Our Team
100+ Years
Combined Experience
With more than 100 years of combined experience across leasing, development, capital markets, and operations, our team is built to execute with speed, precision, and insight. As both investors and operators, we apply hands-on asset management and tailored leasing strategies to unlock performance and enhance value.
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Glimcher
Michael Glimcher is a highly accomplished real estate executive with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of real estate and private equity. He brings deep expertise across the retail, industrial, multifamily, and office sectors and is recognized for leading transformational change through strategic vision, operational discipline, and innovative execution in both public and private market environments.
As CEO of BGO’s IREIT platform, Michael launched a public investment vehicle and successfully navigated complex S-11 and Blue Sky regulatory requirements. He acquired a $1 billion seed portfolio, established institutional governance structures, and positioned the company as a competitive player in the private wealth sector.
Previously, as CEO of Donahue Schriber Realty Group, Michael led a company-wide transformation that included a 20% reduction in general and administrative expenses while delivering consistent double-digit Net Operating Income (NOI) growth. His leadership culminated in a strategic sale of the firm at a sub-5% capitalization rate, generating strong returns for shareholders.
During his tenure as CEO of Starwood Retail Partners, Michael identified and addressed structural inefficiencies, reallocating capital from underperforming assets to high-yield opportunities. He successfully executed a $260 million oversubscribed bond offering, reinforcing investor confidence and enhancing capital agility.
Earlier in his career, Michael served as CEO of Glimcher Realty Trust, where he led a comprehensive portfolio repositioning - growing sales per square foot from $320 to $500 and improving occupancy rates to the mid-90s. His leadership culminated in a landmark $4.3 billion sale to Washington Prime Group. Michael also pioneered the development of Scottsdale Quarter, a marquee mixed-use destination in North Scottsdale known for its experiential retail and market-leading rental performance.
President and Chief Operating Officer
Butch Knerr
Butch Knerr is a seasoned real estate executive with over 37 years of leadership experience across leasing, development, design, construction, and property management. He is recognized for driving value creation and operational excellence in premier retail environments nationwide.
Most recently, Butch served as an Advisory Board Member for wpg (formerly Washington Prime Group), where he advised private equity ownership on strategic scaling initiatives, investment optimization, and industry best practices for portfolio repositioning.
As President of the Retail Division at the Irvine Company, Butch oversaw a 10 million square foot, 40-center portfolio of premier California properties. He spearheaded a transformative $275 million reinvestment initiative that modernized marquee assets including Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center, significantly enhancing asset value and tenant performance.
Previously, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Washington Prime Group, Butch played a pivotal role in executing the merger with Glimcher Realty Trust and oversaw leasing, development, construction, and operations for a national portfolio exceeding 100 shopping centers.
He began his career at Simon Property Group, where over 26 years he rose to Executive Vice President of Leasing, managing 85 million square feet across 55 regional malls and forging industry leading tenant relationships that drove sustained revenue growth.
Chief Investment Officer
Fred Battisti, Jr.
Fred Battisti, Jr. is an accomplished commercial real estate executive with over 18 years of experience in leasing strategy, tenant procurement, and portfolio optimization. He is recognized for driving exceptional growth and value creation across diverse national retail platforms.
Previously serving as Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Leasing at First National Realty Partners (FNRP), Fred scaled the firm's operations from 20 to 65 assets, expanding the portfolio from 2.5 million to over 13 million square feet nationwide. During his tenure, the team executed 375 new leases totaling 1.75 million square feet and generated more than $16.5 million in leasing fees, all while consistently driving NOI growth.
Earlier in his career, Fred held leadership roles at Brookfield Properties Retail/GGP, DLC Management, and Rouse Properties, where he oversaw large-scale leasing portfolios and negotiated anchor deals with leading national tenants including Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart, and Ross Dress for Less. He also founded Brier Hill Advisors, LLC, providing strategic leasing and redevelopment advisory services to landlords and tenants.
Fred is an active ICSC member and served on the Next Generation Leadership Network from 2022 to 2024. He currently serves as a judge for the ICSC Foundation Scholarship Fund and is actively engaged in community service with organizations including the Northside Youth Organization and Caron Treatment Centers.
Chief Financial Officer
Mark Yale
Mark Yale is a seasoned finance executive with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning public and private real estate, treasury, and corporate finance. He is recognized for his disciplined financial leadership and expertise in capital markets, governance, and strategic transactions.
Previously serving as Chief Financial Officer at Coastal Ridge Real Estate Partners, Mark oversaw comprehensive financial strategy, reporting, tax planning, and treasury operations for the firm's diversified real estate platform.
As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Washington Prime Group, Mark led financial management functions including accounting, finance, investor relations, tax, treasury, and information services for the publicly traded retail REIT. He successfully managed the financial integration following the company's acquisition of Glimcher Realty Trust in 2015, ensuring seamless operational continuity across the combined portfolio.
Previously, as Chief Financial Officer at Glimcher Realty Trust from 2004, Mark was instrumental in supporting capital market activities, corporate governance, and financial reporting during a critical period of strategic growth and eventual transaction completion.
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