Principal and Managing Partner
Barrie Nichols
Barrie Nichols is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of invaluable experience in the student housing industry. Her remarkable journey began in the heart of the student housing space, where her dedication and expertise propelled her to the role of Senior Vice President of Sales and Leasing at College Park Communities. Here, Barrie played a pivotal role in steering the company's leasing operations to success.
With her exceptional leadership skills and keen business acumen, Barrie transitioned to GMH Communities Trust, a pivotal moment as the company went public with an extensive portfolio comprising over 100 properties across 40 states. Notably, under her stewardship, occupancies consistently exceeded 96%, a testament to her strategic vision and operational prowess.
In 2007, Barrie embarked on a new chapter of her career by joining Campus Apartments as Vice President of Leasing and Marketing. Here, she played a crucial role in facilitating the company's rapid growth, transforming a smaller footprint of local properties into a robust portfolio spanning 70 properties across 27 states.
Recognized for her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Barrie co-founded University Student Living Management group within the Michaels Organization in 2015. In this capacity, she spearheaded new development leasing and marketing efforts while establishing the corporate infrastructure for effective management operations.
In 2021, Barrie assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at NP Partners, where she took charge of revitalizing a distressed group of properties. Through her strategic initiatives and unwavering commitment to excellence, Barrie successfully led the charge to improve occupancies to above 98%, marking yet another remarkable achievement in her illustrious career.
Barrie Nichols is a visionary leader known for her ability to navigate complex challenges, drive operational efficiency, and deliver outstanding results. Her passion for the student housing industry, coupled with her extensive experience and innovative approach, makes her a highly sought-after expert in the field.
Principal and Managing Partner
Paula Platt
With over two decades of leadership in the student housing and multifamily industry, Paula Platt is an expert in property and asset management. She has extensive experience in real estate transactions, working with lenders and investors, and managing large portfolio transitions.
Paula started her student housing career at College Park Communities, managing several properties at major universities in Texas. She then joined First Worthing as the student housing regional manager to launch their iconic brand, University House. During her time there, Paula opened the first University House development and supervised the growing portfolio nationwide.
Paula held executive positions managing large portfolios for GMH Communities Trust and Campus Advantage prior to joining Campus Apartments as Vice President of Client Services. She oversaw business development and daily operations with a team of regional managers and corporate support staff. Throughout her tenure, the managed portfolio grew from 1,250 beds to over 17,000 beds.
Moving to Fountain Residential Partners as Vice President of Asset Management for the luxury student housing merchant developer. Paula worked closely with national student housing management companies daily and kept their focus on meeting portfolio goals. Under her leadership, the portfolio consistently reached 97% occupancy.
At NP Partners, Paula was Senior Vice President of a large national portfolio with a diverse investment structure. She was closely involved in many acquisitions from underwriting through closing, gaining a large network of lender and investor resources. She restructured the management company implementing policies and procedures to increase revenue and operating efficiencies. The portfolio recently achieved 98% occupancy with a 6% average rent increase YOY.
Paula specializes in turning around operations and increasing long-term asset value through revenue growth and cost efficiency. Her successful track record in building and leading property and asset management teams shows her commitment to maximizing performance and value. Paula is dedicated to operational integrity, always striving to exceed client and stakeholder expectations.
Experience Overview
Throughout our careers, we've led successful operational turnarounds, managed large-scale portfolio transitions, and delivered exceptional results for our clients and investors. Our commitment to transparency, integrity, and customer satisfaction drives every decision we make, resulting in lasting value and success for all stakeholders.
- Spearheaded reorganization efforts and implemented digital marketing infrastructure resulting in improved company culture and increased portfolio preleasing from 18% to 89% within five months.
- Successfully managed the transition and onboarding of large portfolios, achieving 97% plus lease-up rates and exceeding revenue projections.
- Orchestrated operational changes and asset management strategies resulting in increased portfolio occupancy from 79% to 99% within two years.
- Secured 87 management contracts valued at over $1 billion and grew portfolio from 1,250 beds to 17,000 beds annually, generating $143 million in annual revenue.
