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. 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.

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.

Mr. Shorb is the Director of Residential Operations and is a solution finder who revels in any challenge. He’s known for ensuring residents are well cared for by empowered community managers, creative cost reduction plans and an ability to nego... Mr. Shorb is the Director of Residential Operations and is a solution finder who revels in any challenge. He’s known for ensuring residents are well cared for by empowered community managers, creative cost reduction plans and an ability to negotiate contract that insure there is no waste or inefficiency. Sterling oversees residential operations for the central region of the United States with mostly Conventional assets in Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas. His responsibilities include budgeting and financial performance, capital expenditure planning, portfolio-wide vendor negotiation and setting and maintaining occupancy goals. Before joining Sandalwood in 2014, he was a Senior Regional Portfolio Manager at ConAm where he worked the last 13 years. Sterling graduated from James Madison University.