Real estate Developer Re-Brands
A local real estate developer has re-branded.
Orion Real Estate Solutions, or ORES, the former development arm of Grand Rapids-based Orion Construction, restructured as a full-service development firm called Wheeler Development Group.
ORES was formed in 2011 as a two-man partnership between John Wheeler and Gary Postma. Postma, who also founded Orion Construction, retired from both positions in 2018.
With Postma’s departure and Wheeler’s sons, Ryan Wheeler and Jason Wheeler, taking more significant roles in ORES, the group decided it was time to set a succession plan in place with a strong family emphasis.
The team still consists of several regulars: John Wheeler, CEO; Ryan Wheeler, president; Michael Maier, CFO; Jason Wheeler, VP of marketing and community relations; and Ray Kisor, real estate advisor.
Wheeler Development Group has also added an industry “heavy hitter” in Dan Clappison, a former senior project manager at Rockford Construction. Clappison will now serve as VP of construction services at Wheeler Development Group.
“We’ve established a multi-generational all-star team of individuals that have been intimately involved with our portfolio and have collectively developed more than $1 billion in real estate over the last four decades,” John Wheeler said.
Along with its investor partners, Wheeler Development Group has developed and owns a $300-million portfolio of commercial and multi-family residential projects, such as the Warner Building, Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown and Arena Place Apartments.
Wheeler Development Group will continue its strategic relationship with Orion Construction and PURE Real Estate Management.
“I look forward to a continued relationship with John and the WDG team,” said Roger Rehkopf, president, Orion Construction.
“We’ve worked together for 30 years and have developed a trust and understanding that strengthens both companies.”
Posted By: Grand Rapids Business Journal on December 3, 2019.
