Crowne Partners stands as a leading name in the real estate and investment sector, renowned for its strategic approach and deep industry expertise. The company’s success is significantly driven by its exceptional leadership team, a group of seasoned professionals with decades of combined experience in real estate development, investment management, and operational excellence. These principals and vice presidents are the backbone of Crowne Partners, guiding the company’s vision and ensuring its continued growth and success in the competitive market.
Alan Engel: Principal
Alan Engel, a Principal at Crowne Partners, Inc., brings extensive experience in commercial and residential real estate management and development, dating back to 1984. His profound expertise lies in construction administration and property management, crucial aspects of successful real estate ventures. Beyond these core areas, Mr. Engel also provides invaluable oversight for services rendered to numerous family trusts and investment partnerships, showcasing his versatility and commitment to client success within Crowne Partners.
Holding an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado, Mr. Engel’s academic foundation complements his practical experience. Furthermore, his registrations as a General Securities Representative and a General Securities Principal with FINRA underscore his professional qualifications and adherence to industry standards at Crowne Partners.
Alan Levow: Principal
Alan Levow is a Principal at Crowne Partners, Inc. with over 35 years of experience in the intricate world of real estate transactions across the United States. His expertise is particularly notable in structuring real estate acquisitions and, currently, in pioneering innovative and effective investment strategies within developmental real estate. Mr. Levow is a key figure in shaping the investment direction of Crowne Partners.
Before his pivotal role at Crowne Partners, Mr. Levow held the position of Vice President and General Partner at Investors Realty Associates in Atlanta, Georgia. His career trajectory also includes a significant period from 1978 to 1982 with JMB Realty Corporation, a nationally recognized leader in tax-advantaged real estate investments. Starting as an Associate in Acquisitions, he quickly advanced to Vice President of Acquisitions and subsequently established and directed JMB’s Southeastern Region Acquisition Office.
Mr. Levow’s strong academic credentials include an MBA from Northwestern University (June 1978) and a JD from Northwestern University (May 1975), where he graduated cum laude and served on the Editorial Board of the Law Review. His early career also included a period as an associate with the law firm of Holland and Hart in Denver, Colorado, further solidifying his legal and business acumen, all of which contribute to his strategic leadership at Crowne Partners.
Andrea Haines: Vice President and General Counsel
Andrea Haines serves as Vice President and General Counsel for Crowne Partners, Inc., playing a critical role in the company’s legal and developmental operations. Her responsibilities are broad, encompassing new developments, ensuring legal oversight and compliance for construction, management, and securities teams, and managing all capital market transactions for Crowne Partners. Mrs. Haines is also a registered General Securities Representative with FINRA, highlighting her comprehensive understanding of the financial and legal landscapes within the real estate industry.
Prior to joining Crowne Partners, Mrs. Haines honed her legal skills at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, within their Global Finance group. Her educational background includes a JD from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was Managing Editor for the Journal of Constitutional Law, and a BA, magna cum laude, from Northwestern University, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Beyond her professional commitments at Crowne Partners, Mrs. Haines is actively involved in community service, serving on the Board of Directors for Girls Inc. of Central Alabama and Red Mountain Theatre Company.
Cary Levow: Vice President of Development
Cary Levow holds the position of Vice President of Development at Crowne Partners, Inc., focusing on the critical areas of new site development and acquisition. His role encompasses negotiating new commercial leases, managing construction budgets and forecasting, and providing essential development oversight during the entitlement process for new Crowne Partners sites.
With significant experience in the real estate and multi-family business sectors, Mr. Levow brings a practical and informed approach to development projects. He is a registered General Securities Representative with FINRA, reflecting his professional standing and expertise. Before joining Crowne Partners, he served as a Development Associate for Wendover Housing Partners LLC in Atlanta. His academic qualifications are extensive, including a JD and MBA from the University of Miami with a concentration in Real Estate, and a BS in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Levow is also a member of the Georgia Bar Association, further enhancing his professional credibility within Crowne Partners and the wider real estate community.
Jake Levow: Vice President and Director of Operations
Jake Levow is a Vice President and the Director of Operations for Crowne Partners, Inc., responsible for overseeing the operational management of Crowne’s extensive portfolio. This includes apartment communities, commercial properties, parking facilities, and self-storage units. His directives cover budgeting, marketing strategies, purchasing, and personnel management across all Crowne properties, ensuring efficient and effective operations. Mr. Levow’s career progression within Crowne Partners includes roles as a commercial property manager, apartment community director, and regional director, providing him with a deep understanding of the company’s operations at all levels.
Mr. Levow earned an MBA from Adelphi University and a BA in History from Elmira College. He is a registered General Securities Representative with FINRA and holds prestigious certifications from the National Apartment Association as a Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) and Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS). His commitment to industry excellence is further demonstrated by his membership in The Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council, positioning him as a forward-thinking leader in Crowne Partners’ operational strategy.
Mark Pflaum: Chief Financial Officer
Mark Pflaum serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Crowne Partners, Inc.’s tax department, bringing over 25 years of dedicated service to the company. His specialization in real estate and partnership accounting and taxation is invaluable to Crowne Partners’ financial strategy. Mr. Pflaum also dedicates considerable attention to investor relations, building and maintaining strong connections with stakeholders.
Mr. Pflaum’s academic achievements include a BS and Masters in Taxation from the University of Alabama, where he graduated with honors. He earned his CPA license on his first attempt, demonstrating his professional competence and dedication. Beyond his role at Crowne Partners, Mr. Pflaum is actively involved in his community as the Financial Secretary for his local Knights of Columbus council and a volunteer at his church, reflecting his commitment to service and leadership both professionally and personally.
Lewis Shubin: Vice President
Lewis Shubin, a Vice President at Crowne Partners, brings a diverse 35-year career marked by corporate and entrepreneurial successes. He began his career at WH Smith PLC, advancing to Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Legal Affairs. Mr. Shubin then demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Gift Partners LP, a developer of retail businesses in leading resorts, and Sope Creek, a provider of branded identity apparel to the luxury resort industry. Both companies were successfully acquired by larger competitors, highlighting his business acumen. Subsequently, he joined CMS Companies, a private equity firm focused on real estate and small-to-mid-cap business investments, and also served on the board of Goddard Development Partners, a regional shopping center developer.
Mr. Shubin’s educational background includes a JD from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida. His broad experience across various sectors enriches his contributions to Crowne Partners, providing strategic insights and a versatile approach to real estate investment and development.
The leadership team at Crowne Partners embodies a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. Their diverse skills and deep industry knowledge position Crowne Partners as a trusted and successful entity in the real estate investment landscape.
