Former Top Silverstein Exec Launches Hyperion, A New Investment And Development Firm

Rob Vecsler, a former Silverstein Properties executive, has announced that after leaving Silverstein he is re-launching Hyperion Group, a South Florida and New York based real estate investment and development firm. Rob Vecsler spent the past six years at Silverstein Properties in New York, where he served as President of Residential Development and Head of Acquisitions, overseeing in excess of $4 billion dollars in development and acquisitions, while also serving on the company’s investment committee. Vecsler has reconstituted the core team at Hyperion that developed several large-scale projects together in Miami.

To coincide with the re-launch of Hyperion Group, the firm has formed a partnership with Winter Properties to co-invest in investment opportunities in South Florida, New York and other select markets. Hyperion will serve as the developer for the venture’s projects. 

“We are delighted to have Winter as a venture and capital partner,” said Rob Vecsler, Principal and CEO of Hyperion. “Our combined investment and development capabilities, together with substantial investment capital, allows us to be bold, nimble, and competitive wherever we see opportunity,” 

The partnership just closed on their first deal, a development site in West Palm Beach and plans to develop a 300-unit multi-family property. The West Palm Beach site has flexible as-of-right zoning allowing for a mixed-use development, which will include over 300 multi-family residences. Managing through recent market conditions, Hyperion worked with the seller to negotiate and close the transaction at a basis that maximizes the new venture’s development program optionality. The venture is pursuing additional sites and monitoring the market to acquire assets presenting further value opportunities.

“We are pleased to have co-invested in the first of what we expect will be many deals with Rob and Hyperion, as we are committed to investing in and growing this venture together,” said David Winter, Co-CEO of Standard Industries. “We hope to play a key role in Hyperion’s growth as a leading real estate development and investment platform.” 

“We’re excited about this development project and the overall venture as it exemplifies Winter’s focus on relationships with companies like Hyperion that have strong leadership and compelling growth strategies,” said Rick Singer, President of Winter Properties.

Transwestern Names Bruce Ford As President of Transwestern Commercial Services' East Region

Transwestern has announced that Bruce Ford has been named President of Transwestern Commercial Services’ East Region. Ford, who previously served as President of the Southeast, now assumes oversight of operational excellence, client service delivery, and business development initiatives for the commercial real estate services business in offices throughout Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. This new position is part of the company’s transformation to a broader, three-region approach to commercial services, which is designed to inspire high performance, capitalize on synergies and enhance client connectivity.

“Transwestern is committed to exceeding clients’ expectations for consistency, innovation and cost savings, so it makes good sense to view our commercial services offerings through a wider lens,” said Tom Lawyer, President, Transwestern Commercial Services. “Bruce’s business acumen and proven ability to drive results make him a natural fit for this new role. We are confident his strong leadership will further collaboration, spark creativity, and ultimately grow market share in some of the country’s most vibrant, multi-faceted markets.”

Ford’s responsibilities during his 10-year tenure with Transwestern span all business lines, including Agency Leasing, Asset Services, Capital Markets and Occupier Solutions. His leadership in management operations, financial planning and creative marketing has led to tremendous recruiting success and regional growth. Since Ford assumed responsibility of the Southeast, the region’s property management portfolio has more than doubled to its current 20.3 million square feet, and in the past five years, transaction volume increased approximately 25%.

“Transwestern’s ability to attract and retain top talent coupled with our intense focus on service delivery have established Transwestern as a leader in the industry,” said Ford. “It is an honor to work alongside an inspiring leadership team with a clear vision – one aimed at expanding opportunities for our team members and challenging each of us to think differently about how we work together to add value for our clients.”

Ford serves on Transwestern’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He holds the designation of Real Property Administrator (RPA) from the Building Owners & Managers Institute, and, since 2008, he has been included in the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "Power 50," a guide to the city’s top 50 industry leaders.