis in both Architecture and Urban Design. June is a licensed architect in the state of New York.
Job Titles:
- Director of Acquisitions, 13th Floor Homes
Job Titles:
- Division Controller, 13th Floor Homes
Lindsay Rayner joined 13th Floor Investments in August 2014. Mrs. Rayner graduated from Northwood University with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Accounting.
Marta Cuevas joined 13th Floor Investments in February 2017. Mrs. Cuevas graduated from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and holds a Master's of Science in Legal Studies from Kaplan University and Paralegal Certification from the College of Law at Florida International University.
With over 20 years of experience in the field of interior design and construction, Melissa Tolmach is responsible for all creative aspects of 13th Floor Investment's developments, from concept, through design and construction, to opening day. Mrs. Tolmach oversees the overall look and feel of the developments including interior design and elevation character. Her team also manages branding and lifestyle for projects, as well as multi-million-dollar budgets for material and furniture procurement. Mrs. Tolmach has established expertise in Multi-Family Residential projects, spanning high-rise, mid-rise & garden style. She was instrumental in successful 13th Floor projects such as: The Harbour, Motion at Dadeland, Link at Douglas and The Boulevard. Prior to joining 13th Floor in 2016, she was an Associate Designer with international architecture firm RTLK (now Callison RTKL or CRTKL) for over 10 years. This training ground in Workplace & Hospitality Design prepared her leadership at 13th Floor Investments. Mrs. Tolmach has been an NCIDQ certificate holder since 2005 and LEED AP since 2008. Mrs. Tolmach graduated from the Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Division President of 13th Floor Homes
- President, 13th Floor Homes Principal
As a Principal of 13th Floor Investments, Michael Nunziata serves as Division President of 13th Floor Homes, the company's wholly-owned homebuilding subsidiary, where he is responsible for various aspects of acquisitions, dispositions, asset management, and strategy. Mr. Nunziata has 18 years of direct experience in the real estate investment industry.
Under Mr. Nunziata's leadership, 13th Floor Homes has grown to become one of South Florida's top ten largest homebuilding companies. This success is largely attributed to his approach with parcel assemblage and infill development, enabling the company to deliver top quality new construction homes. One of his biggest achievements include the completion of Central Parc, a 253-home community in Tamarac, FL that sold out within two years of its official launch. In response to this high demand, 13th Floor Homes then developed two neighboring single-family communities, which together delivered 450 homes to middle-market and first-time buyers.
Prior to joining 13th Floor in 2009, Mr. Nunziata worked with Lane Capital Partners and its predecessor opportunity fund, Rossrock. Mr. Nunziata started his career with SunTrust Bank, as a portfolio manager in the commercial real estate finance group, where he worked on the origination and analysis of lending facilities. Mr. Nunziata holds a bachelor's degree in economics with a minor in entrepreneurship from the University of Florida and a Master of Science degree in real estate from Columbia University.
Michael Rudman, CPA, joined 13th Floor Capital as Chief Financial Officer in 2022. Prior to joining 13th Floor, Mr. Rudman served as the acting CFO (promoted from Controller) of American Vision Group, a private equity-backed optometry practice rollup. He previously served as Assistant Controller for Brightline Trains and started his career as an Auditor with Ernst & Young. Mr. Rudman earned a Master's Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from the University of Miami, where he also was a member of the ACC Champion Miami Hurricanes baseball team (RH Pitcher).
Nicole Clement, CPA, joined 13th Floor Capital as Controller in 2022. Prior to joining 13th Floor, Ms. Clement has served in a variety of accounting management roles, including at LedgerGurus, a virtual ecommerce focused outsourced accounting firm, MD Now Urgent Care, a 75-unit urgent care provider, Grupo Salinas Investments, a Mexican-based corporate conglomerate, Winston & Strawn, a top 50 U.S. law firm, and Motorola, a Fortune 500 multinational telecommunications company. She began her career as an auditor with PWC. Ms. Clement earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Michigan State University.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Principal
Rey Melendi joined 13th Floor in 2012, and oversees the development, construction, and operational asset management of the Sponsor's investments. Prior to 13th Floor, Mr. Melendi was the Director of REO at Rialto Capital Management LLC. At Rialto Capital Management LLC, he managed over $300 million in commercial and residential REO properties in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Eastern Seaboard.
Prior to joining Rialto, Mr. Melendi held several senior roles within Lennar Corporation. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President at Lennar Ventures, focusing on strategic partnerships in the Renewable Energy Industry, as well as managing Lennar's Government Affairs initiatives at the Federal and State level. As a member of the Lennar family for over 17 years, he held the titles of President (of the South East Florida Land Division), Real Estate and Sales Agent, Superintendent, Construction Area Manager, Director of Construction, VP of Construction, and Division President.
Mr. Melendi's areas of expertise include construction, development, underwriting, and acquisition of land, and day-to-day management of large groups of personnel. He has in depth knowledge of land entitlement, permitting processes, and DRIs.
Mr. Melendi was President of the Builders Association of South Florida and is a member of its Board of Directors. He is also involved with the United Way Young Leaders. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious Latin Builders Association "Land Developer of the Year" Award. He holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice and has a General Contractor's License.
Job Titles:
- Asset Manager & Investor Relations
Rodrigo Bonvin joined 13th Floor Investments in June 2015. Mr. Bonvin graduated from Florida International University with a Master's degree in Accounting.
Sabrina Hohl joined 13th Floor Investments in March 2022 with over 10 years of experience in interior design. Mrs. Hohl graduated from the Florida International University with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, a Master's degree in Interior Design, and a Certificate in Cruise Ship and Super Yacht Design.
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales & Marketing
Stefanie Mogull joined 13th Floor Investments in December 2013. Mrs. Mogull graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree.
Timothy Sanders joined 13th Floor Investments in November 2010. Mr. Sanders graduated from the University of Miami with a BBA in Accounting and holds a Master's in Professional Accounting from the University of Miami Herbert Business School.
Job Titles:
- Senior Acquisitions Associate