Andy Finn
Vice president of acquisitions and investments at Founders Properties
Andy Finn, 34, is drawing on his experience in real estate acquisitions, capital markets, financing and investment management for his new post at Minnetonka-based Founders Properties. The Minnetonka native has joined the company as vice president of acquisitions and investments. He will focus on acquisitions, new development and joint venture opportunities.
Founders Properties was formed in 2010 by the late Gerald Rauenhorst, founder of Opus Group, and Best Buy Co. Inc. founder Richard Schulze. The company provides acquisition, financing, asset management and investment services for high-net-worth investors. Its portfolio includes approximately 100 institutional-grade commercial real estate properties throughout the U.S.
Finn most recently was vice president of capital markets at Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos. U.S. Inc. He also spent seven years working in New York City, including a stint at L&L Holding Co. where he was involved in $3.4 billion of office building transactions. He also helped acquire, reposition and manage Class A office space in Manhattan for Monday Properties.
Q: Why did you join Founders Properties?
A: As a younger guy in the business wanting to move up, you have to keep your ears open for interesting opportunities. I wasn't looking for this opportunity, but Wade Lau — the CEO — was looking for a guy to run and build his acquisitions program. It was really something that intrigued me.
Q: What types of properties are you looking to acquire?
A: The focus will be on Class A office and industrial properties throughout the top 50 MSAs in the United States. What we're trying to do is provide a very balanced portfolio to our investors, so properties will be geographically diverse. They should be asset-class diverse, and that's how you work the portfolio to make sure that you're providing a solid risk-adjustment platform.
