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.

Mr. Flaherty is the CFO of Sandalwood USA and supervises financial reporting. As CFO, he works to streamline internal processes, assist in budgeting and underwriting, and improve data available to decision makers (both operational and financial)... Mr. Flaherty is the CFO of Sandalwood USA and supervises financial reporting. As CFO, he works to streamline internal processes, assist in budgeting and underwriting, and improve data available to decision makers (both operational and financial). Prior to Sandalwood, he worked as a valuation analyst for Highland Capital Management. He provided valuations for illiquid assets held across the Highland/Nexpoint fund complex including private debt & equity, collateralized loan obligations and warrants. Previously, Mr. Flaherty worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the advisory practice and assurance practice. He provided quality of earnings analysis to help clients through acquisitions and divestitures. Additionally, he worked on SEC filings & Reg AB attestation engagements in the financial services sector. He earned a B.S. and Masters of Accountancy from Baylor University. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas and a CFA Charterholder.

Mr. Hodges is the Director of Commercial Leasing for Sandalwood USA and boasts 30+ years’ experience in the industry. His long-standing relationships with Austin’s most respected and experienced commercial brokers has led to finding tenants idea... Mr. Hodges is the Director of Commercial Leasing for Sandalwood USA and boasts 30+ years’ experience in the industry. His long-standing relationships with Austin’s most respected and experienced commercial brokers has led to finding tenants ideal locations , and owners maximize their properties' potential. With Sandalwood since 1991, Mr. Hodges is responsible for leasing the firm's retail, industrial and office properties -- in all, that comes to more than 1 million square feet. He also serves in the fields of owner and tenant representation. For property owners, Colin's familiarity with Austin’s commercial real estate market landscape means he can guide them to correctly position their property, and using his market connections together with Sandalwood's extensive database, promote it quickly and effectively to a specific target market. Tenants rely on Colin’s knowledge of the regions' history, landlords, services, leasing policies, and historic and current pricing, as they seek to make a wise and cost-effective leasing decision. They also benefit from his legal training as he guides them through the often-complex terms of a lease, creatively structuring deals to give them flexibility in the future. In addition, Colin, as a licensed real estate broker, manages all brokerage activities for Sandalwood US. Colin holds a BBA in management with Texas Tech University and attended Oklahoma City University Law School.

Mr. Forte is Senior Vice President of Sandalwood USA who continuously strives for a positive resident experience while achieving his client’s business model objectives. Beginning his property management career with Greystar in 2009, Mr. Forte ha... Mr. Forte is Senior Vice President of Sandalwood USA who continuously strives for a positive resident experience while achieving his client’s business model objectives. Beginning his property management career with Greystar in 2009, Mr. Forte has experienced all asset classes of conventional properties including lease ups, value-add renovations and launching a new national asset class of active adult communities. His clients over the years have included Carlyle Group, Eagle Capital, One Real Estate Investment, AIG, American Realty Advisors, and Clark Construction to name a few. With Sandalwood USA, Mr. Forte oversees 8 assets and 800+ units across 5 states. His responsibilities include budget development with monthly review of financial performance, digital presence marketing reviews, due diligence/underwriting for asset acquisitions, asset disposition, vendor procurement, asset risk assessments, and capex enhancements focused on adding value. As a member of Sandalwood USA leadership team, Mr. Forte is ready and equipped to help guide your investment model to success.

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.