Nic Garcia

Nic Garcia Web

Nic Garcia

Financial Analyst

Nic Garcia is a Financial Analyst at Faris Lee Investments, he is a dedicated Financial Analyst specializing in retail investment strategies, including the acquisition, disposition, and development of retail properties. With a strong background in financial modeling and market analysis, Nic delivers actionable insights to optimize investment outcomes and maximize returns.

Before joining Faris Lee Investments, Nic gained valuable experience in the commercial real estate industry through roles at Lee & Associates, CBRE, and STORE Capital. His expertise spans market research, acquisitions, and transaction coordination.

Nic holds a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Planning from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business and is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Based in Orange County, California, Nic is passionate about creating value in retail investments and contributing to the evolution of the commercial real estate landscape. Outside of work, he finds joy in golfing, surfing and quality time with friends.

Zunair Nadeem

Zunair Web

Zunair Nadeem

Marketing Manager

Zunair Nadeem is a Marketing Manager at Faris Lee Investments, he is an accomplished marketing professional based in Los Angeles, California, with over seven years of diverse experience across digital marketing, SEO, customer relationship management (CRM), and project management. Throughout his career, Zunair has demonstrated a consistent ability to drive impactful marketing campaigns that generate significant web traffic, enhance brand visibility, and foster customer engagement. His expertise spans a variety of sectors, including real estate, technology, and information systems, where he has successfully managed social media branding, digital strategies, email marketing, and advertising initiatives. Zunair excels in building relationships with clients and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds, making him an invaluable asset in global business environments.

He has also held leadership roles in marketing, notably as a Marketing Project Manager at Cushman & Wakefield and a Marketing Specialist at Coldwell Banker Realty. In these positions, he was responsible for managing complex projects, driving digital media strategies, and creating custom marketing materials for large teams and community events. Zunair’s background in computer information systems, combined with his marketing acumen, allows him to approach challenges from both a creative and analytical perspective, ensuring the success of every project he undertakes.

Alec Patterson

Alec Web New

Alec Patterson

Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst at Faris Lee Investments, Alec Patterson supports the brokers with extensive financial modeling and market research focused on retail commercial real estate. He specializes in delivering comprehensive valuations and strategic insights that optimize the positioning and transaction processes for retail properties. With strong analytical skills and a genuine passion for the industry, Alec is instrumental in identifying market opportunities and facilitating informed investment decisions. By collaborating closely with the rest of the FLI team, he consistently produces high-quality outputs that exceed the expectations of the company’s diverse client base.

Before joining Faris Lee Investments, Alec interned at CBRE in Newport Beach, where he worked with the big box retail leasing team led by Ryan Sullivan and Jeff Nichols. This hands-on experience involved collaborating with prominent national brands such as Target, Sprouts, and Burlington, equipping Alec with insights that enhance his analytical capabilities at Faris Lee Investments.

Alec holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate Finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Outside of work, Alec enjoys playing golf, beach volleyball, and surfing, as well as cherishing quality time with friends.

Judy Phan

Judy Phan Edit

Judy Phan

Senior Financial Analyst

As a Senior Financial Analyst at Faris Lee Investments, Judy Phan specializes in the underwriting and valuation of complex retail real estate transactions, having analyzed over $1 billion in assets to date. Her expertise spans advanced financial modeling, in-depth market research, and risk assessment to guide investment strategies through thoughtful analyses of property performance, tenant profiles, and broader market conditions. Judy models diverse investment strategies, including break-up strategies, value-add opportunities, and development plays. Collaborating closely with brokers, developers, and asset managers, she optimizes deal structures, secures off-market opportunities, and enhances operational efficiency. Judy's dynamic role extends beyond traditional financial functions, playing a pivotal part in shaping the strategic direction of Faris Lee Investments.

 

Before joining Faris Lee Investments, Judy honed her skills during an impactful internship at Property Markets Group (PMG), a premier East Coast developer. At PMG, she worked on high-profile projects such as the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences Miami, a 100-story, 360-unit luxury development valued over $420 million, and the Society Biscayne to The Elser Hotel and Residences conversion, a $235 million refinancing project. Judy conducted financial modeling and market analysis to guide these transformative developments while collaborating with Acquisitions, Asset Management, and Capital Markets teams. Her experience at PMG underscores her ability to deliver value across diverse facets of real estate investment and development.

 

Judy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate Finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During her undergraduate studies, she actively participated in the Cal Poly Real Estate Club and Urban Land Institute (ULI) competitions, showcasing her dedication to the industry early on. Outside of work, Judy enjoys staying active, practicing yoga and pilates, and spending quality time with friends.

David Ossa

David Osso web

David Ossa

Graphic Designer

David Ossa, a Graphic Designer at Faris Lee Investments, collaborates with brokers and analysts to develop proposals. In addition, he also focuses on crafting visually appealing social media content for the company's LinkedIn and Instagram pages.

David holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from California State University, Fullerton. Prior to his tenure at Faris Lee, he honed his design skills as an intern for CSUF, collaborating with fellow designers to create captivating art events on campus. During his six-month stint, David leveraged his creativity to craft engaging social media posts, stunning illustrations, and captivating animations. In his free time, David enjoys outdoor adventures such as camping, off-roading, and fishing. He also enjoys indulging in his passion for painting.

R. Phillip Ramming

R. Phillip Ramming

Senior Managing Director

With over 35+ years of institutional and entrepreneurial real estate transaction experience, Mr. Ramming has an extensive asset management background in dispositions, acquisitions, operational matters, planning and budgeting, investment finance and fund raising. Prior to Faris Lee, Mr. Ramming was a leader within the asset management team of Sabal Financial Group, LP, an affiliate of Oaktree Capital where they managed over $8.2 billion in assets on behalf of clients and investors. Ramming served as Retail Product Leader, Portfolio Manager, and development and was a member of the Investment Committee. Mr. Ramming was responsible for the investment performance of a portfolio of diverse assets with value of over $340 million and led the underwritings of diverse asset groups and portfolio acquisitions.

 

Additionally, Mr. Ramming was the lead negotiator and led the construction management process for tenants including TJ Maxx, Ross, Save-A-Lot, LA Fitness, ULTA, Five Below. As an owner/developer, Mr. Ramming directed over 2.2 million square feet of ground-up retail and industrial development.  Further, Mr. Ramming spent seventeen years running a privately-held real estate development, management, and investment company, specialized in commercial properties throughout the western United States. Mr. Ramming has also served as Chief Operating Officer of a Netherlands based development company, Wattson Breevast, which developed ground-up commercial development projects specializing in retail and office.

 

Mr. Ramming has a MBA from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from UCLA. Married for 33 years, Phil and his wife have three sons.  Phil’s lifelong hobby is sailing.  In addition to many national competitions, Phil has campaigned one design boats in Europe, sailed dozens of offshore Mexico races and the Transpac five times.

Tyler Strauss

Tyler Strauss

Director

As an Associate at Faris Lee Investments, Mr. Strauss specializes in the acquisition and disposition of single-tenant net leased investments, national portfolios and sale/leasebacks nationwide. Furthermore, Tyler specializes in creative solutions including but not limited to lease structure, development advisory, break-ups, and pre-sale strategies. In addition, his clients benefit from his financial counsel and ability to produce customized marketing programs to maximize the best outcome.

Mr. Strauss comes from a lineage of Southern California real estate entrepreneurs, spanning across the architecture, development, and property management sectors. Prior to joining Faris Lee, Tyler spent two years as a member of CBRE’s Capital Markets Business Intelligence team. A unique opportunity, as Mr. Strauss collaborated with and reported directly to the vertical leaders of CBRE. His experience providing intelligence specific to investment sales, global capital movement, financial and competitive analysis has given him a deep understanding of the commercial real estate industry and its players. Wearing a number of hats, Mr. Strauss served as the lead analyst for the National Retail Partners and has a phenomenal grasp on how retail continues to shape real estate across the country. During his tenure, he was also responsible for auditing $119B worth of sales transactions.

Mr. Strauss graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Finance. As a highly-involved member of the student body and second-generation Wildcat, Tyler is an incredibly active alumnus and always looking for ways to contribute back to the University. His other interests include sportfishing, basketball, surfing and vintage Nike sneakers.

Nicholas Miller

Nicholas Miller

Director

As a Director at Faris Lee Investments, Mr. Miller provides high level advisory in the acquisition and disposition of single tenant and multi-tenant retail investments. Nicholas specializes in all retail assets classes including NNN, strip, power, community and anchored retail centers with an emphasis within the Southern California markets. A few noteworthy transactions include the disposition of the $19.5 Million record breaking Anaheim Resort Centre, the $17.3 Million sale of La Verne Plaza and the $12.9 Million sale of Meridian Plaza. Mr. Miller is committed to comprehending and achieving his client’s investment goals and objectives. Consequently he manages the transaction process entirely from street level analysis and initial underwriting to marketing, pricing, financing, due diligence and the close of escrow.

Nicholas has more than five years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Prior to being a Director, Mr. Miller managed Faris Lee Investment’s Trading Desk, superintending all 1031 exchange requirements personally with investors and with others in the brokerage industry. He engaged in sourcing qualified investors, cross-selling Faris Lee inventory, and matching buyers with all available on market investment opportunities and a large array of privately marketed opportunities. He also held the role of Market Analyst within the Faris Lee Research Analytics Group, where he assisted with the underwriting, lease analysis and marketing of over $1 billion in retail assets.

Mr. Miller is an alumnus of the University of Colorado Boulder where he obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. Nick’s current hobbies and interests include snowboarding, swimming, traveling and golf.

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Hunter Steffien

Hunter Steffien

Director

 As a Director at Faris Lee Investments, Hunter Steffien specializes in the acquisition and disposition of net leased investments with a specific focus Single Tenant Assets. 

Mr. Steffien hit the ground running with Faris Lee Investments by quickly becoming a top performer in the company and earning an astounding reputation amongst his clients who consist of private-office owners, developers, REITS, franchisees & corporate restaurant chains. Mr. Steffien’s early and continued success is based almost exclusively on positive referrals. He has earned the trust of his clients by working tirelessly on their behalf and his close attention to detail. 

Prior to joining Faris Lee, Mr. Steffien handled the franchise development for the QSR chain, Del Taco. During his tenure at Del Taco, he gained a profound understanding of what it takes for a business to be successful including the fundamentals of the real estate, the strength of the operator and the recognition of the brand. Mr. Steffien heavily contributed to Del Taco’s expansive new unit growth by signing franchisees to the brand in such states as MI, CA, OR, TX, TN, SC, FL, GA, NJ & PA and guiding them through the critical site selection process tailoring the site criteria to their specific markets. He also played a role in Del Taco’s acquisition and disposition of real estate assets including a portfolio sale of 22 corporate stores that sold for approximately $30.0 Million.

Mr. Steffien is an alumnus of Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, and St. Margaret’s Episcopal High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He played Division IAA Football during his time at Colgate University. His current hobbies include studying history, traveling the world and all things sports. Mr. Steffien is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) & International Franchise Association (IFA).

Scott Ayres DeYoung

Scott Ayres DeYoung
Senior Managing Director

As a Senior Managing Director at Faris Lee Investments, Mr. DeYoung has been a top producer at the Company since 2021. Mr. DeYoung has more than a decade of brokerage experience and currently holds real estate broker licenses in California, Florida, Montana, and Hawaii.

Mr. DeYoung is a fifth-generation broker and developer in Southern California, as well as an active real estate investor. Since 2021, Mr. DeYoung acquired and disposed of over $30M in real estate properties as a principal. His extensive background in his family’s real estate business provides his clients with knowledge in real estate sales transactions, development, property management, landlord leasing and investment, as well as premier property level analysis. Mr. DeYoung is an active real estate investor in retail, storage, hospitality, and senior living primarily in California. He is currently a limited partner in 5 hotels with a total room count of over 950.

Mr. DeYoung since 2021 has closed over 135 properties equating to over $700M, which consisted of restaurant and grocery store portfolios, shopping center break ups, and high street retail, neighborhood & strip centers, leasehold assignments and NNN leased investments. Mr. DeYoung is actively managing a stable listed inventory of approximately $400M of commercial properties throughout the United States. Mr. DeYoung facilitates the marketing of properties with a high level of sophistication in transactional negotiations and is able to realize the maximum value for his clients in all product types. His clients range from family offices, institutions, public and private REIT’s, high net worth individuals to merchant & private developers. Recent record setting transactions include K&G RSM Portfolio (Plaza El Paseo, Marketplace & Walgreens & Shops) – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ($92.3M), Algiers Plaza – New Orleans ($35M), STNL Whole Foods – New Orleans, LA ($31.4M), STNL Ross Dress for Less – Pasadena, CA ($28.5M), Plaza Empresa Shopping Center Break Up, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ($24M), Signal Hill Gateway Shopping Center Break-up, Signal Hill, CA ($28.3M), Flagstaff Marketplace – Flagstaff, AZ ($23.5M), STNL Albertson’s Portfolio – Washington and Nevada ($22.4M), Anaheim Gateway Retail – Anaheim, CA ($20.5M), 10 Store Dairy Queen Portfolio in Louisiana – Real Estate with Business, 16 Store Sale-Leaseback Big Boy Portfolio – MI, OH, FL ($20M), Parkville Commons – Parkville, MO ($16.6M), La Paz Shopping Center – Laguna Niguel, CA ($14M), STNL Tesla – Fayetteville, GA ($13M), Halekuai Center – Kapolei, HI ($13M), FedEx – Raleigh, NC ($11.6M), STNL Sprouts – Folsom, CA ($11.3M), STNL Bank of America – Hawthorne, CA ($11.1M), San Jacinto Pads – San Jacinto, CA ($10.5M), Anson 3 & 4 Strip Center Portfolio – Zionsville & Whiteville, IN ($9.4M), Cornwell Business Center – Oceanside, CA ($9M), Cottonwood Crest Office Building – Salt Lake City, UT ($8.5M), Villa Capri Motel – Coronado Island ($420,000 per key).

Prior to Faris Lee Investments, Mr. DeYoung worked as the Assistant and Apprentice directly to the founder of Kinko’s and aided in managing his Family Office, which focused on his commercial real estate portfolio. Mr. DeYoung has also worked within the family business, where he has assisted in procuring and managing a variety of real estate assets ranging from hotels, retail shopping centers, apartments, office buildings, and other projects.

Mr. DeYoung is an Alumni of the University of Southern California where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate Finance and was the captain of the track and field team. He is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the California Club and the Pacific Club. Scott’s hobbies include skiing, golfing, hiking, running, and attending USC athletic events.

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