As co-founder of EAST Capital Partners, David brings 30 years of investment experience and a track record of successfully executing over $4.0 billion in real estate transactions. David focuses on the company’s overall strategy as well as overseeing all day-to-day operations with his business partner, Drew. This includes negotiating high-value joint ventures, spearheading asset and property management, overseeing leasing and capital projects—including ground-up developments—and maximizing value through strategic asset dispositions. Before founding EAST Capital Partners, David served as Chief Investment Officer at Ivy Realty, where he led the firm’s investment strategy for 16 years.  Under his leadership, Ivy invested across industrial, office, residential, and retail assets, with a particular focus on value-add and opportunistic investments. ​David’s expertise extends back to his tenure as President of Geometry Realty, Inc., a New York City-based investment management firm. There, he held senior leadership roles in acquisitions and asset management.  He began his career as a lending officer in M&T Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Department, building a solid foundation in real estate finance that continues to inform his strategic approach. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Lafayette College and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate.

Drawing on two decades of investment experience, Drew co-founded EAST Capital Partners and has successfully executed over $4.2 billion in real estate transactions, with a specific focus on alternative assets and special situations. His career has spanned real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development, capital markets, and asset management across both conventional and impact products. Together with David, Drew is responsible for driving the firm’s key initiatives, including identifying new investment opportunities, raising investment capital, managing acquisitions and financings, overseeing development projects, and leading asset and property management.  Additionally, Drew directs the firm’s dispositions and ensures the seamless execution of its daily operations. Prior to founding EAST Capital Partners, Drew served as Executive Vice President at Ivy Realty, where he led the acquisitions department, managing investments in industrial, cold storage, life sciences, residential, and office assets.  Before Ivy, Drew served as Senior Vice President and Head of Investments at Rouse Properties (NYSE: RSE), a $2.8 billion real estate investment trust (REIT).  In this role, he led strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, dispositions, and the development of new joint ventures. Drew began his career in impact investing at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, where he acquired over $1.1 billion in assets and advanced to Vice President of Acquisitions, managing real estate investments on behalf of pension funds and other institutional investors. Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, graduating with Dean’s Honors and Distinction from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. He is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).

As the Chief Financial Officer at EAST, Edwin brings over 26 years of experience in finance, strategic planning, and operational management. In his role, Edwin oversees all aspects of the firm’s financial operations, including financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting. Prior to joining EAST, Edwin spent 24 years with JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) in the Finance Group of Real Estate Americas. While at JPMAM, he served as the Executive Director/Regional Controller overseeing the financial management, accounting and reporting for investments across all sectors located in the Central Region of the United States. During his time at JPMAM, he spent ten years as Fund/Portfolio Controller for many Closed-End Funds and Separately Managed Accounts across all equity and mezzanine investment strategies.  In this role, he oversaw the quarterly/annual financial management, performance reporting and analysis as well as managing all fund operations. Edwin started at JPMAM as a Sector Controller overseeing the financial reporting of the Office/Industrial investments located in the West/Midwest regions. He began his career at Ernst & Young, LLP providing consulting and accounting advisory/audit services to real estate industry clients. Edwin holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting and Management Information Systems as well as an M.B.A. in Finance and International Management from Northeastern University.

Wendy is responsible for EAST’s real estate portfolio in Port Saint Lucie, FL, overseeing all aspects of property management and leasing. In Wendy’s 20 years of experience in commercial property management, Wendy has managed a variety of asset types, including Class A Office, Small Bay Industrial, Mixed-Use Assets, and Retail Shopping Centers. Wendy joined EAST following senior level roles at Shopcore Properties, a Blackstone Company,  Stiles Property Management and Inland Diversified.  As a graduate of Florida International University with a concentration in Real Estate, Wendy has extensive knowledge in all aspects of real estate.  In the pursuit of excellence, she led her team to win BOMA Fort Lauderdale and The Palm Beaches highly coveted Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) award three years in a row. Wendy holds a Florida Real Estate License and professional designation as a Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP). Wendy has been happily married to her husband, Joe Simon, since 2012 and is grateful to be stepmom to his two daughters, Ciara and Chantell, and Grandma Wendy to six amazing grandchildren. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she settled in South Florida in 1992 and for the past 15 years has called Port Saint Lucie, FL home.

Maria Aquino is a seasoned Property Manager with over 15 years of expertise in the real estate industry. Before joining the EAST team, she held key positions at Cushman & Wakefield and Transwestern, where she honed her expertise in managing large-scale portfolios exceeding 3 million square feet, demonstrating her proficiency in operational efficiency and property performance. Skilled in leading platforms such as Yardi, MRI, and AppFolio, Maria excels in tenant relations, vendor management, lease compliance, and contract negotiations, making her an indispensable member of our team. Her expertise extends to sustainability initiatives, including LEED certifications and Energy Star compliance, reflecting her dedication to energy-efficient and environmentally conscious practices. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and proactive management style, Maria ensures the wellbeing of both properties and tenants under her care. Currently pursuing her Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) license, Maria is committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends. Her passion for real estate and unwavering dedication to excellence distinguish her as a leading professional in property management.

Manny Rojas is a results-driven commercial property manager and leasing professional with over a decade of experience managing more than 3.5 million square feet of industrial, retail, and multifamily assets across South Florida. Prior to joining EAST, Manny served as Associate Leasing Director and Assistant Property Manager at Miami International Commerce Center, formerly operated by PS Business Parks and now owned by Blackstone Inc. He also managed nearly 1 million square feet for Time Equities Inc. as an Associate Property Manager. Known for his strong tenant relations and effective lease negotiations, Manny currently oversees more than 400,000 square feet of commercial real estate in the Airport Trade Center submarket. He brings deep expertise in property operations, vendor coordination, and regulatory compliance. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he is proficient in leading industry platforms including Yardi, MRI, and LoopNet. Manny holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management from Miami Dade College and is a licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate. Based in Miami, Florida, Manny is the proud husband to Fabiola and father of two children—Valentina and Manuel Jr.—and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing and playing basketball with his son.

Justin Diaz is an Assistant Property Manager at EAST, bringing a well-rounded background in both commercial and residential property management. A graduate of Dominican University of New York, Justin earned his Bachelor's Degree in Management. He began his career as a Leasing and Property Manager with a residential developer in the New York metro area, where he honed his skills in tenant relations and property operations. Seeking new opportunities, he relocated to Miami and joined Butters Realty & Management, where he contributed to the oversight of a one-million-square-foot commercial portfolio. At EAST, Justin continues to grow professionally, leveraging his diverse experience to support efficient, high-quality property management.

Nahomy Arauz is a detail-oriented property accountant with a strong background in commercial real estate. At EAST, she supports key accounting functions including financial reporting, audits, and compliance. Prior to joining EAST, Nahomy held accounting roles at Dominium Management, where she managed financial reporting for a portfolio of 20+ commercial properties. Originally from Managua, Nicaragua and now based in Stamford, Connecticut, she holds an Associate Degree in Accounting and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. Nahomy values the opportunity to bring structure, clarity, and integrity to the financial process. She has developed a deep appreciation for the complexity and impact of real estate finance and is eager to continue learning and growing within the commercial real estate space. Her multicultural background has shaped who she is both personally and professionally, and she brings that perspective into everything she does – with care, dedication, and curiosity.

Jorge Gonzalez, Senior Building Engineer. With over 30 years of experience, Jorge brings extensive experience in facilities management, previously working with COFE Properties and other major real estate owner/operators in the South Florida market. Jorge currently oversees the day-to-day facilities for EAST’s south Florida portfolio and is an invaluable resource to our Florida operations.

Based in our Miami office, Pedro came to EAST with extensive experience in multi-family property maintenance and facility management and is a licensed HVAC professional. Given his experience and professional designations in HVAC and OSHA Regulations & Maintenance, Pedro has applied these skills with a hands-on approach to repairs and preventive maintenance, ensuring comfort and efficiency for the properties he oversees in Florida.