Partner with MORE.
We are your catalyst— your action, your plus-up, and your connection to results.
We are the catalyst between the investor and idea—igniting a reaction that produces MORE. More opportunities, more insights, and more results. Surrounded by action-driven partners, proprietary technology, and experience in multifamily communities throughout the Sunbelt, we deliver a synergistic and frictionless experience to our investors and CRE partners. We provide more.
Our History
We are — and always have been — Catalysts for results.
We believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way. Since 2008, we have generated tangible outcomes across real estate developments, investments, and transactions in a variety of different asset classes. We always seek to provide more, give more, and pursue more, so that our investors get more. Our dynamic experience manifests in our retail and office assets, attached/detached Build For Rent (BTR) residential, Active-Adult, gardens-style, mid-rises, high-rises, and affordable multifamily assets. Our team is made up of visionary thought leaders who persist with integrity, perspective, and the means for long-term generated success.
Our Approach
We are industry leaders in generating above-market returns for our investors
Direct Access to Opportunities
The partners at Catalyst Capital Partners have built and still own the largest privately owned multifamily investment sales brokerage in the country. This experience and the resulting network of deep industry relationships throughout the United States is a significant factor in Catalysts Capital Partners’ success.
Superior Risk Adjusted Returns
Catalyst Capital Partners are industry leaders in generating above-market returns for our investors, because we use well timed, tried and true investment strategies. We are able to stay ahead of our competitors by utilizing meticulous risk assessments, buying into upside opportunities at below-market pricing and executing our value creation strategies with superior precision. Our team’s impeccable track record speaks for itself.
Extensive Due-Diligence & Deep Market Intel
Our expert team of professionals helps us vet opportunities with maximum efficiency. Due to the Catalyst Capital Partner’s team’s experience at the top of the multifamily industry, our company has deep industry relationships that work tirelessly to give us the information and access advantage that helps us quickly execute legitimate opportunities and weed out deals that don’t serve our clients’ best interests.
The Resources & Experience to Execute
Our principles have decades of experience in acquiring, developing, operating, brokering, managing, and liquidating various asset types in commercial real estate across the region. This is what makes us exceptional. The diverse perspectives and experiences of our leaders help us consistently outmaneuver and outperform the competition.
Opportunistic Approach & Investment Optionality
An opportunistic approach to investing, while maintaining optionality with all investments allows Catalyst Capital Partners to diversify our risk profiles and maximize upside.
Transparency & Operational Integrity Above All Else
At Catalyst Capital Partners, integrity is mandatory. It drives every deal and interaction. It’s the only way we do business.
Strategic Partners, Capital Providers & Lenders
Our Team
Our expert team’s diverse background makes Catalyst Capital Partners uniquely well-rounded, helping us bring unparalleled innovation and exceptional entrepreneurial technique to the sophisticated world of commercial real estate development.
As a self-made multiple business owner, AJ exemplifies the transformation from entrepreneur to leader. With no formal education in business, AJ begin his career in 2008, co-founding Capstone Companies, now the largest privately held multifamily investment sales brokerage in the nation. AJ has learned that above all, the key to scaling a business is humble, servant leadership. As a leader of his businesses, AJ has instilled in his team critical Core Values including putting “Team Before Self”, “Checking Your Ego at the Door” and having a “Relentless Passion for Improvement”.
Having founded three successful real estate start-ups, a growing food and beverage business, and various tech-enabled investments, AJ has acquired valuable skills from the business world. AJ prides himself on his approachable personality, team-before-self way of living, easy going nature and relentless work ethic. These traits have helped AJ develop a reputation as a trusted resource for anything multifamily, commercial real estate, technology or non-profit related.
Currently Managing Partner (Co-founder) of Catalyst Capital Partners, a multifamily development and investment company with a $1B+ pipeline throughout the Southeast, AJ oversees the management and investment activities of the firm.
AJ continues to act as a Partner (Co-Founder) of Capstone and directs the company's national growth and technology-related business development initiatives. Capstone is a multi-year recipient of the “Inc. 500/5000 Award” and multi-year winner of The Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” List. Over the past 12+ years with Capstone, AJ has led the firm’s growth from one office in Charlotte, NC to twenty coast-to-coast. In his time as a broker at Capstone, AJ led investment sales transactions representing an aggregate value of $2.5B+ and 25,000+ units. In this role, AJ was the Top Producer for 3 of his last 4 years.
AJ is also the founder and passive Partner of Built on Hospitality, a NC-based Food and Beverage group with a focus on creative new concepts in the full-service and QSR space throughout the Southeast.
While his business responsibilities are many, the pursuit of most pride for AJ, international philanthropy, specifically funding and building elementary schools around the world, is AJ’s guiding light. As a Global Board Member of BuildOn, the largest NGO in the world focused on building schools in rural third-world villages, AJ has been responsible for the funding and construction of 3 primary schools in Central and South America (225 students year-round), with 5+ more in the pipeline.
AJ graduated from The University of Michigan in 2007 with a MS in Bio-Psychology and Cognitive Science. AJ is a member of the National Multi-Housing Council and the Urban Land Institute and is active in various other professional and philanthropic roles across the region. He enjoys Michigan sports, volunteering, the outdoors, world travel, and spending time with his wife Caitlin, and two boys, Harrison and Jackson.
Brian Ford is one of the Managing Partners of Catalyst Capital Partners and is responsible for overall management of the firm and its development and investment activities.
He is also a co-founder and Chairman of Capstone Companies and served as managing partner of the firm since its inception in 2008 until 2021. Today, Capstone’s achievements include:
#1 Privately Owned Multi-Family Brokerage Nationwide
Revenue from $0 in FY 2008 to $52 Million in FY 2021
4% Annual Sales Volume Growth in the Last Year
Firm Sales Totaling $8.4B+
Recognized as an INC 5000 fastest growing company
100+ Employees
Won Best Places to Work – Charlotte Business Journal
Donated $100K+ to Philanthropic Efforts
Brian’s extensive experience has garnered him with a comprehensive understanding of the residential and multi-family sectors, which has led him to create a number of unique development and acquisition projects. Most notably, Brian’s Wayford at Concord Build-to-Rent apartment development project, with rental townhomes and ranches. Wayford Concord was the first of it’s kind in the Carolinas and was ranked the #1 apartment community in the Charlotte MSA by Charlotte renters in 2020.
Brian led the launch of Capstone Cares, Capstone’s 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has raised funds for Homes For Our Troops, Crossnore, YMCA, Charlotte Family Housing, JDRF, and more. He has also served on the Board of Directors for State Maintenance of America & Theatre Charlotte, as President of the Mint Museum’s Young Affiliate Group, and on the President’s Young Leaders Council at Elon University. Brian earned a degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the Love School of Business at Elon University.
Brian enjoys playing golf, following his favorite Michigan sports teams, boating with his 2 dogs on Lake Wylie or Edisto Island, and spending time with his wife, Heather, and their 5-year-old daughter, Isabella.
With more than 14 years of experience, Ted Hill brings a unique and valuable skillset to the sponsorship team. His experience in commercial real estate spans all sectors, but has always been focused on value-add income capacity.
Ted began his real estate career renovating single family homes in 2004 and graduated to commercial real estate in 2006. To date, he has participated in more than half a billion dollars in transaction volume as both a principal and broker.
Ted has participated in ventures with clientele and investors ranging from small, high net worth individuals to $30+ billion dollar private equity groups. He has experience in brownfield redevelopment, rezoning, adaptive re-use development, bankrupted debt purchases, REO acquisitions, air rights trades, and M&A activity. Additionally, Ted holds a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.
Outside of work, Ted holds a leadership position at Forest Hill Church, Mission Forward, and Hiinga, Inc. He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and studied abroad at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.
Davis joined the Catalyst team in October 2023 as a Development Associate and has previous experience with Hill Partners in project and property management.
Prior to joining Catalyst, Davis began his career with a Charlotte-based mixed-use developer. Davis grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an avid golfer, hiker, and enjoys spending time in the mountains of North Carolina.
Erich joined Catalyst Capital Partners as Director of Finance in May 2022. Bringing more than ten years of experience advising owners, management teams and investors of privately held companies on a broad range of business matters including corporate governance, financial analysis, valuation, operations and transaction structuring.
Before joining Catalyst Capital Partners, Erich served as Vice President with Wells Fargo’s Business Advisory Services and Truist Bank’s Privately Held Investments practices where he advised clients on business transition planning and managed multi-billion dollar portfolios of real estate and privately held investments. Previously, he was a Senior Equity Analyst with J.P. Morgan’s Closely Held Asset Management practice. Erich has executed complex transactions in his capacities as a board member and fiduciary across a number of industries including: commercial real estate, multi-family development, government contracting and intellectual property.
Erich graduated from University of North Carolina at Greensboro with degrees in Economics and Business Administration from the Bryan School of Business and Economics. Outside of work Erich and his wife, Casey, enjoy exploring new restaurants, traveling and participating in sports with their two boys.
John has over 25 years of residential experience and has developed $2B+ of ground-up residential and associated retail. He has served in executive positions at Terwilliger Pappas Multifamily Partners, Trammel Crow Residential, and AMLI Residential covering markets throughout the Southeast. Additional experience includes consulting for a high-yield credit fund structuring complex senior, preferred, and equity transactions. He has extensive experience in development and operations of both for-sale and for-rent product as well.
John earned a master’s degree in real estate from M.I.T., an undergraduate degree in economics from Vanderbilt University, and studied at the London School of Economics. He has won awards that include NAHB’s national Best in American Living Award, ULI’s national Development of Excellence Award, ASID’s Carolinas Excellence in Design Awards for Residential Multiunit and for Hospitality. John has four children and resides in Atlanta with his wife.
With over 20 years of construction management experience, Mike joined the Catalyst Capital Partners team in June 2022. His experience ranges from retirement communities, residential and commercial development sites, and big box stores to townhome and condo projects and university buildings. Mike’s previous experience has spanned the country from Maryland to Texas to Michigan. He’s completed over 40 hours of OSHA certification. Mike prides himself on being dedicated to completing high-quality projects, safely, on-time and within budget.
Mike is an alumni of Ohio State University/ATI. Outside of work, Mike enjoys fly fishing in the mountains out west for trout and inshore/offshore fishing down in Edisto beach.
Steve joined Catalyst Capital Partners as Regional Development Partner in November 2024 and brings 20 years of experience in creating residential and multifamily communities. With a proven track record in entitlement, development and construction Steve has been involved with over $2B worth of multifamily communities.
Prior to joining Catalyst Capital Parners. Steve served as Managing Director of Development-Carolinas with Mill Creek Residential, a leading private multifamily developer, builder and operator. Previously, he served as Managing Vice President of Development for The Michaels Organization. During his time with The Michaels Organization, he worked on over $1B of multifamily and student housing deliveries including Class A Market Rate, Attainable, Off Campus Student Housing and On Campus Student Housing (P3). Prior to joining The Michaels Organization, Mr. Hillebrand served in multi capacities for nationwide student housing firm based in Charlotte helping to develop, construct and operate student housing assets across 20+ states.
Mr. Hillebrand received a Bachelor of Arts from Elon University and studied at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Outside of work Steve enjoys golfing, anything outdoors and helping others. Steve and his wife reside in Weddington, enjoy traveling and spending time with their family, friends, neighbors and pets.
Nic brings over 20 years of construction experience to Catalyst Capital Partners, specializing in student housing, senior living, and market-rate housing across multiple states, including Maine, Florida, Washington, and Arizona. He has successfully developed and built over $500 million in new construction and holds a General Contractor license in more than 15 states. Nic is committed to delivering high-quality projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
Nic began his career at Campus Crest, where he played a key role in building student housing nationwide, contributing to over $500 million in completed projects. He later led Senior Living and Memory Care developments across the Southeast for Watercrest Senior Living, overseeing award-winning projects from design to delivery. As Director of Construction at Clover Construction, Nic managed teams building 10-12 projects simultaneously across the Midwest, focusing on active adult communities for the 55+ market.
Nic has also held leadership roles with prominent organizations, including Swinerton, where he completed complex multifamily projects in Raleigh and Charlotte, and Sterling Group and EMJ Construction, specializing in market-rate apartments.
A Purdue University alumnus, Nic enjoys golfing, boating, and spending time with his family when he's not on the job.
Mallie has over 20 years of experience in real estate development, specializing in development, entitlement, construction management, financial analysis, and asset management. He has extensive expertise in managing multi-million-dollar development and asset projects across both residential and commercial sectors. Since 2014, Mallie has focused on residential lot development, successfully completing over 20,000 lots across the Carolinas in partnership with national and regional builders.
His career includes roles with national home builders, a publicly traded residential lot developer, and private developers, where he has supported ground-floor real estate initiatives to achieve both short- and long-term revenue goals. Mallie brings a strong skill set in risk management, contractual exposure, and relationship management, complemented by strategic planning, land development, real estate management, and construction expertise. He also has a proven ability to analyze business needs, identify project deficiencies, and implement cost-effective, innovative solutions to drive successful real estate development.
His career includes roles with national home builders, a publicly traded residential lot developer, and private developers, where he has supported ground-floor real estate initiatives to achieve both short- and long-term revenue goals. Mallie brings a strong skill set in risk management, contractual exposure, and relationship management, complemented by strategic planning, land development, real estate management, and construction expertise. He also has a proven ability to analyze business needs, identify project deficiencies, and implement cost-effective, innovative solutions to drive successful real estate development.
Joe serves as the Development Manager at Catalyst Capital Partners, where he oversees ground-up commercial and multifamily projects. With 12 years of experience in acquisition, entitlement, development, and construction, Joe has contributed to mixed-use projects along the East Coast. During his tenure at Forest City Realty Trust in NYC, he developed and acquired over $200 million in high-rise Class A multifamily, office, and mixed-use projects. At Katerra, Joe managed a $500 million commercial portfolio, including multifamily, office, retail, and ground-up projects across five states (NC, SC, TN, GA, FL). Additionally, while at Wood Partners, he served as a Construction Project Manager, overseeing more than 300 garden-style and podium-style multifamily projects in Raleigh and Durham, NC. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a Minor in Construction Management from the Tandon School of Engineering at NYU, graduating in 2012.
Austin, a Senior Finance Associate at Catalyst, supports development partners with site analysis, financial modeling, asset management, and investor reporting.
Before joining Catalyst, he spent four years at The Spectrum Companies, focusing on capital management and development. There, he analyzed multifamily, office, and mixed-use opportunities, prepared investment and financing packages, and managed investment fund assets.
Austin holds a Master of Science in Finance from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from NC State University. In his free time, he enjoys golf, pickleball, trips to Atlantic Beach, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers and NC State Wolfpack.
Darian brings a diverse set of skills to her role as Executive Assistant to AJ Klenk. With experience in management, design, and marketing, she effectively supports AJ’s entrepreneurial ventures and contributes to the overall success of the Catalyst team.
An Appalachian State University graduate, Darian holds a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Psychology. She is also a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, guiding individuals to form deeper relationships with themselves and the world around them in her spare time.
Invest with us
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about investment opportunities with Catalyst Capital Partners.