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ULI Houston - Shark Tank
Pricing
Pricing | Members | Non-Members |
---|---|---|
Private | $50.00 | $70.00 |
Public/Academic/Nonprofit | $40.00 | $55.00 |
Retired | $40.00 | N/A |
Student | $40.00 | $55.00 |
Under Age 35 | $40.00 | $55.00 |
LOCATION UPDATE - The Cannon, West Houston // 1334 Brittmoore Rd, #1327, Houston TX 77043
ULI Houston’s NEXT Group presents the 2nd Annual Developer Shark Tank, an interactive event that aims to entertain while educating, advising, and empowering real estate developers.

Two local real estate entrepreneurs will step into the tank to pitch their development project to a panel of “Sharks.” This year, the Sharks will be representative of various backgrounds—finance, architecture, development and construction — to analyze projects using the same methodologies used in a closed-door development pitch. Take a peek behind those doors as the Sharks use their years of experience to critique two pitches and give insight.
MODERATOR

John Paul Garland
Development Partner
Hanover
Development Partner
Hanover
John Paul Garland is an expert in real estate development, design, and construction for, mixed-use and multifamily projects. Throughout his career, John Paul has led multidisciplinary teams in the development of over 7,000 multifamily units and more than 8 million square feet of multifamily, office, and retail projects across the country. With a passion for development, place making, exceptional design, project delivery, and collaboration he and his teams proudly deliver best in class real estate. John Paul has been with Hanover since 2012, and primarily focuses on the development and design of projects in Atlanta, Denver, and multiple Texas markets.
Prior to joining Hanover, John Paul practiced architecture for over a decade and is a licensed architect. He received his Bachelor and Master of Architecture from Texas Tech University. As an active member of the Urban Land Institute, John Paul serves on the ULI Houston Management Committee and is the founder and chair of ULI Next-Houston.
SHARKS

Christina Blackwell
Senior Relationship Manager/Senior Vice President
First Horizon Bank
Christina currently serves as a Senior Relationship Manager/Senior Vice President in the Commercial Real Estate Group at First Horizon Bank. Christina manages the Houston commercial real estate team and is responsible for originating, underwriting and managing commercial real estate loans for the bank’s balance sheet. She has over 19 years of experience in commercial real estate finance at various institutions, including Hancock Whitney Bank, City National Bank and Countrywide.
Christina is a strong advocate for women in business. She is co-founder of the Houston Women’s Initiative Associate Resource Group at First Horizon Bank. She serves on several non-profit advisory boards in Houston, including Dress for Success Houston, Galveston Bay Foundation and Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce. She is a Board of Trustee at St Francis Episcopal School. She is actively involved with Urban Land Institute (ULI) and is past-Chair for the Development of Distinction Awards Committee. She also enjoys being a mentor for young adults through Genesys Works and veterans through American Corporate Partners (ACP).
Christina is a 5th generation Houstonian and a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Paul Layne
Managing Partner
Layne Property Partners
Paul H. Layne, is the former Chief Executive Officer of The Howard Hughes Corporation, a $4 billion publicly traded company. During his nine years with the company Paul oversaw one of the most diversified and strongest real estate platforms in the country,
including the preeminent portfolio of master planned communities. He was responsible for strategically positioning the company's acclaimed commercial, residential and mixed-use assets to drive sustainable, long- term growth and value for company shareholders.
Paul’s 30+ years of experience include many of the largest real estate transactions negotiated and closed in Houston as well as other U.S. markets.

Colby Mueck
Senior Managing Director, Capital Markets
Houston Office Co-Head
JLL
Colby is a Senior Managing Director, co-head of the Houston office and sits on the expanded Executive Committee of JLL Capital Markets, Americas. He joined JLL via the acquisition of HFF, where he began his career. He has more than 17 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and specializes in all areas of finance with a focus on investment sales, real estate investment banking and equity/debt placement throughout the United States. Throughout the course of his career, he has executed $16.5 billion of transactions across all asset types. He is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Texas and holds his Series 7 & 63 securities license. Prior to starting at HFF in 2005, he was active in multifamily brokerage in Austin, Texas.

Mark Reed
President
EE Reed Construction
As the esteemed President of E.E. Reed Construction, a prominent commercial general contracting firm located in Sugar Land, Texas, Mark Reed has been instrumental in guiding the company’s strategic direction, vision, and growth, motivating employees to achieve project performance excellence.
Mark’s exceptional leadership skills are the result of his hands-on experience, having worked in virtually every position in the company since he was sixteen years old. As the next generation of leadership, Mark assembles and steers key individuals who share the same core values and integrity to continue his father’s legacy.
Not only a successful business leader, Mark’s philanthropic endeavors are as noteworthy as his professional accomplishments. He is deeply committed to giving back to the community and supports a range of charitable causes, from the Coastal Conservation Association to Catholic Charities.
Mark strongly believes that education is one of the most important things in life and works tirelessly to help underprivileged individuals gain access to education. He actively participates in programs that provide support and resources to those in need, exemplifying his dedication to making a positive impact on society.
Mark’s philanthropy and charitable work are a testament to his compassionate nature and his desire to help others. His commitment to improving the lives of those around him is an integral part of his character and is reflected in all aspects of his life, both personal and
professional.
Mark cherishes the time he spends with his loved ones, and his parents play a crucial role as a source of support and inspiration in his life. Their unwavering encouragement and guidance have helped shape his character and instilled in him the values of integrity, hard work, and compassion. In his free time, he is an avid sportsman who enjoys spending time outdoors, on the ranch, and cheering on Texas A&M Football

Scott Ziegler, AIA
Senior Principal
Ziegler Cooper
With projects totaling over 28 million SF and $4 billion in construction value, Scott is adept at providing design direction to his clients in the form of density studies, developing appropriate unit mix, unit design, lifestyle demographics, amenity packages, interior design, and insight into future design trends.
Scott’s insight and comprehensive knowledge of the profession have led his firm to design numerous award-winning projects that have garnered regional and national recognition. Scott’s design experience reflects his belief that beautiful architecture enriches people’s lives and expresses the spirit of our time through art, craft, and technology.
Scott is a thought leader on the subject of urbanism, as well as a frequent guest speaker at Rice University, Urban Land Institute, Texas Society of Architects, and Multifamily Executive Conferences. As Practice Area Leader of the Urban Architecture Studio, Scott plays an active role in shaping the urban landscape through his published writings in professional journals on the subjects of sustainable urban growth strategies and high-density mixed-use developments.
Scott received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Trinity University and a master’s degree in architecture from Rice University.
stock image from: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash