Senior Management

James D. "Jake" Geleerd
Michael Ezgur

Principals

James D. "Jake" Geleerd
Michael Ezgur
Gregory Braun

Advisory Board

Gary Greenburg
Mitchell Roth
Ross Pearlstein

James D. "Jake" Geleerd Managing Member
Jake has over 16 years of successful transaction and management experience in both the public and private real estate markets. Prior to joining Terrapin Properties, Jake was President of Sportsco International where he led the recapitalization and management of SkyDome, a world-class sports and entertainment venue. Jake has completed numerous acquisitions, financings, and initial public offerings for such companies as Equity Office, Equity Lifestyle and Equity Residential. Jake also teamed up with Harvey Walken, a long-time Chicago real estate investor, where he was involved in several real estate transactions primarily in downtown Chicago including One South Wacker, One North Wacker, 29 N. Wacker and 28 N. Franklin. Jake began his career as a tax consultant at Arthur Andersen & Company in Chicago. He is a member of Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) which consists of the world's most influential corporate presidents under the age of 44.

Michael Ezgur Managing Member
Michael has over 16 years experience as an accomplished real estate developer, broker and attorney. Prior to founding Terrapin, he acquired, developed and sold condominiums and multi-unit buildings, and managed his real estate law firm. He actively participates in acquisitions and deal structuring, financing, marketing, syndication and project development, and is the Managing Broker for Terrapin Realty, LLC, Terrapin’s in-house marketing and sales company, which accounts for over $800 million in sales. Michael is the President and Board Member of the West Central Association, the West Loop’s Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the National Association of Homebuilders, Chicago Association of Realtors, International Council of Shopping Centers, and a member of several other professional and charitable organizations. In the November 21, 2005, issue of Crain’s Chicago Business, Michael was chosen as one of Chicago’s “40 Under 40.”

Gregory Braun
Greg is managing partner of Terrapin Law Group, L.L.C., which assists Terrapin with all of its closings, condominium documents, leases and other third party agreements. By overseeing and executing several hundred closings per year, Greg is intimately involved with each sale and financing of all of Terrapin's end buyers. As Real Estate Counsel for Terrapin Properties, Greg also oversees all legal matters on each project.