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Donnie H. Belk
January 28, 2009
Dear Search Professional and Hiring Manager:
I am writing today to introduce myself as a candidate for a senior real estate development or acquisition position. Im enthusiastic to submit my resume for your review and feel that my qualifications are a strong fit for a leading public or private real estate development company. I prefer to stay in the Seattle, WA area, but I am also looking for opportunities in the Charlotte, NC area which is where I am from originally. Relocation to other areas is possible for the right opportunity.
As youll note from my attached resume, in my post as Vice President of Development and Senior Project Manager at Essex Property Trust, Inc (ESS) I was instrumental in meeting the companys aggressive objectives for Pacific Northwest development operations. Not only did I exceed their expectations with my ability to source new development deals, using my extensive local market knowledge and contacts, but I was also responsible for managing every aspect of the development process. Within the first six months of my employment beginning in September 2005, in fact, I was able to secure $46.5 million in new development deals and an additional $95 million within the first year and half. This equaled approximately 450 apartment units and 35,000 square feet of commercial space.
Although my early career background is in land acquisitions, youll note that my experience goes far beyond sourcing new development deals. Throughout my career in real estate development, I have gained extensive experience in all aspects of the process including:
Site acquisition and negotiating purchase and sale contracts
Project financial feasibility and due diligence with extensive experience in contaminated site remediation, cost recovery and final Department of Ecology approvals
Design oversight over the architects, engineers and all design subconsultants
Entitlement including preliminary plat approval, final plat approval, design review board approval, land use and building permit approval
Construction oversight through lease-up to stabilized occupancy
As you know, real estate development is a rough business, highly complex, and not for the faint of heart. I understand that there are thousands of variables and pitfalls that must be navigatedand believe that you will be impressed by the approach I take to managing the hairy nest each project represents. Once you have had a chance to review my resume, Id welcome the opportunity to discuss in detail around how I can add value to your clients organization. Please feel free to contact me at (425) 941-8878 if youd be interested in setting up an initial discussion!
Sincerely,
Donnie Belk
Enclosure: Resume
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Donnie H. Belk
SUMMARY
Commercial Real Estate Development professional with extensive experience managing large land acquisition and single-family/multi-family/mixed-use development projects for leading public and private real estate firms. Recognized for exceptional combination of interpersonal, financial and general management skills, along with the ability to foster outstanding collaboration among project personneland creatively overcome any obstacles that might impact project timelines and profitability targets.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
12+ Years of Commercial Real Estate ExpertiseConsultant/Subcontractor/Vendor Management
Land Acquisition Strategy & ExecutionContract Negotiation, Drafting & Administration
Construction Project BiddingContaminated Soil Remediation Projects
Project Scheduling, Permitting & EntitlementProject Troubleshooting & Creative Problem-Solving
Budgeting, Proforma & Cash Flow AnalysisSite Selection & Evaluation
Project Management & Team LeadershipSingle-Family, Multi-Family & Mixed-Use Projects
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
VP & Senior Development Manager Essex Property Trust, Inc.Bellevue, WA: 12/06 to 12/08
Rapid history of promotion within Essex, a publicly-traded company (NYSE: ESS) and the nations 3rd largest apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
Focused on Multi-Family Mixed-Use Development
Responsible for overseeing all aspects of development from land acquisitions, design, entitlement, construction and initial lease-up to stabilized occupancy for multi-family mixed-use projects that range in size from $10 to $95 million in total development cost
Performed all additional duties listed under Development Manager role below
Development Manager Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESS)Bellevue, WA: 09/05 to 12/06
Concentrated on land acquisitions, sourcing new development deals in the Pacific Northwest
Within the first six months of hire, secured $46.5 million in new development deals, and then closed an additional $95 million within the first year and a half, equaling approx. 450 apartment units and 35,000 square feet of commercial space
Reported to the Executive Approval Committee and the Board of Directors for new deal approval
Played key role in project development, overseeing all aspects of the development process from acquisitions, design, entitlement, building permits, construction and lease-up
Reviewed all reports from consultants and the general contractor, reviewing and approving all construction draw requests
Ensured that all construction schedules and budgets were updated on a monthly basis, in addition to holding responsibility for resolving any issues that might arise during the construction period
Worked with an on-site leasing team to oversee the initial leasing of the project
Proved oversight of all punch-list items and construction work to ensure work was completed in a first class manner according to the building plans and specifications
Reviewed monthly progress reports, as outlined in the companys policies and procedures manual, regarding the status of all projects
Developed deep knowledge of the communities surrounding each project and kept up-to-date on new and existing competing developments and their rental and vacancy rates
Managed one internal development associate and dozens of outside consultants that were collectively responsible for all of the companys Pacific Northwest development activities.
Land Development Project Manager Barclays North, Inc.Everett, WA: 08/03 to 09/05
Worked for this leading real estate company, focusing on Single Family Plat Development
Directly involved with project feasibility analysis on acquisitions/dispositions
Performed estimating, scheduling, and financial analysis functions, including the development/ maintenance of project budgets, schedules and cash flows
Managed all aspects of project design and entitlement, including final plat permitting and oversight of all related engineering processes
Managed resolution of title and boundary issues
Handled the acquisition and relinquishment of easements
Attended public hearings and jurisdictional meetings
Participated at a regional level with various associations, organizations and governmental affairs
Maintained excellent working relationships with jurisdictional officials, industry peers, contractors and consultants (including civil & structural engineers, wetland biologists, traffic engineers, landscape architects, and geotechnical engineers)
Development Manager The Fortune GroupSeattle, WA: 09/01 to 07/03
Focused on Multi-Family Mixed Use Development
Played lead role as a project manager for this Seattle development company from site acquisition through disposition
Authored financial proformas for apartment, town home, condo and single-family projects
Performed marketing management duties and oversaw the property management functions for three apartment buildings that were leased and sold, totaling a combined 209 units
Produced several professional marketing packages for the disposition of land, completed buildings, investment opportunities, and construction loan packages, as well as company promotions using print and digital media
Successfully qualified one of our apartment projects for the City of Seattles Property Tax Exemption Program
Development Associate / Acquisitions Manager The Fortune GroupSeattle, WA: 07/97 to 08/01
Assisted in locating, evaluating, and purchasing new properties to be taken in to the development stage
Managed consultants and supervised the gathering of permits and plans
Obtained development easements and/or agreements from adjacent properties and other necessary land development tasks such as tracking budgets, production volume, and market analysis
Purchased urban infill mixed-use development sites in Seattle, including several sites that were assemblages of several smaller parcels with multiple landowners
Operated in a land acquisition capacity in many jurisdictions in Washington, Oregon and California for several residential properties
Associate Project Manager / Purchaser The Fortune GroupSeattle, WA: 06/96 to 06/97
Assisted with a variety of project management duties including project bidding, contract negotiation, contract drafting and tracking, subcontractor and vendor coordination, and budget analysis
Performed various field market research activities such as shopping competitors projects and comparing unit size and finishes, price points and project amenities
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
B.A. Degree in Business Management, Seattle Pacific University1998
Certificate of Commercial Real Estate Development, University of Washington2001
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Completed Internship with Northwest Commercial (real estate brokerage), 1996
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Project
Excellent references and a full project portfolio available upon request
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