(Mankato, MN) Tailwind Group is pleased to announce the hiring of Casey Petersen, who will serve as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

With a proven track record in the student housing industry, Petersen brings extensive experience in all facets of leadership, operations, business development, strategic growth, and driving organizational efficiency. Prior to joining Tailwind Group, he most recently served as PeakMade Real Estate’s COO, where he was responsible for all aspects of the operating platform, including marketing, leasing, training, property management operations, and support functions.

Petersen will work as part of Tailwind Group’s Executive Leadership Team. He will lead and manage the core operational teams, utilizing his unique skillset and experience to drive operational performance and maximize value at each asset. Casey’s role will be critical as Tailwind continues to grow and scale its real estate portfolio and operational teams, specifically in student housing. “I’ve been admiring the organization from the sidelines for the past several years and am super impressed with everything that has been accomplished. In speaking with the leadership team, I know that we are closely aligned in our view that people – customers, partners, or team members – are the center point of any successful company in our business. I’m excited to join the team and be a part of leading the next chapter of the Tailwind story,” commented Petersen.

Tailwind Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Smith, commented, “I could not be more excited to bring Casey in as our COO. His track record of leadership and operational excellence is something that I have observed and been impressed with for the past several years, as we have competed in many similar markets.”

Smith continued, “As I have gotten to know Casey, I am confident that he will grow and enhance Tailwind Group’s workplace culture, which is our top priority. He is a “people first” leader but also brings a tenacity and vision that will be crucial to our ongoing growth and objectives.”

(Mankato, MN) Tailwind Group is pleased to announce its recent hire of Jacob Ouradnik, who will serve as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Ouradnik is an experienced finance and accounting executive with various experiences in business and individual tax planning, 1031 exchanges, real estate and business structure formation, and financial review. He most recently served as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Partner at one of the top accounting firms in the Midwest, where he primarily serviced clients in the real estate industry. Tailwind Group had previously been one of Ouradnik’s key clients for several years.

Ouradnik will work as CFO alongside the Principals and the Executive Leadership Team. He will oversee the corporate finance, accounting, and data analytics teams, guide all financial operations for Tailwind Group, and play a pivotal role in shaping its financial strategy and supporting its long-term objectives. “I am thrilled to join an organization that heavily emphasizes their culture and lives by a very entrepreneurial mindset. Working as a service provider for Tailwind allowed me to meet many team members and see how the company functions from a distance. I cannot wait to be actively involved in the future of Tailwind and the great opportunities that lie ahead,” commented Ouradnik.

Tailwind Group’s CEO, Brandon Smith, commented, “We are ecstatic to welcome Jake to the team. He is an accomplished financial leader who is already familiar with Tailwind Group’s entities and real estate portfolio. He has a strong track record of developing and implementing strategic initiatives and is a great leader of people. We look forward to working together and know his contributions to Tailwind Group will be significant.”

Smith continued, “Jake will play a pivotal role as we continue to grow and scale our real estate portfolio and develop our team members.”

Smith has served in various roles for the past ten years at Tailwind Group, starting as a Leasing Agent in 2014. In his most recent role as Vice President of Operations and Development, he has successfully pioneered the growth and development of Tailwind Group’s student housing portfolio, which now contains nearly 17,000 bedrooms across 36 unique properties. He has also played a crucial role in the organization’s acquisition strategy, with an intent focus on value-added renovations. “Brandon is the best person to lead the next phase of Tailwind Group’s growth and transformation. He has demonstrated excellent leadership, vision, and an innovative mindset ideal for propelling Tailwind Group forward”, said Michael Sather, one of Tailwind Group’s founders and Managing Principals.

“I am beyond excited and honored to serve in this new role,” said Smith. “I have countless people to thank for trusting and believing in me. I especially want to recognize the founders of Tailwind Group and Lane for investing so much in me over the years; I certainly would not have had this opportunity without them. I also must thank the hundreds of Tailwind Group team members who work so hard daily to make all this possible.”

Lane Gravley has served as Tailwind Group’s President for the past four years and has overseen tremendous growth, the formation of the company structure, and the implementation of leadership principles. Upon the successful transition of responsibilities as President to Smith, Gravley will transition full-time into the newly created role of Chief People Officer.

“I have learned so much from Lane over the past years,” said Smith. “His passion for people and their personal and professional development is unrivaled, so we are extremely excited to see him take on and embrace this new role. I hope all our team members see this as a major commitment to ensure that even as our company grows, we will never let it be at the expense of our people and culture.”

Prepare for liftoff at the Flight Fundraiser, an extraordinary event that combines luxury, entertainment, and philanthropy under one expansive hangar at the prestigious Mankato Airport, happening on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 beginning at 5:30 p.m. As you step into this unique venue, you’ll be transported into a world where aviation history meets contemporary celebration, all set against the backdrop of beautifully displayed aircraft, luxury cars, and fine jewelry.