Brand Street Properties is comprised of a highly skilled and experienced team of real estate professionals. With a mix of talent spanning multiple generations, Brand Street blends a longstanding and established knowledge base with a progressive, cutting-edge vision.
President
Paul Brandes
Paul Brandes
President
As the founding Principal of Brand Street Properties, Paul focuses his efforts on the company’s strategic direction, sourcing new opportunities for its investment platform and overseeing the asset management and development initiatives across the company’s portfolio. Paul’s leadership drives the company’s core values and fosters an entrepreneurial approach to Brand Street’s investment and asset management platform.
Historically, Paul was a founding principal of Charter Realty & Development Corp. where he was responsible for identifying and managing all aspects of new property acquisitions, as well as directing its development, and redevelopment efforts. Prior to founding Charter Realty, Paul spent ten years working in acquisitions, development, and property management roles for National Realty and Development of Purchase, NY as well as the CGI Companies of Brookline, MA. Paul has managed and developed more than ten million square feet of retail real estate throughout the U.S. over the course of his career.
Paul’s philanthropic contributions include many national and local charities. He is a firm believer in giving back to the community, striving to make a positive impact on the neighborhoods he serves, and takes great pride in his projects and partners.
EVP – Development & Asset Management
Karen Johnson
Karen Johnson
EVP – Development & Asset Management
Karen joined the team in 2001 and is responsible for development and redevelopment activities for the Brand Street portfolio. She is instrumental in the due diligence process for acquisitions and coordinates the entitlement process for all development related matters. Karen also directs the construction and property management teams. She represents landlord interests on master association and condominium boards addressing complex owner responsibilities. Prior to joining the company, Karen served as a Real Estate Development Manager for the Stop & Shop Company. In that position, she was responsible for project management with an emphasis on schedule and budget for new store development in Connecticut, New York, and western Massachusetts and served as the primary company representative during the community outreach and public meeting phases of the permitting process. Karen also worked as an analyst at Robinson & Cole LLP, where she assisted with the due diligence and permitting process for commercial real estate and development clients.
VP – Acquisitions & Asset Management
Jordan Brandes
Jordan Brandes
VP – Acquisitions & Asset Management
Jordan Brandes joined the team in 2019. He is responsible for evaluating and executing on new acquisition opportunities as well as handling all financial analysis throughout the company’s portfolio. In addition, he contributes to development, asset management, leasing, partnerships and debt financing activities for the firm. Prior to joining the company, Jordan worked at Madison Realty Capital where he played key roles in the underwriting, structuring, execution and asset management of approximately $2BN of debt and equity investments across various asset classes and geographies nationwide. Prior to this, Jordan was at Deutsche Bank within the Commercial Real Estate Special Situations Group (SSG).
VP – Accounting & Corporate Operations
Casey DeSimone
Casey DeSimone
VP – Accounting & Corporate Operations
Casey joined the team in 2018. She oversees all accounting, information technology, and human resource activities. In this role, she works with her team to ensure corporate and property financials are accurately maintained and reported. Casey also fosters banking relationships, manages all tax work, and oversees investor relations. Prior to joining the company, Casey was CFO of Lucerne Capital Management, L.P., a Greenwich, Connecticut-based hedge fund. Casey stared her career at BDO Seidman as an international tax consultant after graduating from Georgetown University with a double concentration in International Business and Marketing and a minor in Biology. Casey currently resides with her family in Westchester County, NY.
VP – Leasing & Asset Management
Lisa King
Lisa King
VP – Leasing & Asset Management
Lisa King joined the team in 2010 and is responsible for directing the lease process from LOI through execution, maintaining symbiotic tenant relationships, and providing tenant-focused asset management of owned and managed properties. Lisa also oversees all aspects of the company-wide risk management program. In addition, she is a key participant in the diligence process evaluating new acquisitions. Prior to joining the company, Lisa was VP at American Properties Corporation, VP and Treasurer of Atlas Group Inc. and Controller of the New York Sales Office for Nortel Networks. Lisa currently resides in Westchester, NY.
VP – Property Operations & Asset Mgt
Andrew Sufian
Andrew Sufian
VP – Property Operations & Asset Mgt
Andrew Sufian joined the Asset Management group in 2022 and is responsible for the management of complex mixed-use assets for Brand Street. In this role, Andrew directs property related operations, construction, office leasing, and property management functions and all related on-site staffing. Prior to joining the company, Andrew was a General Manager at Rubenstein Partners overseeing asset management and property management for the Connecticut portfolio. He also spent time at General Growth Properties as a General Manager. Andrew began his career at Intrawest in varying roles ultimately as an Operations Manager of Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont.
Director – Asset Management
Katie Flynn
Katie Flynn
Director – Asset Management
Katie Flynn joined the team in 2017 and is responsible for financial analysis, as well as contributing to development, asset management, leasing, partnerships and debt financing activities for the firm. Prior to joining the company, Katie was a Senior Equity Analyst at IHS Inc., a leading provider of energy research. In this role, she focused on the valuation of small-cap oil and gas companies and authored regional asset valuation reports which evaluated prospective opportunities in frontier oil and gas plays. Katie currently resides in Fairfield County, CT.
Director – Leasing
JessiCa Brown
JessiCa Brown
Director – Leasing
Jessica Brown joined the asset management team in 2020, where she focuses primarily on lease management. In addition, she collaborates with the acquisitions and property management teams. Prior to joining the company, she was a Retail Leasing Manager at Joe & The Juice, where she led the lease negotiation process for their U.S. expansion plan, assisted with tax compliance, and helped with acquiring licensing and permits for all U.S. stores. She also served as a Real Estate Associate at Breather, where she managed the entire lease portfolio. Jessica started her career at Metropolitan Capital Advisors, where she was responsible for the coordination and execution of all stages in the loan closing process. She grew up in Dallas and resides in New York City.
Director – Leasing
JEssica Hansen
JEssica Hansen
Director – Leasing
Jessica joined Brand Street Properties in November 2024, primarily focused on leasing and asset management in conjunction with property management on tenant and lease related matters. Jessica’s career in real estate spans over 20 years in all aspects of the real estate industry including residential, commercial, office, mixed use development and retail. Her experience working with national and regional retailers and local business owners for institutional landlords, REIT’s, private equity and boutique real estate firms in multiple markets and across many different regions across the United States has proven tremendously valuable and is reflected in her successful track record. Jessica started her real estate career in Florida although she was raised in the Northeast and happy to return home to Connecticut in 2019 to further pursue her career.
Senior Director – Property Management
Myles Ostroff
Myles Ostroff
Senior Director – Property Management
Myles Ostroff joined the team in February 2011 and provides high touch property and facilities management services for the Brand Street portfolio. His responsibilities include project management, tenant relations, vendor oversight, common area maintenance and repairs, as well as all other property management functions. Prior to joining the company, Myles spent three years in residential property management for Barkan Management Company, managing a portfolio of five Boston area community associations. Myles spent six years as a division manager for Francisco Tavares Inc. where he oversaw daily operations of a large high-end landscape construction and maintenance company.
Senior Director – Property Management
Anthony Ludden
Anthony Ludden
Senior Director – Property Management
Anthony Ludden joined the team in November 2013. He is responsible for day-to-day operations of multi-site, multi-state community and grocery-anchored shopping centers, as well as single tenant net leased properties. In addition, he is responsible for planning, controlling and directing the day-to-day operations of a portfolio of properties while maintaining effective and harmonious tenant relations in line with the financial objectives, value and integrity of the real estate. Prior to joining the company, Anthony spent over 13 years in commercial and residential construction in New England and Chicago, and 7 years as production manager in an industrial chemical manufacturing plant in Michigan.
Director – Property Management
Mike Fama
Mike Fama
Director – Property Management
Michael Fama joined the team in August of 2019. Mike is responsible for Southern arm of Brand Street’s Property Management. His primary responsibilities include oversight of day-to-day property operations, tenant relations, vendor administration, project management, and capital planning. Mike also assists on special projects throughout the Brand Street portfolio. Mike spent two years at Equinox fitness as an Area Facilities Manager in NYC. He also spent four years at CITYMD Urgent Care as the Facilities Manager for their entire portfolio.
Director – Construction Management
Shawn Trudel
Shawn Trudel
Director – Construction Management
Shawn joined the team in 2023 and is responsible for construction project management at the Blue Back Square and Evergreen Walk locations in Connecticut. Shawn is a licensed E2 Electrical Journeyman which aids in his daily construction oversight role. For over 20 years, Shawn played an integral role in the Global Facilities department at ESPN in Bristol, CT. During his tenure there, he provided construction management and facilities services while assisting with redevelopment of the ESPN headquarters campus. Shawn also was involved in expanding the Disney company’s facilities nationally with oversight roles on multiple projects. Shawn currently resides in Avon with his wife and his dog Gracie.
Property Manager
Dylan Fisher
Dylan Fisher
Property Manager
Dylan joined the team in November 2020 and brings over a decade of property management experience. He is focused on facilities management including landscaping, snow removal, fire protection, and everything in between for common area maintenance, capital and tenant work. Prior to joining the company, Dylan spent 9 years working in healthcare property management and 5 years in commercial property management. In these roles he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the properties such as preventative maintenance and repairs, budgeting, bidding and contracting, vendor oversight, tenant relations and many other property management functions.
Property Manager
Michael Keany
Michael Keany
Property Manager
Michael Keany joined the team in 2023 and is responsible for the day-to-day tenant relations, property maintenance and repairs, vendor selection and oversight, as well as other daily operational tasks at Blue Back Square. Prior to joining the company, Mike spent over five years at AXA XL as an Operations Director. His duties there included facilities management, national project management and oversight of numerous office locations around the US. Mike also spent 23 years at KPMG LLP, in increasing facilities management roles throughout his tenure there. Mike grew up and currently resides in West Hartford with his wife and son.
Senior Property Accountant
Jeffrey Santini
Jeffrey Santini
Senior Property Accountant
Jeff joined the team in 2020 as a property accountant. Prior to joining the company, Jeff worked for a division of the Related Companies. He was also a project accountant for Chicago-based Pioneer Acquisitions, a firm focused on acquiring properties in the Chicagoland market. He brings experience in financial reporting to Brand Street. Jeff currently resides in Westchester County, New York.
Senior Property Accountant
Terry Cardenas
Terry Cardenas
Senior Property Accountant
Terry Cardenas the team in 2023 and is responsible for property accounting. Prior to joining the company, Tery worked at Seagis Corp. in Florida where she was an Assistant Property Controller and focused primarily on Leasing administration, auditing, recoveries, and financial reporting. Prior to this, Terry worked at Berger Commercial where she was a Senior Property Accountant. Terry was also a Senior Accountant for Frontier Communications and Maxx Properties in the Connecticut and New York area. Terry currently resides with her family in Connecticut.
Assistant Property Manager
Nicole Powell
Nicole Powell
Assistant Property Manager
Nicole Powell joined the team in November 2020. Her responsibilities include property management functions, vendor oversight, marketing, and tenant relations. Prior to joining the company, Nicole had a 16-year tenure as marketing coordinator for Poag Shopping Centers. In this position she was responsible for preparing annual budgets and strategic marketing plans, performing monthly budget reforecasts, completing monthly reports, developing marketing programs and traffic driving events, planning and placing media buys, creating content for local media coverage, and assisting all departments with management functions as needed. She currently resides in Connecticut with her husband.
Assistant Property Manager
Lauren Martin
Lauren Martin
Assistant Property Manager
Lauren Montgomery joined the team in February 2023 to assist with the property management of Blue Back Square in West Hartford, CT. She focuses on tenant and vendor relations and provides support to development, construction, marketing, leasing and accounting. Prior to joining the company, Lauren was a Property Manager with PeakMade Real Estate at Meadowbrook Gardens, a student housing property servicing the UConn community. Throughout her 3 years there, Lauren generated over $10 Million in rental income and maximized property income, occupancy and NOI. Additionally, Lauren was awarded Leasing Manager of the Year (’22) and won numerous other awards for high performance.
Accounts Payable Specialist
Lisa Angers
Lisa Angers
Accounts Payable Specialist
Lisa joined the Accounting team in 2020. Prior to joining the company, Lisa worked with Kaman Precision Products, working with the Accounts Payable and Account Receivable team for the Middletown and Orlando divisions. In this role, she was responsible for processing invoices, the submission of check requests and ACH payments along with reconciliations, and month-end accruals/year-end accruals. In addition, she was responsible for submitting year-end reporting 1099’s, as well as internal/external audit requests and interacting with various vendors and buyers. Prior to this, Lisa worked for Citi Bank NA for 16 years in Payroll as a Garnishment Specialist.
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Erica Chavez
Erica Chavez
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Erica joined the team in 2021 as the Accounts Receivable Specialist for Blue Back Square and Evergreen Walk. Prior to joining the company, Erica was a part of the Property Management Team at Constitution Plaza, a large mixed use commercial development in Hartford, CT for over 18 years. Prior to leaving JLL, Erica held the role of Property Administrator and was also a member of the Active Spaces Committee through the Hartford Business Improvement District. In 2020 Erica was also part of the JLL Management Team of various Stag Industrial Properties in Connecticut with Tenants such as XPO Logistics, Bozzuto’s, Thule and various properties in Avon, East Windsor and Hartford.
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Cynthia Lambert
Cynthia Lambert
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Cynthia joined the team in 2022 as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. She has been in the Real Estate Industry for over 20 years, specializing in Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Lease Administration and bookkeeping for both residential and commercial projects. She has past experience working for small family-owned businesses as well as larger companies. In addition, she has studied Business Organization at Fordham University. Cynthia currently resides in Westchester County.
Senior Facilities Manager
Ethan Frazier
Ethan Frazier
Senior Facilities Manager
Ethan Frazier joined the team in 2023 and manages the day-to-day maintenance and preventative maintenance of all owned HVAC and MEP equipment. Ethan also assists with vendor selection and relations as well as priority assignment for all facility operations. Prior to joining Brand Street Properties, Ethan spent 3 years with Winstanley Enterprises as the Lead Maintenance Technician with oversight of multiple properties across CT. Ethan also spent 3 years working for Taubman Company LLC in facilities maintenance at West Farms Mall. Ethan currently resides in Bristol, CT with his wife, Trudee and dog Nova.
Facilities Manager
Mauricio Clavijo
Mauricio Clavijo
Facilities Manager
Mauricio Clavijo joined the Facilities team in 2021. Mauricio is responsible for the day-to-day upkeep and maintenance of the property and for responding to tenant workorders. Mauricio has on-site experience with multiple systems, including HVAC, fire protection, electrical and security. Mauricio resides in West Hartford and enjoys traveling in his free time.
Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Denise Roshco
Denise Roshco
Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Denise Roshco joined the team in 2011 as the general office manager and executive assistant. She serves as the primary contact for external offices, and provides logistical and administrative support to the team. In addition, Denise is involved with corporate event and meeting planning. She started her career as a teacher in the NYC Public Schools, and currently resides in Westchester County, New York.
Our strategic leasing partnership with Brand Urban brings an additional edge to our holistic service offering.