BRIDGE’s executives bring more than 100 years of combined industry experience. 

Steve Poulos co-founded Bridge in 2000 and has shaped the company into one of the nation’s leading industrial development and acquisition firms. He is responsible for all strategic, investment, and operating functions of the company. Steve chairs Bridge’s executive and investment committee.

Steve brings more than 30 years of experience to Bridge. He previously served as vice president for The Pizzuti Companies. Prior to that role, he spent six years in the industrial/capital markets group at Frain Camins & Swartchild. Steve is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in economics and is also a member of the Urban Land Institute.

Tony Pricco joined Bridge in 2007 and is responsible for overseeing the company’s investment activity. He works closely with Bridge’s regional offices from origination to closing, as well as development and initial leasing of developments and acquisitions through stabilization.

Prior to Bridge, he served as Vice President for McShane Corporation. Tony is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics and Marketing. He received his Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in 2002. He is a member of NAIOP and formerly served on the National Board of Directors, in addition to his involvement with the Chicago Chapter, of which he was President in 2009.

Steve Groetsema joined Bridge in 2007 and has played various roles throughout the company’s expansion. Steve is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Bridge and plays an integral role across investments, property management, leasing, development and leading the people and culture at Bridge.

Steve is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Economics. He has been named one of ten “Stars to Watch” under 40 by Commercial Property Executive and was named on Real Estate Forum’s “50 under 40” list in 2018. He is a member of NAIOP and currently serves on the NAIOP Chicago Chapter Board of Directors as President.

Sean Zasche joined Bridge in 2020 and is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company, including equity and debt capital markets, portfolio/investment management, and accounting and reporting functions. Sean provides leadership in all these areas with a primary focus on driving capital raising and business development initiatives and supporting functions.

Prior to Bridge, Sean was EVP of Investment Management at a global real estate investment management firm in Chicago, where he helped grow from $500 million to over $14 billion of assets. Sean is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Finance & Accounting.

Nick Siegel joined Bridge in 2015 and is responsible for Bridge’s acquisition activities nationwide. In his time at Bridge, Nick has successfully been involved in over 18.5 million square feet of industrial real estate transactions (11.5 MSF in Chicago and 7.0 MSF in South Florida).

Nick is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a double major in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics and Finance, Investments and Banking.  He is a member of NAIOP, the WREAA, and is the president of the CJE Senior Life Associate Board.

Ben Bischmann joined Bridge in 2021 and takes on the responsibility of managing Bridge’s national operating portfolio, leading the development and institution of strategic operations, capital improvement, and best practice.  Ben also oversees day-to-day property management for the Chicago region – the company’s largest regional portfolio.

Ben previously served as Executive Vice President at JLL and Account Manager at Colliers Bennet & Kahnweiler.  Ben is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and received an MBA from Roosevelt University.  Ben currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Advisory Board for the Marshall Bennet Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University.

Brian Grady joined Bridge in 2021 and is responsible for the corporate finance, treasury, accounting, reporting and financial planning and analysis functions, including oversight of debt and equity capital relationships. He also leads IT and is responsible for overall technology strategy.

Prior to Bridge, Brian was CFO of the residential division of a real estate investment management and development firm and VP-Corporate Finance at a publicly-traded retail real estate investment trust, both located in the Chicago area.  Brian is a graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is a CPA.

Sarah co-leads the legal function at Bridge, focusing on domestic and cross-border growth, compliance, corporate governance, and litigation. She works closely with Bridge’s executive team to manage legal risk across the organization.

Before joining Bridge in 2022, Sarah was a Partner in the corporate group at Baker McKenzie, where she advised multinational businesses on inbound and outbound global growth.

Sarah earned her B.A. from Amherst College in 2002 and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago in 2006, both cum laude.

Aelna joined Bridge in 2022 and is responsible for providing guidance and leadership in the human resources function. She is responsible for establishing a strategic vision for human capital engagement in partnership with the management team and its execution. Aelna also leads HR operations, including employee engagement, talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, HRIS, employee relations, performance management, and diversity, equity & inclusion functions.

Aelna has over fifteen years of experience in national and international human resources management. Before joining Bridge, Aelna worked as an HR Consultant with founders of healthcare technology companies, pharmaceutical providers, and international start-ups to establish their foundational HR strategy and operations to support rapid growth and scale. Prior to that, she served as the HR Director for an Educational Tech company located in Israel.

Aelna holds a Bachelor of Science from DePaul University, Chicago, and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. Aelna is a certified SHRM -CP & PHR professional with a passion for creating an engaging culture.

In May 2000, Amy joined Ron Frain and Steve Poulos at Bridge where she handled all aspects of accounts payable/receivables, due diligence, property management, and personnel issues along with all daily operations. In February 2014 she was promoted to Director of Operations and a member of the firms’ Executive Committee.  Amy currently handles HR for the entire company, overseeing of the support staff and corporate accounting functions.

Amy is the Treasurer for local High School Cheerleading Board.

Brian joined Bridge in January 2022 and is responsible for overseeing development and construction activities across the company’s portfolio. He reports to the executive team and capital partners and works directly with regional offices on all aspects related to design, entitlement and construction. His role includes coordinating feedback and navigating challenges from the local offices, standardizing Bridge’s global delivery of product and embedding ESG initiatives into standard practices.

Prior to Bridge, Brian worked at Rexford Industrial, Norges Bank Investment Management and AECOM in roles including development and construction management, cost consulting and as an owner’s representative.

Brian is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara and has a degree in Economics.

Mustafa Neak joined Bridge in 2022 and is responsible for overseeing the legal functions of the company focusing on all facets of Bridge’s real estate investments. He works closely with Bridge’s executive team and regional markets to manage legal risk throughout the transaction life cycle and advises on critical legal issues.

Prior to joining Bridge, Mustafa was Vice President and Corporate Counsel at a global real estate investment management firm headquartered in Chicago, where he oversaw the legal aspects of the acquisition, development, financing, leasing, management, and disposition of alternative real estate assets. He was also previously an associate in Polsinelli’s real estate group in Chicago.

Mustafa is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration and earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a member of the State Bar of Illinois and the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Dave Aschenbrand joined Bridge in 2021 and is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of Bridge’s cold storage platform. He serves as a liaison between cold storage users and Bridge’s market officers.

Dave has held multiple business development and leadership roles throughout his career. He leverages experience in material handling systems integration, over-the-road North American third-party logistics, and temperature-controlled warehousing/transportation across all of Bridge’s markets.

Dave is a graduate of Lock Haven University. He is a member of CEBA and IARW.

Francesca “Frankie” joined Bridge in 2016 and leads Bridge’s ESG program and sustainability initiatives. She is responsible for policy creation and implementation, ESG reporting, resilience studies, stakeholder engagement programs, and executing corporate sustainability strategies. In addition to the ESG program, she assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company and its regional offices.

Frankie graduated from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania with a dual degree in Finance and Marketing and a minor in Real Estate. She is a member of ULI Greenprint, USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Professionals), and IWIRE (Industrial Women in Real Estate).

Tom Harmon joined Bridge in April 2021 and is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day execution of the company’s Portfolio.  He works closely with the executive team and regional offices on all aspects of Bridge’s investment strategy.

Prior to Bridge, Tom worked at CBRE as a Senior Investment Sales Analyst with the North Central National Partners industrial investment sales team.  He was involved in the entire execution process, including pre-marketing due diligence, analysis, deal marketing, buyer due diligence and closing.  Throughout his time with CBRE National Partners, Tom worked on nearly 200 transactions totaling 200+ million square feet for a consideration of approximately $20 billion.

Tom graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Jeff Ledebuhr joined Bridge in October 2021 and is responsible for corporate accounting, reporting, and financial planning and analysis.

Prior to Bridge, Jeff worked at Deloitte in the audit and assurance practice where he served both public and private real estate and investment management clients. Jeff has significant experience with clients ranging across institutional advisers, private equity firms, developers, investment managers, partnerships, and hotels.

Jeff is a graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Master of Accounting Science with a minor in information technology and control. He is a licensed CPA in Illinois.

Carrie joined Bridge in 2022 and is responsible for transaction management of financial operations, including equity/debt closings and portfolio/investment management. Carrie brings experience from various commercial real estate institutions: law firms, real estate development and management companies, brokerage and private equity firms and lending institutions. Prior to Bridge, Carrie’s accomplishments include completing several major institutional conversions, internal systems overhaul, standardizing loan documentation, revamping and implementing operational processes, audit and regulatory compliance and realignment of strategy and client base.

Carrie has a paralegal certification with a concentration in Corporate and Real Estate law, a BA in French and History from Ripon College and a MA in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union.

Ryan joined Bridge in 2022 and oversees investment management for dedicated capital partners and funds.

Prior to joining Bridge, he served as the Vice President of Acquisitions for Birchwood Healthcare Partners, where he led the sourcing and business development efforts for the company. Ryan has also founded and advised multiple PropTech startups. Ryan was an Associate at PGIM Real Estate, responsible for over $1.2B in assets and six third-party relationships across industrial, office, retail, life science, and multifamily assets. He started his career as an Alternative Investments Tax Associate at KPMG, LLP, and he earned his CPA designation.

Ryan is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of the Business Honors Program, and has a dual degree in Accounting and Finance. He received his Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in 2021.

He is a member of The Harold E. Eisenberg Associate Board, JUF Young Real Estate Board, Event Co-Chair for the US Holocaust Museum Next Generation. Ryan is also a graduate of The Second City Improv Program.

Jonathan joined Bridge in March 2021 and is responsible for all financial analysis and forecasting of Bridge’s portfolio and corporate projections, including measuring both real estate, venture/fund and company performance.

Prior to Bridge, Jonathan worked at Brookfield Retail Properties as a Senior Manager of Finance, where he oversaw property and portfolio level budgeting, forecasting and valuations. Previous to Brookfield, Jonathan spent three years in JLL’s Strategic Consulting Group in Chicago, where he assisted corporate clients with their real estate assets including lease analysis, disposition opportunities and overall portfolio strategy.

Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.

Precilia joined Bridge in April 2021 and is responsible for all aspects of management and investor reporting packages for Bridge’s portfolio. Precilia also oversees corporate, property and construction accounting while enhancing existing processes, systems and procedures.

Prior to Bridge, Precilia worked at CRG as an Accounting Manager, where she oversaw the implementation of Yardi, recorded industrial acquisition and disposition transactions and developed policies and procedures. Previous to CRG, Precilia spent four years at the Related Companies in New York, where she was responsible for financial reporting and requisitions for the NY Development portfolio.

Precilia is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University where she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting.

Lisa  joined Bridge in 2023 and helps oversee the legal functions of the company focusing on domestic growth, compliance, corporate governance, and litigation. She works closely with Bridge’s executive team and regional markets to manage legal risk across the organization.

Prior to joining Bridge, Lisa was an associate in the mergers and acquisitions group at Cooley, where she advised strategic acquirers and private equity sponsors in connection with mergers, acquisitions, dispositions and corporate venture investments spanning a broad range of industries. She was also previously an associate in the corporate and securities group at Perkins Coie, where she advised clients on corporate governance matters.

Lisa earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago.

Jon joined Bridge in 2022 and is responsible for advising on legal issues and managing risk in all phases of Bridge’s investments.

Prior to joining Bridge, Jon was an associate in the real estate group of Polsinelli in Chicago, where he represented sponsors in acquisition, disposition, financing, development, leasing, and asset management matters. He was also previously an associate in the real estate group of Dentons in Chicago.

Jon is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with majors in Real Estate, Finance, and International Business. He received his JD from Northwestern Law.

Derek joined Bridge in January 2021 and is responsible for all aspects of Bridge’s financing strategy for developments and acquisitions nationally, including the sourcing and execution of debt strategies.

Prior to Bridge, Derek worked at TPG Real Estate Finance Trust as a senior associate, where he focused on originating first-mortgage loans across all major property types in primary markets throughout the U.S. Previous to TPG, Derek spent five years in JLL’s Capital Markets Group in Chicago, where he assisted in the placement of approximately $3 billion of debt and equity investments across office, multifamily, industrial, and retail properties. Derek started his career in commercial real estate as a financial analyst at Equity Office Properties focusing on asset and portfolio management.

Derek is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.

Gabie Jeffrey joined Bridge in October 2016. She oversees Bridge’s advertising, public relations, website, email campaigns and other marketing initiatives for the company’s projects and the business as a whole. She also supports the Chief Investment Officer and the transactions team.

She previously worked in a private student housing facility for 5 ½ years, where she started as Resident Services Manager, and was later promoted to Director of Leasing and Building Operations. She has experience in leasing, marketing, and property management.

Gabie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising, and a minor in Sociology, from DePaul University. She is a member of IWIRE (Industrial Women in Real Estate).

Mesene joined Bridge in May 2022. She oversees the financial reporting for Property Management and provides support in various capacities.

Prior to Bridge, Mesene was Senior Finance Manager at JLL where she managed the reporting functions for institutional clients, led system conversions, implemented process improvements, and involved in hiring and development. She also served as Treasurer on the board of several owners’ associations.

Mesene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from DeVry University.

Henry Gruger joined Bridge in April 2022. He is responsible for all aspects of underwriting for Bridge’s acquisition efforts nationally. Henry also assists with leasing, project marketing, coordinating debt and equity financing and the disposition process.

Prior to Bridge, Henry worked at Cushman & Wakefield in their Capital Markets group on the Office Investment Sales team. He was involved in the entire transaction process, including underwriting, marketing, due diligence and closing.

Henry graduated from Miami University (Ohio) where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Finance. He is a member of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Professionals).

Aaron joined Bridge in May 2021 as an Analyst. He is responsible for all aspects of underwriting for Bridge’s investments in the Northeast Region. Aaron also assists with leasing, project marketing, coordinating debt and equity financing, and the disposition process.

Prior to Bridge, Aaron worked as an Investment Analyst at First Industrial Realty Trust. He was responsible for supporting their Capital Markets Team in various aspects of the underwriting process.

Aaron is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Finance and Risk Management.  He is a member of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Professionals).

Tom joined Bridge in October 2021 and is responsible for assisting all financial analysis and forecasting of Bridge’s portfolio and corporate projections, including measuring real estate, venture/fund and company performance.

Prior to Bridge, Tom spent three years in JLL’s Strategic Consulting Group in Chicago, where he assisted corporate clients in optimizing their real estate portfolios and asset strategies. Tom supported master planning and market planning projects and was responsible for conducting various lease analysis, supply/demand analysis and business case development.

Tom is a graduate of the Brown University where he was a member of the football team and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.

Tony joined Bridge in January 2022. He is responsible for all aspects of underwriting for Bridge’s investments in the Pacific Northwest Region. Tony also assists with leasing, project marketing, coordinating debt and equity financing, and the disposition process.

Prior to Bridge, Tony worked at LaSalle Investment Management for over four years in their Asset Management Division. His responsibilities included leasing, valuation, budgeting, and financial analysis on a portfolio of industrial, office and retail properties across several LaSalle investment vehicles.

Tony graduated from the University of South Carolina with a double major in Finance and Real Estate. He is a member of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Professionals).

Katie joined Bridge in September 2021. She is responsible for assisting the transactions team in overseeing and managing the day-to-day execution of the company’s Portfolio.  She works closely with the executive team and regional offices on all aspects of Bridge’s investment strategy.

Prior to Bridge, Katie worked at JLL in their Capital Markets group on the Office Investment Sales team. At JLL, Katie was involved in every stage of the transaction, including underwriting, preparation of offering memoranda and closing.

Katie is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin where she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics.  She is a member of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Professionals). In addition, Katie is a member of REFF (Real Estate Finance Forum) and IWIRE (Industrial Women in Real Estate).

Hank joined Bridge in January 2020.  He supports the transaction and closing process across all of Bridge’s core markets.

Prior to Bridge, Hank worked as a member of a property management team at Colliers International based in the Chicago suburbs managing a portfolio of office properties.

Hank graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics.

Anthony joined Bridge in May 2021 and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of underwriting and leasing for Bridge’s acquisitions across the firm’s core markets.  Prior to starting full-time, Anthony spent a summer at Bridge as a Real Estate Development Intern.

Anthony is a graduate of Marquette University where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in finance and real estate. While at Marquette, Anthony sat on the executive board of the Commercial Real Estate Club.  He is a member of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Professionals).

Katherine joined Bridge in May 2022 and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of underwriting and leasing for Bridge’s investments across the firm’s core markets.

Prior to Bridge, Katherine worked at Kroll (formally Duff and Phelps) in their Real Estate Advisory Group.  At Kroll, Katherine was responsible for commercial real estate valuation, due diligence and consulting services.

Katherine graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelors of Business Administration with an emphasis in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics.  She is a member of IWIRE and WREAA.

Eric joined Bridge in May 2022 and is responsible for fund accounting, financial planning, enhancing reporting on deliverables and overseeing external audits.

Prior to Bridge, Eric worked 2 years at the Charter Township of Washington, where he managed annual governmental budgets and reporting, corporate accounting, and external audit management. Previous to Washington Township, Eric spent four years at Plante Moran as a Senior Audit Staff in the Governmental, Manufacturing and Distribution and Service Industries, where he performed attestation and assurance audits, analyzed financial statements for ratio, trend and risk assessments,  and evaluated industry internal controls and issued recommendations to successfully lower financial risk.

Eric holds a Bachelor’s degree of Finance from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree in Accounting at Oakland University.

Patrick joined Bridge in July 2022 and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of underwriting and leasing for Bridge’s value-add acquisitions across the firm’s core markets.

Prior to Bridge, Patrick worked as a Senior Investment Analyst at First Industrial Realty Trust. He was responsible for supporting their Capital Markets Team in various aspects of the acquisitions and disposition process.

Patrick is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics.

Mike joined Bridge in May 2022 and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of underwriting and leasing for Bridge’s investments across Southern and Northern California.

Prior to Bridge, Mike worked as an Acquisitions Analyst at Harrison Street Real Estate Capital. He assisted in sourcing, analyzing, and closing transactions across several asset classes.

Mike is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in Real Estate and Business Economics.

Miguel joined Bridge in November 2021 and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of underwriting and leasing for Bridge’s acquisitions across the firm’s core markets.

Prior to Bridge, Miguel worked as an Analyst at Altus Group in their Investment Management Service group.  He worked on financial due diligence and valuation engagements.

Miguel is a graduate of Emory University where he holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Real Estate.”

Scott joined Bridge in July 2022 and is responsible for assisting with all aspects of systems and procedures, enhancing existing processes, draw review, financial reporting, Yardi administration, and all ad hoc requests.

Prior to Bridge, Scott worked at Digitas Health as a Financial Analyst in their Client Finance department, where he managed deliverables, maintained client relations, and worked across departments to provide accurate client financial information.

Scott is a graduate of Siena College where he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Matthew joined Bridge in June 2022 and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of underwriting and leasing for Bridge’s value-add acquisitions across the firm’s core markets. Prior to Bridge, Matthew spent a summer at Bridge as a Real Estate Development Intern and a summer at JLL as a Capital Markets Intern.

Matthew is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphasis in Finance and Real Estate and a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Saku joined Bridge in September 2022. She supports Steve Poulos and is responsible for all administrative duties including travel arrangements, meeting coordination and miscellaneous tasks.

Prior to working at Bridge, Saku worked as an Executive Assistant and administrative assistant at various financial corporations.

Maura “Mo” Noska joined Bridge in May 2014. At Bridge, Mo maintains an exciting environment by coordinating all promotions, giveaways and general marketing events as well as orchestrating various aspects of corporate operations.  Along with coordinating all promotions, Mo assists with corporate compliance at Bridge – creating new entities and handling all annual reporting.

Mo has a career spanning more than 29 years. She began working in real estate at Frain Camins & Swartchild in 1992, and now has extensive experience in office-tenant and office-landlord relationships in both retail and industrial settings.

Katie joined Bridge in November 2019. She supports Nick Siegel and the Asset Management team, as well as our Chicago team led by Jon Pozerycki.  She is also involved in various aspects of daily operations and assists in supporting the Executive Committee. Katie joins us from JLL where she was in the capital markets division.

Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration / Marketing minor from Eastern Illinois University.

Arzu Vastani joined Bridge in July 2021.  She supports Sean Zasche and the finance team and is responsible for all administrative duties including meeting coordination and travel arrangements.  Prior to Bridge, she has worked in an administrative capacity at various companies including PPM America, Skidmore Owings & Merrill and BP Corporate.

Arzu graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education.

Frank joined Bridge in July 2022. He manages Bridge’s Headquarters in downtown Chicago, supporting all staff and managing the day-to-day operations.

Prior to Bridge, Frank has worked in property management and various administrative roles within commercial real estate.

Frank graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelors in Sports Management.

Maureen joined Bridge in September 2022. In addition to assisting the Vice President of Human Resources in her day-to-day tasks, she processes new hire paperwork, drafts communications letters, and updates employee information.

Prior to Bridge, Maureen worked as an executive assistant/HR assistant at a medical lab during Covid. Her responsibilities included working on all new hire paperwork, onboarding, any employee issues that needed to be taken care of and assisting in the payroll process.

Maureen graduated from Elmhurst University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Management with a specialty in Human Resources.