About Us

EKN Development specializes in developing timeless projects that capture the essence of the local community and personifies the spirit of each location. EKN believes in creating transformative places that provide a location for human connection and enrichment. Guided by our creative vision and decades of experience, we deliver human-centric, state-of-the-art resorts and projects that transcend materiality.

To deliver on our vision, we capitalize on our distinct expertise to pursue unique locations with diverse demand drivers and high barriers-to-entry. EKN is dedicated to creating the outstanding spaces of tomorrow that draw visitors and locals together, encourage economic growth, and stand the test of time.

History

In 1995, Ebbie K. Nakhjavani founded Terafirma Development group with a focus on retail and commercial development. Terafirma became EKN Development in 2012 when we shifted our focus to the booming hospitality sector. We designed a systematic real estate development process that decreases exposure to risk while maximizing returns on investment.

In 2021, EKN successfully opened 4 hotels and secured over $700 million in debt: a feat unheard of during the global pandemic. Today, we’ve expanded our asset class to include condo and family essential resorts to leverage the growth toward resort driven experiences.

EKN currently has over 1,900 keys under active development comprised of over $60 million developed and operating, over $100 million currently under construction, and over $400 million in mid-late phases of development.

Team

Ebbie K. Nakhjavani

Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer

Ebbie K. Nakhjavani is a renowned retail and commercial engineering expert, founder of EKN Development, with $7 billion in project valuation, and a registered Professional Engineer with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University.

Andrew Davies, ESQ.

Corporate Counsel and SVP of Entitlements

Andrew Davies, a California attorney, is the Corporate Counsel for EKN Development Group. His expertise lies in real estate transactions, entitlements, land use, and streamlining the entitlement process to minimize risks.

Arya K. Nakhjavani

Chief Financial Officer and VP, Strategic Planning

Arya is the Chief Financial Officer and VP, Strategic Planning at EKN, specializing in financial underwriting, research, and analysis. Arya holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance and a background in investment banking and financial research.

Mike Jolly

SVP of Construction

Mike is EKN's SVP of Entitlement and Construction. He manages design and construction teams, budgets, and oversees construction, design, and FF&E teams. With extensive experience and awards, he has improved EKN's processes.

Tom Jacobson

SVP of Development

Tom is an experienced real estate developer specializing in hospitality and community development. As the SVP of Development for EKN, he manages complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes. Tom holds a Bachelor's and MBA in Finance from Brigham Young University.

Heather Knapp

Director of Arts and Events

Heather Knapp serves as the Director of Arts and Events at EKN Development, where she masterfully blends her keen eye for beauty with her passion for curating unique experiences.

Georges Nabwangu

Director of Finance

Georges Nabwangu, Director of Finance at EKN Development, oversees capital markets and has secured over $2.6 Billion in project financing throughout his 14-year career in commercial real estate lending and capital markets.

Austin Bergquist

Project Manager

Austin is a project manager overseeing project lifecycles, managing teams, submittals, entitlements, and fostering community relationships. With experience in asset management and development analysis, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.

Olga Remizova

Controller

Olga, EKN's Controller, brings 15+ years of diverse experience in driving EBITDA growth. She develops financial infrastructure, establishes controls, and oversees services and technology products. Olga's accomplishments include reducing operating costs, negotiating contracts, and facilitating smooth transitions. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Law.

Nima K. Nakhjavani

Asset Manager

Nima K. Nakhjavani, a Chapman University Data Analytics graduate, excels as an Asset Manager at EKN Development, overseeing hotel projects from inception to execution while emphasizing community engagement and project success.

Evan Pauletich

Associate, Finance and Construction

Evan Pauletich, prior to joining EKN Development Group, gained experience at Salesforce as an Associate Sales Development Representative, optimizing sales processes and targeting the high-tech industry. He holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and Applied Mathematics from Claremont McKenna College.

Michelle Guevara

FF&E Manager

Michelle Guevara is a skilled and accomplished FF&E Manager at EKN Development whereshe manages the procurement, installation, and maintenance of furniture, fixtures, and equipment for all EKN projects. She has a keen eye for design and quality, and ensures that all FF&E meets the standards and expectations of clients and guests.

Sydney Ruff, ESQ.

Associate Attorney

Sydney Ruff, a California Licensed Attorney at EKN Development, specializes in real estate acquisitions, transactions, and contracts. She previously worked at Litchfield Law PC and supported corporate counsel at Christie Digital Systems and USHIO America. Sydney holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law.

Katie Groat

Executive Assistant

Katie Groat, as the Executive Assistant at EKN Development, skillfully connects different parts of the company and is key to making the company's goals a reality. Katie has supported CEO Ebbie Nakhjavani since January 2023.

Join Our Team

We are a fast-paced, dynamic company that prioritizes growth and innovation in every project we undertake. We're currently seeking passionate, motivated individuals to join our team and help shape the future of sustainable and transformative property development.

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