Those looking for sure signs of an improving economy need not look any further than Hallmark Partners Senior Vice President Keith Goldfaden. The year he put together in 2013 and the quick start this year are good reasons for optimism.
“Keith’s tenure with Hallmark is marked with success in equal parts development, finance and brokerage,” says Hallmark Co-founder and Principal Jeff Conn. “His expertise in so many core real estate areas all but assures his success.”
Over the past year Keith oversaw the refinancing or disposition of several prominent Hallmark owned properties to take advantage of the historically low interest rates and cap rates. “We really wanted to take advantage of the current rate environment and capitalize on strategic asset sales and long-term fixed rate financing on key portfolio assets,” says Keith.
“Keith is essentially our ‘Chief Investment Officer’ and a brilliant real estate professional equally capable with strategic and hammer-and-nail duties,” says Hallmark COO Dave Auchter. “Over the past year he essentially cleaned up our balance sheet and prepared Hallmark for the next 20 years of success.”
Keith was instrumental in getting 220 Riverside, downtown Jacksonville’s signature residential/retail project, underway by helping shape the development and joint venture financing structure. He also spearheaded the acquisition or disposition of more than 1 million square feet of retail, office and industrial property for non-Hallmark accounts. He has represented a broad range of owners, ranging from multi-billion dollar special servicers and institutional investors to local family offices and high net worth individuals.
Entering 2014 Keith is serving as point person for the site selection of a new soccer specific stadium for the NASL Armada FC soccer franchise. He’s also playing an instrumental role in the development of Hallmark’s $50mm+ Beacon Riverside luxury condominium. He will also be launching the sales efforts for several office/industrial properties by the end of the first quarter.
“What I love most about my job is the ability to work on a myriad of projects and wear several hats at one time,” says Keith. “The workdays can be long and strenuous, but they are dynamic and rewarding at the same time. I get to work side by side as a Principal with some of the smartest real estate professionals in Jacksonville and help shape our city along the way.”
Keith’s personal success has contributed greatly to the continued growth of the Hallmark enterprise that recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary and is doubling-down on its investments throughout the Jacksonville real estate market.
A native of Gainesville, FL, Keith has a Master of Science degree in Real Estate from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Emory University in Atlanta.
Keith started his career with UBS Investment Bank in New York where he covered the real estate, lodging and gaming sectors. While at UBS, he worked on high profile transactions for companies including Hilton Hotels, Vornado and JetBlue Airlines. He then spent three years as Development Officer for the Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino, a $3 billion condo/hotel casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip. He helped start the company and was involved in all aspects of the project including financing, design development and construction. In addition, he also helped secure future development sites and joint venture partners in Nevada and California.
Prior to joining Hallmark, Keith served as Associate Vice President for the KOR Group where he worked primarily on the development of a 140 unit Viceroy condo/hotel resort on the island of Anguilla. Keith is a licensed real estate broker in Florida, an active member of NAIOP, ICSC and serves on the Board for the Cathedral Arts Project.
