Arun Singh’s journey to becoming CFO of Mdh Partners is a compelling narrative of passion, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to sustainable and responsible real estate investment. His story, deeply rooted in a love for the tangible world of real estate and nurtured by key relationships within the Urban Land Institute (ULI), exemplifies the innovative spirit driving MDH Partners in today’s dynamic market.
Singh’s fascination with real estate ignited during his high school years in Columbus, Ohio. He was drawn to the unique character of each building and the palpable nature of the industry. Although initially enrolling in computer science at Georgia Tech, his innate interest in real estate led him back to his home state and The Ohio State University. There, under the mentorship of his father, a professor, he pursued a degree in real estate. His brief time in Atlanta, however, left an indelible mark. He was captivated by the city’s vibrant diversity and sense of opportunity, a stark contrast to Columbus. Atlanta’s welcoming atmosphere, embodied in the saying “a city too busy to hate,” solidified his ambition to return.
Upon graduating from Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business with a real estate degree, Singh joined BP Oil’s rotational program. This role thrust him into high-volume deal-making, as he was part of a team responsible for divesting 3,000 company-owned gas stations nationwide between 2007 and 2009. Selling up to 50 stations daily, Singh gained invaluable transactional experience early in his career, stating, “Before I was 25, I had done more deals than some people ever do. Hopefully you learn something from each one.” Despite his practical acumen, Singh candidly admits to not being a stellar student in traditional academic settings. He found his stride in the professional world, but recognized the value of further education.
In 2009, Singh pursued a Master’s degree in Real Estate at NYU, specializing in finance and investment, while working full-time. He found the NYU program exceptionally engaging due to the practical, real-world approach of his professors, who were active real estate professionals. This immersive learning environment, resembling “colleagues mentoring younger colleagues,” resonated deeply with Singh.
Armed with his MS in Real Estate, Singh joined MetLife’s rotational program, exploring diverse strategic real estate ventures, from acquiring distressed bank assets to investing in asset management firms and taking REITs private. His career trajectory within MetLife led him to commercial loan originations, and in 2014, presented him with an opportunity to return to Atlanta. He eagerly embraced the chance to rejoin the city that had captivated him years prior.
One of Singh’s first initiatives upon relocating to Atlanta was joining ULI. He quickly became an active member of the Young Leaders Group, leveraging the platform to cultivate both professional and personal connections with established industry leaders. “I was interested in building a professional and personal network and it worked beautifully,” Singh reflects. He valued the diverse perspectives gained from interacting with architects, contractors, and other real estate professionals, enriching his understanding of deals from multiple angles. These relationships remain invaluable to him today.
It was at another industry event in 2014 where Singh encountered Jeff Small, CEO of MDH Partners. Small, a compelling speaker and leader of an entrepreneurial firm with roots tracing back to M.D. Hodges – a prominent industrial developer in Atlanta – immediately impressed Singh. Following Small’s presentation, Singh connected with him, eventually pitching his business ideas. This interaction blossomed into a fruitful partnership, with Singh developing a financing product for MDH Partners that secured $275 million in funding over several years, establishing MetLife as a key financing source for the firm. In 2020, this successful collaboration culminated in Singh joining MDH Partners as CFO.
Singh’s role as CFO transcends traditional financial responsibilities. He is deeply involved in shaping the company’s strategy and operations, overseeing finance, accounting, investor relations, HR, technology, ESG initiatives, marketing, and capital markets. He emphasizes a strategic approach, focused on optimizing operations and driving company-wide excellence rather than solely managing the books.
Under Singh’s strategic guidance, MDH Partners has experienced remarkable growth. From a team of just five when Singh and Small first connected, the firm has expanded to 25 professionals. Over the past three years, MDH Partners has strategically deployed capital from Fund I and Fund II, acquiring nearly 20 million square feet of industrial assets across 20 states. This rapid expansion capitalizes on what Singh identifies as “the golden era of industrial investment.”
MDH Partners’ commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is deeply ingrained in their operational philosophy. ESG is not merely a compliance measure for MDH Partners; it is a core value driving their decisions. Singh spearheaded the formalization of the company’s ESG policy upon joining, solidifying their long-standing commitment to responsible business practices. This dedication earned MDH Partners global recognition, including the prestigious Emerging Manager ESG Award from the Pension Real Estate Association (PREA).
MDH Partners’ ESG policy, coupled with their unique capital structure sourced from foundations and university endowments, enables a long-term, value-add approach across over 30 cities nationwide. ESG considerations are integrated into every asset, from incorporating natural light through clerestory windows to upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting and optimizing operational efficiency.
Singh highlights two key ESG initiatives. First, MDH Partners is an early adopter of CarbonCure Technologies, injecting captured CO2 into concrete during mixing, thereby reducing carbon emissions by permanently embedding CO2 instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. This technology has been implemented in three MDH Partners developments, saving over 250 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The Busch Commerce Center in Cartersville, GA, represents one of the largest CarbonCure projects of its kind, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint, equivalent to removing over 1 million auto miles annually.
Secondly, MDH Partners is deeply committed to community engagement, exemplified by the Lee + White redevelopment project in Atlanta, undertaken in partnership with Ackerman. This adaptive reuse project not only houses diverse, locally-owned businesses but also provides free meeting spaces and hosts community organizations. MDH Partners has supported initiatives such as West End Neighborhood District (W.E.N.D) meetings, Free99 Fridge mutual aid project giveaways, free COVID testing with Community Organized Relief Effort (C.O.R.E), and partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools for remote learning pods and food distribution during the pandemic. Lee + White also recently hosted the Beltline Lantern Parade, providing space for lantern construction.
Beyond his demanding role at MDH Partners, Singh prioritizes giving back to his alma mater, Ohio State. He has established a scholarship fund and actively mentors real estate students. MDH Partners recently hired an Ohio State graduate who served as president of the real estate club, reflecting Singh’s commitment to fostering the next generation of real estate leaders. “When I was a student, mentorship by young professionals in real estate was something I really thought was missing,” Singh explains. “So I am committed to doing my part to improve that.”
Arun Singh’s journey and leadership at MDH Partners showcase a powerful blend of strategic acumen, commitment to ESG principles, and dedication to fostering both industry innovation and community well-being. MDH Partners stands as a testament to the transformative potential of responsible and forward-thinking real estate investment in the modern era.
