Team Members

Mr. Ospovat provides the vision that drives Sandalwood. He loves the commercial real estate market and has a knack for leveraging its global shifts. Known for his dynamism, skill and extensive experience, he has repeatedly negotiated transaction... Mr. Ospovat provides the vision that drives Sandalwood. He loves the commercial real estate market and has a knack for leveraging its global shifts. Known for his dynamism, skill and extensive experience, he has repeatedly negotiated transactions that have created generous rewards for Sandalwood’s investors and business partners, and has quickly led the firm to become recognized as a real estate leader in both the U.S. and Canada. Having purchased Sandalwood in 1988, Mr. Ospovat has built the company portfolio from two properties to more than 75 commercial and 46 multifamily properties, today encompassing 7 million square feet of office, retail, industrial and 6,800 multi-family units across North America. His experience ranges from property management and development to acquisition, with extensive time liaising with the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), financial institutions and private investors. With his most recent project, he is expanding into the hospitality and wellness space in South Africa. Before acquiring Sandalwood, Mr. Ospovat served in a number of roles with both private and public lending and development organizations, including ITEC Capital Corporation, JRW Development and Republic Bank. Today, he strategizes and negotiates for Sandalwood with his hands-on approach, meanwhile molding the company's direction. Mr. Ospovat is a graduate of Victoria University in Manchester, England, holding a Bachelor’s Degree, with honors, in Economics.

Mr. Crowson brings expertise in investment strategy and operational direction, maximizing long-term growth in cash flow, equity and assets for Sandalwood and its investment partners. As the consummate financial analyst, Mr. Crowson thinks ou... Mr. Crowson brings expertise in investment strategy and operational direction, maximizing long-term growth in cash flow, equity and assets for Sandalwood and its investment partners. As the consummate financial analyst, Mr. Crowson thinks outside of the box to deliver solutions that maximize investment returns. He's known for his patience, always thinking ahead, always covering Sandalwood from every angle. Thomas prides himself in finding creative ways to structure acquisitions, dispositions and capital allocation in order to increase cash-on-cash returns. Thomas began his career with Sandalwood in 1993. Initially, he served on the accounting side, but he quickly grew with the company. He has since overseen all aspects of the business, including redevelopment, sales, acquisitions, finance, tax, property management, and asset management of Sandalwood’s $1 billion portfolio of multifamily, office and retail properties throughout the United States and Canada. Thomas is a graduate of Millsaps College (BBA in accounting) in Jackson, Miss.

With over 22 years of experience in the real estate industry, Ms. Caroom is the Senior Vice President, Multifamily Operations, with Sandalwood, a leading full-service real estate, asset, and property management company. She holds a CAM and CAPS ... With over 22 years of experience in the real estate industry, Ms. Caroom is the Senior Vice President, Multifamily Operations, with Sandalwood, a leading full-service real estate, asset, and property management company. She holds a CAM and CAPS designation from the National Apartment Association, and have extensive skills and expertise in leasing, property management, operational efficiencies, new construction, value add, investor relations and customer satisfaction. Janie is responsible for the strategic planning, financial performance, execution, and growth of the company's property management portfolio with a heavy focus on all new lease ups. She focuses on delivering exceptional results in increasing occupancy rates, revenue, and profitability while reducing expenses and turnover. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with residents, vendors, and partners, and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations are top priorities. Janie is enthusiastic about strategic growth and smart efficiencies, and strives to uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity in every aspect of her work. She is committed to a culture of teamwork and collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and diversity within my team and across the organization. Janie believes in leveraging her skills and expertise in teams and operations and focusing on empowering teams to work together to deliver exceptional results. Prior to joining Sandalwood, Janie worked alongside the CEO and VP of Asset of a real estate development firm, Morningside, as the Director of Property Management to oversee Property Management and Operations for all Morningside’s multifamily assets. She also has an extensive background in all areas of the multi-family industry with previous positions with Cortland, Clear Property Management, Colonial Properties, and Independence Realty Trust Inc.

Ms. Thomas is Senior Vice President of commercial Asset Management and Leasing for Sandalwood Management and is responsible for commercial leasing of Sandalwood managed retail properties in Houston and the Chicago area as well as asset managemen... Ms. Thomas is Senior Vice President of commercial Asset Management and Leasing for Sandalwood Management and is responsible for commercial leasing of Sandalwood managed retail properties in Houston and the Chicago area as well as asset management of properties in both the US and Canada. She began her career in commercial real estate as a contractor to ExxonMobil and General Motors, managing facilities as well as the construction management associated with them. Ms. Thomas later gained her deep knowledge of contracts and honed her negotiation skills selling commercial real estate in Florida, focused primarily on land development and commercial office. After leaving Florida, she specialized in lease management of public office space at GSA. Before coming to Sandalwood Management Kate was a Senior Financial Analyst for AMD in their Global Real Estate Division managing capital budgets and large projects in the US, Canada, India, and Asia. Kate has lived in the US, United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Ms. Koester is the Director of Commercial Properties and oversees operations and day-to-day management of almost 600,000 square feet of commercial real estate for 15 different property owners, including 17 office properties, two retail centers, ... Ms. Koester is the Director of Commercial Properties and oversees operations and day-to-day management of almost 600,000 square feet of commercial real estate for 15 different property owners, including 17 office properties, two retail centers, one industrial park and five office condominium associations. She is the nerve center of her operation, and is ultimately responsible for property budgets, tenant service requests, vendor contracts, build-outs and construction improvements, and more. Yet, with her drive and outstanding attention to detail, Ms. Koester keeps it all running smoothly, and on budget. Known for her warmth and diplomacy, she has maintained 20-year relationships with owners, while acting fairly with tenants and vendors. Before coming to Sandalwood in 1991, Ms. Koester, a 3rd generation Austinite, worked as a real estate development assistant while holding her real estate license.

Mr. Dyer serves as the Controller for Sandalwood and helps lead the accounting operations team and financial reporting. Prior to Sandalwood, he worked for StreetLights Residential where he helped implement an in-house accounting and reporting p... Mr. Dyer serves as the Controller for Sandalwood and helps lead the accounting operations team and financial reporting. Prior to Sandalwood, he worked for StreetLights Residential where he helped implement an in-house accounting and reporting platform. Additionally, Mr. Dyer spent 22 years at Goldman Sachs/Archon Group where he led the Investment Accounting team that had responsibility for over 400 assets with a cost basis of $5 billion. He started his career at Deloitte in the assurance practice. He earned a BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas.

Our beloved leasing agent for the past 34 years, Colin lost his 10-year battle with cancer in 2024. He was an amazing human being with a huge heart and kind soul. He always greeted everyone with a big smile and said something to make you laugh.... Our beloved leasing agent for the past 34 years, Colin lost his 10-year battle with cancer in 2024. He was an amazing human being with a huge heart and kind soul. He always greeted everyone with a big smile and said something to make you laugh. Our Sandalwood family and business associates will always remember him fondly and miss his unique expertise in the industry.