TRACK RECORD
Prior to the formation of Park7 Group, the management team developed, built, owned, and managed the portfolio of Copper Beech Townhomes, which sold to the public REIT Campus Crest (CCG) for over $900 million in March 2013. Between 2000 and 2010, the management team grew Copper Beech to over 16,000 beds in 32 properties, which were located in 12 states, making it the fourth-largest owner of student housing in the nation. Throughout Copper Beech’s history, the portfolio was consistently occupied at between 97% and 99%.
Ron Gatehouse
Chief Executive Officer
Ron is responsible for the general management of each of the Group’s businesses. He primarily focuses on identifying and executing new business opportunities and ensuring that Park7’s standards of excellence are upheld. Ron attended Penn State University, where he obtained an undergraduate and master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Thereafter, Ron became a founding partner of Copper Beech Townhomes, where he eventually became the firm’s President. In 2010, Ron co-founded Park 7 Group and assumed his current role. Ron is an avid Penn State fan and currently sits on the Penn State Smeal College of Business Real Estate Advisory Board.
Beejan Savabi
Executive Vice President, Property Operations
Beejan is ultimately responsible for the operational performance of Park7’s portfolio of assets. He plays a key role in analyzing the viability of individual markets and manages the positioning of all new developments. While completing his degree in Business Management from Purdue University, Beejan began his career at Copper Beech where he helped build one of the nation’s top property management organizations. His dedication earned him regular promotions within the organization, eventually rising to a partner and Vice President of Property Management.
In 2010, Beejan co-founded Park7, and assumed his current role. Beejan is an extraordinary chef, and enjoys international travel and playing competitive basketball.
Paul Levine
Executive Vice President, Development
Paul is responsible for identifying target markets and entitling specific land parcels for the firm’s development arm. He also shares responsibility for conducting initial underwriting and for ongoing property tax optimization. Paul’s career has spanned the globe, and includes positions in trading, mergers and acquisitions, new business development and precious metals arbitrage. Paul holds a degree in Economics from Brown University.
In 2010, Paul co-founded Avalon Partners (now Park7), and assumed his current role. When not at the office, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children.
Philip Smith
Senior Vice President, Construction
Philip is responsible for all aspects of the design and construction of the firm’s ground-up developments. Additionally, he lends his knowledge and experience to the planning of all major capital projects for existing assets and potential acquisitions. After earning a degree in Residential Property Management from Virginia Tech University, Philip began a long career in residential and commercial construction, working for JPI Construction, Copper Beech, and English Construction.
Philip joined Park7 in 2011, and assumed his current role. Philip is a devoted saltwater fisherman who enjoys spending his free time in the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay, riding his mountain bike, kayaking, hiking, and traveling.