Team
Our team is more than a group of individuals, we are a tight-knit family with shared values and goals.
John N. Daniel, III
Managing Partner
John Daniel is a founding Partner of Palmetto Capital Group and oversees all finance, legal and construction leadership.
John is proud of Palmetto’s success and client centric approach to business. He enjoys working alongside their team of highly committed and talented people who put clients first every day.
John holds an Education Agricultural Economics & Finance degree from the University of Kentucky and enjoys spending time with family, hunting and fishing.
John N. Daniel, III
Managing Partner
Mike Houghton
Managing Partner
As the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Palmetto Capital Group, Mike is responsible for the company’s client focused development strategy as well as the management of Palmetto assets and investments throughout the US. Prior to founding Palmetto in 2008, Mike spent over 8 years in professional client management and sales of both real estate and in the healthcare industry.
He earned a degree in Business Science from Florida State University and is a member of International Council of Shopping centers, Lakeland Economic Development Council, FSU Boosters, and is a Florida licensed real estate Broker.
Mike Houghton
Managing Partner
Clay Stephens
President/Managing Partner
Clay joined Palmetto in 2020, bringing a comprehensive retail background to Palmetto after spending several years in various real estate and real estate legal leadership roles with multiple high-growth retailers including Dollar General, Bridgestone, and several others. In 2022, he took on the role of President and in 2024 became a Managing Partner, further enhancing our leadership team. He brings a unique understanding and problem-solving approach to issues of concern to retailers from a real estate, operations, and logistics perspective to optimize Palmetto’s client-driven mission. His responsibilities include leading Palmetto’s Nashville and Atlanta offices, and creating and executing both short and long-term growth strategies, client development, and process improvement company-wide to assist in the alignment of Palmetto objectives with client needs.
Clay holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law, and LL.M. in Real Property Development from the University of Miami (FL) and is a licensed attorney in both Tennessee and Florida. He lives in Nashville with his wife and two children and enjoys spending time with his family, church, reading, and other travel among other activities.
Clay Stephens
President/Managing Partner
Josh Spence
SVP of Development Management
Josh joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2018 and manages the site feasibility, design, permitting and construction.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee. He is also a Licensed Architect (AIA) and LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C).
Josh enjoys spending time with family, camping, backpacking, fishing and anything else that gets him outdoors.
Josh Spence
SVP of Development Management
Justin Wilson
Vice President of Real Estate
Justin joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2012 and provides all site selection, entitlement and permitting, and construction oversight services for national tenants throughout Southeastern United States.
Justin holds a Bachelors from Florida Southern College and a Masters from American University. He enjoys spending time with family, church, exercise playing sports.
Justin Wilson
Vice President of Real Estate
Jeff Lazenby
Vice President of Development Management
Jeff joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2013 and manages the feasibilities, design, permitting and construction of all Palmetto Florida sites.
Jeff is a Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Floodplain Manager and brings 20 years’ engineering & construction experience to Palmetto. His civil engineering background allows him to creatively solve customer problems and bring new solutions to every project.
Jeff holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Florida State University and enjoys spending time with family.
Jeff Lazenby
Vice President of Development Management
John Mark Braswell
Vice President of Real Estate
John Mark joined PCG in 2015 to help grow PCG’s clients across the southeast. Along with his incredible team members, John Mark oversees acquisitions and growth strategies for PCG’s clients out of the Nashville office.
John Mark has been a broker and investor in real estate for nearly a decade. He entered the real estate industry as a broker at Sperry Van Ness/R.M. Moore in Knoxville in the middle of the Great Recession. While an incredibly challenging market, John Mark aggressively pursued opportunities for his clients and broadened his focus to become the top sales agent two years in a row. His background in underwriting, brokering and investing in various asset classes allows him to bring a rare perspective to his current role. In a prior life, John Mark played college football and went on to be an undergraduate assistant for the Tennessee Volunteers.
John Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting/International Business from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. A wannabe golfer, pitmaster and world traveler, John Mark mainly spends his free time running errands to Costco and Target with his wife and son, Chelsea and Battle.
John Mark Braswell
Vice President of Real Estate
Justin Ashby
Vice President of Development Management
Justin joined Palmetto in 2022 and manages site feasibility, design, permitting, and construction of projects as part of the Palmetto Construction and Development team. Previously, he served in design, construction, development, and leadership positions with several multinational restaurant and retail companies, as well as a national general contractor. In addition, responsibilities in prior roles have included scheduling, budgeting, value engineering, and pipeline management of high-volume national rollouts. Justin brings a customer-centric approach to his role and approaches each project with the operational needs of the end-user in mind. He believes communication, collaboration, and personal accountability are keys to success.
“Joining Palmetto is a natural step in the progression of my career, enabling me to work with a great Team while pursuing my passion for providing a quality end product for the Customer, on time and within budget.”
In addition to his professional experience, Justin holds BS and MS degrees in Construction from Texas A&M University and holds the Certified Professional Constructor designation with the American Institute of Construction.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is also an avid foodie who enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, and sampling different cuisines.
Justin Ashby
Vice President of Development Management
Tim Soard
Director of Estimating & Construction
Tim joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2022. As Director of Estimating & Construction, Tim keeps an eye on industry costs, market trends, tracks internal historical data, and reviews client requirements to produce accurate budgets for all real estate deals. Tim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga along with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Tusculum College. During his free time, Tim enjoys traveling and creating memories with his wife, Gloria, and two daughters, Alexa and Alyssa. In addition, Tim loves watching sports, playing golf, hunting, and being outdoors.
Tim Soard
Director of Estimating & Construction
Derek Biard
Director of Construction Management
Derek joined Palmetto in 2022. As part of the Development Team, he is responsible for managing permitting, construction, and project closeout across multiple markets.
Derek earned a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Western Kentucky University in 2008. His experience includes project management for an architecture firm, a general contractor, and as an owner’s representative, allowing him to bring multi-faceted management skills to the team.
Derek enjoys time with his family, working with his church, traveling, photography, and projects around the house.
Derek Biard
Director of Construction Management
Patrick Connor
Senior Fee Development/Construction Manager
Patrick joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2015 and oversaw market analysis, site selection, site negotiation; assisted Real Estate with site presentations to clients and lease negotiation; and assisted the development team throughout the feasibility and permitting stages of each project.
At the beginning of 2019 Patrick joined the company’s Development team to help manage the company’s new fee development program, and BTS developments in the state of FL.
Patrick holds a BS in Business from the University of Alabama and a Master’s of Science in Real Estate from the University of Central Florida.
Patrick is also Florida Real Estate licensed, a Member of NAIOP Developing Leaders, Central Florida Chapter and enjoys time with family and friends; being outdoors, playing golf, fishing and hiking.
Patrick Connor
Senior Fee Development/Construction Manager
Daniel King
Senior Design & Entitlement Manager
Daniel joined Palmetto in 2022 and is responsible for the site plan quick-fit program. He also takes an active role in providing internal partners feasibility information to ensure client needs are met.
Prior to working with Palmetto, Daniel worked for a civil engineering design consulting firm. He brings 4.5 years of Land Development experience in civil engineering that includes project management, construction administration (submittals, RFIs, CORs), site layout, grading and drainage, site utilities, opinions of probable cost, erosion and sediment control, and due diligence.
“Palmetto has welcomed me with open arms. They have been transparent, easy to work with, and create an environment where high quality client service and deliverables are standard.”
Daniel holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University. In his free time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, working out, watching sports, and traveling.
Daniel King
Senior Design & Entitlement Manager
Mariel Benitez
HR Operations Director
Mariel joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2021, bringing with her a decade of HR experience, including roles at Fortune 10 companies. Her areas of expertise include HR Data and Analytics, Total Rewards, and Talent Acquisition.
With a BS in Psychology from UCF, Mariel enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new destinations, and indulging in animation.
Mariel Benitez
HR Operations Director
DeeDee Conley
Senior Admin Manager
DeeDee joined Palmetto in 2009, bringing a wide-ranging accounting background to Palmetto after spending a number of years in various accounting positions including cash management, financial accounting, and payroll oversight. Her responsibilities include the administrative and financial oversight of Palmetto Capital Group and its real estate developments.
“I have enjoyed learning more about real estate development during the time I’ve spent with Palmetto Capital Group. It’s been exciting to watch Palmetto Capital Group grow and develop into a successful and growing company over the years that I have worked here.”
DeeDee holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Valdosta State University. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She also loves traveling and reading in her spare time.
DeeDee Conley
Senior Admin Manager
Marissa Walker
Senior Development Coordinator
Marissa joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2016 and is responsible for organizing current and potential real estate development projects, resolving project issues, and providing support to Palmetto’s Real Estate and Development Managers to ensure that all projects are executed efficiently and in accordance with agreements.
“Palmetto is an environment that encourages all employees to better themselves has allowed me to learn more about the industry and strive for greater success.”
Marissa holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Brandman University and enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dogs in beautiful Tennessee. Her free time is spent hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and exploring new places, music and restaurants around the state.
Marissa Walker
Senior Development Coordinator
Krystin Olejniczak
Senior Real Estate Coordinator
Krystin joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2018 and is responsible for creating project files for new and current development projects, preparation of real estate marketing documents, management of contract timelines, property research, marketing initiatives, and event/conference coordination.
“Palmetto is a place where you can build a long-term career. The culture and future of this company inspire me to take on new challenges. Everyone is truly invested in your success and willing to help you achieve your goals.”
Krystin enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, concerts, and sporting events.
Krystin Olejniczak
Senior Real Estate Coordinator
Julie Loyd
Real Estate Paralegal
Julie joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2022. She plays a key role in coordinating the execution of agreements, maintaining legal contracts, and preparing status reports, while also partnering with various groups on legal and administrative matters. With over 20 years of paralegal experience, Julie brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization.
Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Belmont University.
When she’s not working, she loves to spend quality time with her friends and family.
Julie Loyd
Real Estate Paralegal
Blanton Cook
Real Estate Manager
Blanton oversees retailer expansion and site acquisitions in Georgia and the Carolinas, focusing on creating and executing new store growth strategies uniquely tailored for each client that maximize the client’s ability to penetrate a market through PCG’s full scope of build-to-suit development services that include: site selection, land acquisition, site layout, value engineering, entitlements, and construction management.
Blanton brings over 14 years of commercial real estate experience to Palmetto that has covered: landlord representation, capital markets investment sales, joint venture equity and structured finance, shopping center ownership and development, and as an acquisition specialist for a national grocer; all of which gives Blanton a unique perspective to provide creative solutions when analyzing potential site acquisitions or negotiating with potential sellers, as well an understanding of the economics that drive each deal.
“I joined Palmetto because of their commitment to long-term needs of each client and a willingness to operate with complete transparency through each deal, creates a culture for each office and each team member, across all specializations, to work together to make sure all potential solutions have been explored, which makes it easier to develop long lasting relationships with each client we serve.”
Blanton holds a BA in Business from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX and a MBA from the Acton School of Business, Austin, TX and enjoys running after his 3 children, coaching soccer and lacrosse, playing golf and fishing.
Blanton Cook
Real Estate Manager
Zach Martin
Real Estate Manager
Zach joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2021 and he oversees retail expansion focusing on site selection, entitlement and permitting, and construction oversight services for national tenants throughout the southeastern region of the United States.
Zach holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Economics from Auburn University and enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, traveling, and attending live music events.
Zach Martin
Real Estate Manager
Chris Miller
Real Estate Manager
Chris joined Palmetto in 2022 with a focus on assisting retail clients to achieve growth plans throughout the southeast. He oversees market strategy, site acquisition, and the development process up until client turnover. He brings over 17 years of retail real estate experience working for various retailers, including AutoZone, Kroger, and Bridgestone, having acquired and developed nearly 2 million square feet of grocery-anchored shopping center and retail outparcel space.
“I joined Palmetto because of how they care for people and their core philosophy of being an extension of their client’s teams. It’s part of the culture from the top down. Success should be measured in how we have genuinely cared for our client’s needs and strived to make one another better along the way. “
Chris holds a bachelor’s in business from the University of Memphis. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, traveling, golf and generally anything that gets him into the great outdoors.
Chris Miller
Real Estate Manager
Bryan Baire
Development Manager
Bryan joined PCG in 2024 and manages site feasibility, design, permitting, and construction of projects as part of the development team. As a well seasoned veteran of the land development industry, Bryan’s background brings valuable expertise to guide PCG’s projects through the full development lifecycle. Having worked on a wide range of land development projects ranging from residential, institutional, heavy highway and commercial, his background gives him comprehensive understanding of entitlements, site design, project/construction management, and maintaining client/municipal relationships. His diverse experience on large-scale projects like the 1996 Olympic Village in Atlanta demonstrates his ability to manage complex, high-profile projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and to high quality standard. He believes in a servant leadership philosophy centered on teamwork are keys to delivering results.
“It is a true honor and blessing to work with such a talented group of people. PCG maintains a collaborative, supportive culture which is so important for any organization’s success.”
In his time away from work Bryan actively serves within his church, is an avid fisherman and enjoys the great outdoors with family and friends as much as possible.
Bryan Baire
Development Manager
Charlie Wallace
Construction Manager
Charlie joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2024. He works closely with team members, contractors, and vendors to ensure smooth management of daily construction activities for our commercial and retail development projects.
Charlie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Sam Houston State University. Outside of work, he loves spending quality time with family, volunteering, and actively participating in church activities.
Charlie Wallace
Construction Manager
Danie Wilson
Real Estate Administrator
Danie joined Palmetto Capital Group in 2016 and oversees all office administration and property management. She holds a degree from Wiregrass Technology and loves spending time with her family.