Savvy Development, LLC: A Different Breed of Developer

In a dynamic and ever-evolving Williamson County landscape, where fortunes are made and lost with the ebb and flow of population and opportunity, Savvy Development steadfastly prioritizes reputation over financial gains, recognizing integrity and trust are the true cornerstones of long-term success. While still a startup, this company is brimming with world-class talent and abundant resources that will establish them as an indelible new partner in the Central Texas region.

At the heart of the company lies a team of four seasoned minds led by Ken Schiller, co-founder of K&N Management, the $73 million company behind Mighty Fine Burgers and Austin’s Rudy’s Bar-B-Q.

In 2021, after 27 years at the helm of his made-from-scratch restaurants, Schiller retired to start a new chapter in his life, but this inimitable entrepreneur was not long for kicking back. He says, "I traveled enough of the world to know I did not need to travel the whole world." And today, he is preparing to show Williamson County what savvy really means.

SAVVY ORIGINS

Among many significant advantages derived from the Savvy partners' collective experience is their holistic approach in executing every aspect of a project. While it is customary for developers to rely on external contractors to handle various aspects of their builds, Savvy has already distinguished itself by possessing the necessary financing, abundant assets, and in-house expertise to handle all tasks internally.

Schiller attributes this capability to the life experience of his partners, who all bring a wealth of industry-specific knowledge to the table. Their amalgamated resources and acumen allow the team to maintain a focused approach towards achieving long-term objectives, rather than seeking quick solutions to growth challenges.

Every decision, no matter the scale, receives the same careful consideration. The four founding partners were intentional about choosing the name for the organization, aiming for a term that conveys the right message to clients. "Our name transcends a specific industry focus and speaks to the aptitude of our team," Schiller explains. "Every action, every aspect of our organization, is aligned with the concept of being savvy. If people are going to entrust their money, they seek assurance that the group handling their money possesses a high level of knowledge and expertise."

SAVVY PEOPLE

He traces Savvy's roots back to the moment when Travis Wilkes, a longtime friend and former manager of one of his restaurants, approached him with a request for business mentorship. Schiller was in the process of selling K&N and as their meetings continued, their common interests in development grew into the idea for collaboration to reach their goals more quickly.

Then, in August 2021, the two began contemplating the notion of construction and development, which led to an acquisition of two neglected RV parks on Lake Travis. The primary focus of the venture involved upgrading and modernizing the existing parks, to accommodate the growing market demand for RV parks. This strategic move was underpinned by the belief that these parks offered a safe, recession-proof investment opportunity with significant potential, and the joint endeavor marked their first combined venture into the world of development.

Both men had backgrounds in commercial construction, with Wilkes having spent nine years as a commercial contractor. Subsequently, he embarked on a career at the City of Round Rock, where, as Assistant Director of General Services, he oversaw all vertical construction, and immersed himself in the customers' perspective and inner workings of the municipal atmosphere. That eight-year tenure not only refined his skills but also greatly enhanced his understanding of the intricacies of the construction industry.

Wilkes is now Savvy's chief operating officer and adds, "Our core principles extend to our business relationships as well, including municipalities, homeowners' associations, and the vendors involved in our operations. They need to know we are not going to waste anyone's time by doing things that are not necessary."

Chief Construction Officer Kristopher Johnston shares a similar story, having served as a commercial general contractor for 18 years. He also founded a custom home building company, which led to his serendipitous meeting with the Schillers. Ken and his wife were looking for a custom home and agreed on one of Johnston's properties in Georgetown. Schiller says, "If you can still like a contractor while he's building your own home, he must be a good man."

Savvy's most recent but quite critical achievement centers around adding CFO Jillian Foley to the partnership. A professional with unparalleled expertise in the development industry, her contributions serve as a prime example of Schiller's winning recruitment strategy.

Foley says, "Although we're considered a startup, we have the competitive advantage of having a solid foundation at the start. It grants us the freedom to be selective in our choices and enables us to decline opportunities that do not align with our vision. In other words, we want the right deal, not the deal right now. This further enhances our position in the market."

Foley is not alone in wearing many hats from the start. "We are all working together on financial strategy and processes. All the team members have input on deals and running models, and each of us brings certain strengths to the war room, which gives a lot of value to the company."

Schiller's extensive background in business, coupled with building his own restaurants, has equipped him with invaluable expertise in this domain. Wilkes, on the other hand, has dedicated the past two decades to the field of commercial construction as a senior leader, gaining a wealth of knowledge and skill in various capacities.

Savvy Development recently moved into their corporate office in Round Rock where, in addition to their projects, they will also be focused on their corporate culture. More than just words on a website, The Savvy Way embodies the partners' fundamental principles, is the bedrock of the organizational culture, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the brand identity.

KEN SCHILLER • CHIEF EXECUTIVE & STRATEGY OFFICER

MY MOST IMPORTANT JOB AS AN OWNER IS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ATTRACTS A-PLAYERS — RECRUIT THEM, SELECT THEM, AND MAKE SURE THEY STAY.

KEN SCHILLER, a native of Cameron, Texas earned his BS in aviation from Texas A&M Central Texas, followed by an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute. Since 1986, he has been a resident of Travis and Williamson counties where he has demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by launching five distinct startups across various industries.

Schiller has and currently serves on multiple boards and is an engaged member of Celebration Church in Georgetown. He is a nationally recognized speaker on leadership and operational excellence while mentoring business owners and rising executives from a wide range of industries. Ken is a licensed commercial pilot, a licensed risk manager, and is passionate about excellence through continuous improvement.

“I would stack our people … against any company in the country. That’s what I’m most proud of."

GROWING AT THE SPEED OF RIGHT

Savvy Development's first major project, a 24.5-acre parcel at Williams Drive and to-be-extended Verde Vista Drive, will be a commercial park development providing retail and corporate space and services for the west side of Georgetown, Sun City, and beyond.

Schiller says, "The Business Park was our first venture into what we considered the path to legitimate and full-time developers." The project is very visible on Williams Drive and in a quickly developing area and the buzz is due in part to the multi-family (age-restricted) residential planned by Novak Brothers on the southeast side of the development. They expect to break ground in late October.

In talking about the Novak transaction Wilkes says, "We were privileged to work with such an experienced team over the past year and a half and look forward to seeing their project come out of the ground."

THE BUSINESS PARK

Wilkes says, "When completed, the development will have space available for corporate and flex offices, retail, and medical facilities, and Culver's quickserve restaurant will be the first business to open in the Park. We are grateful to be working with the Suplitas to bring such a desirable brand to our project."

Culver's owner Jennifer Suplita says she was delighted when she mentioned coming to Georgetown and several customers replied they already knew and were excited about it. She adds, "We are excited to work with Savvy, particularly given Travis' perspective on business and his background with the city of Round Rock where we opened our first Culver's. At the same time, we are thrilled to work with Ken and have opportunities to bounce our business ideas off of him as we look to expand further. We live in Georgetown and have been looking to build here since 2020. Having someone like Ken, with that depth of knowledge of his business as well as our own we hope to achieve even a tenth of his success."

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Wilkes says, "When we started, we respectfully asked the adjoining HOA's leadership what they did not want, and they helped steer the development and decisions in that way." As well, while not initially eager to assume the burden of building a city road, Savvy quickly realized the benefits of the Vista Verde extension and traffic problems it would help solve and decided to cover the associated cost. "Residents and business owners in the adjacent complex and city were all very aware of the traffic issues

and wanted to see someone finally complete this project," he adds.

Mayor Josh Schroeder affirms, " The City of Georgetown is excited to work with quality developers to build the infrastructure necessary to facilitate quality development in our community. We are always looking for ways to make the City easier to navigate and get as much traffic off of Williams Drive as possible, and this project accomplishes both of those goals. I look forward to the opening. The city expects the road extension to be open for vehicular traffic very soon after the road is completed and inspected."

In addition to infrastructure, the Savvy team continues to be driven by what is needed, answering phone calls from people who want to buy pieces of the property because they are confident their business will do well there. Schiller says, "We're not just solving one problem, we are solving many problems and meeting many needs. It's not just a new shopping center, it's a purpose driven commercial center."

For the remainder of the park, Wilkes says, "There is a pent-up demand, and, for our part, we are aggressively handling the construction timelines, so it could be complete in the next 90 days. About half of the project is already sold, and all remaining pad sites are for sale."

TRAVIS WILKES • CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Prior to helping found Savvy Development, TRAVIS WILKES held management positions in retail, hospitality, commercial general contracting and municipal government. He has been innovating and leading companies from different industries for over 20 years with one focus – operational excellence.

His leadership expertise has been instrumental in taking companies from deficient to award-winning. Travis advises on decisions regarding the purchase, zoning, entitlement, development and sale of land and development of properties owned by Savvy Development. He is also responsible for managing Savvy Development’s current portfolio of assets, as well as cultivating the development of new projects.

Travis is a native Austinite and currently resides in Round Rock. He serves on multiple boards and is a veteran of the Unites States Marine Corps. He is personally and professionally committed to the economic growth and cultural enhancements of all the communities selected for Savvy Development projects.

SAVVY CONTRACT WITH INVESTORS

Schiller, while cautious about facets of the project they cannot control, says, "We are fortunate, due to our past successes, to have capital to launch the company without debt and not fall victim to assumptions about exiting the project based on when we will receive approvals from the city, when someone will buy something, or what they will pay for it. Unlike other startups, Savvy will not have to go down that road."

To address the considerable interest and inquiries Savvy has already received from potential investors, the company has proactively developed a concise and focused partnership strategy. Their approach ensures Savvy and its partners have a clear understanding of expectations and are aligned in their efforts for mutual success.

 We only take intelligent risks.

Savvy will never undertake a venture or proceed with an opportunity without considering feasibility and strategy. Schiller says, "We are not like some developers who follow their gut about established risk, then hope for the best. We only take intelligent risks based on expert calculations and careful analysis of all available information and our experience allows us to discern the difference. We vet the potential for success versus that could lead to delays, hazards, or compromised quality in the final outcome." The team agrees it is also crucial to be prepared to walk away from a venture when an intelligent risk transforms into an unacceptable risk. Schiller says, "If you ever adopt the mindset that you've gone to far to back out, you've negated any value that existed in your vetting process."

 We only invite investors to participate who align in our culture and values.

Savvy partners agree they don't just know, they know how. Schiller says, "When a person or company is not achieving what they say they want to achieve, it's most often not due to lack of knowledge but of will. You just have to know how to apply the knowledge and execute."

Wilkes adds, "We know Savvy is going to flourish, and our limited partners are the financial fuel for our growth engine. Knowing we are personally vested in a project instills trust as well as confidence in our ability to discern which are intelligent risks."

 We never offer an opportunity to investors in which we have not already actively invested our own capital.

Schiller says, "Our business model hinges on collaboration as the general partner with our limited partners, who all play a vital role in our growth plan. They bring us capital, we deploy it, and we all make money on that."

Wilkes explains, "Our depth and breadth of experience enables us to challenge conventional wisdom surrounding the decision-making processes. We are able to move more quickly than most because, with decades of experience across the development and financial spectrum in and around Central Texas, our thin-slicing is remarkably accurate."

 We are transparent and believe in overcommunicating our vision and execution.

Emphasizing a desire for clarity and efficiency, every Savvy decision requires strategic thought and a formal process that involves the whole team, including outside advisors as needed. "The process," Schiller says, "should be as simple as possible but no simpler. Development from vision to execution is a meticulous blend of art and science. We approach it with both, and a serious commitment to discipline."

In 2010 K&N Management, Schiller's former company, was the first Austin-based organization to receive the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Presidential Award the nation’s highest honor for operational excellence. In 2012, Ken was appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce to serve a three-year term on the Malcolm Baldrige judges' panel.

Ken Schiller has always set his businesses apart by emphasizing culture and creating an exceptional customer and employee experience. As a result, K&N Management was the first restaurant company to earn the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE), which led them to apply for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Named for Secretary of Commerce (1981-1987) Malcolm Baldrige, it is a prestigious and highly sought after honor presented by the United States Department of Commerce through the Executive Office of the President.

The award was established in 1987 to promote superlative experiences in American businesses, is a symbol of organizational excellence, and recognizes those who have achieved outstanding results in leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement and analysis, workforce engagement, operations, and results.

Organizations that receive the Baldrige Award are considered role models for other businesses and are recognized for their commitment to continuous improvement. With trophy in hand, Schiller could brag that K&N experienced zero legal and ethical breaches in 15 years and 100 percent fiscal compliance on audits with zero violations. Or he could point out that K&N contributed more than $365,000 to charitable organizations and team members volunteered more than 1,600 hours.

But what makes him most proud of the business he and his partner Brian Nolen built, “I would stack our people against any company in the country,” he says. “My most important job as an owner is to create an environment that attracts A-players, then to recruit them, select them, and make sure they stay.”

K&N always made hiring decisions based more on traits than experience, then began training with a ten-hour foundations class to help new employees feel proud they had been selected. Following his appointment to the panel, Schiller said, “We still use the Baldrige Criteria the same way. It’s the framework we use to manage our company. We’re better because we use it, and we don’t have any plans to stop. The criteria bring alignment that keeps us all rowing in the same direction.”

THE SCHILLER STORY

The 1980s were turbulent for U.S. commercial aviation. What does that have to do with Central Texas in 2023? Had Ken Schiller pursued his plan to become an airline pilot, his remarkable successes and historical achievements in business and industry would have been lost to the confines of a cockpit.

But as the airlines went bankrupt, Schiller went into commercial property & casualty insurance. "No one ever plans to be in insurance," he says. "It is somewhat typical that people are there because something else didn't work out. But I did well and built my own agency. Later I left the industry because while I owned my company and con-

trolled much of my business, the underwriters controlled me. I was continually working with people who were looking at manuals and checking boxes. They were usually way off base as well, so I sold it in 1994 and put everything into the restaurant business."

In 1996, alongside his expanding hospitality company, Schiller became the first SportClips franchisee. He eventually opened three shops and later sold them back to the company.

Then, in 2010, frustrated with the lack of professionalism in the electrical industry, he founded Strong Electric construction company, serving the oil and gas sector in the Permian Basin.

He sold Strong in 2015, having grown it into a $23 million company with 180 employees and further solidifying his track record of success.

SCHILLER CULTURE

All the while, at K&N Management, Schiller's reputation for excellence extended beyond business mastery and outstanding customer experience; he has always understood the importance of cultivating a great culture within his organization. Known for his approachability and genuine care for his team members, he fostered an environment where employees felt valued, inspired, and motivated to deliver their best.

Schiller's emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth empowered his team to excel in their respective roles. By nurturing a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, he created a family-like culture that extended to every aspect of K&N Management's operations.

"I just love business and making each company successful," Schiller says. "The commonality in all my business ventures I’m not a chef or even a foodie and I don’t know how to cut hair or put in a ceiling fan, but ...

More instinct than strategy, Schiller says a great deal of his competitive edge was forged early on by his ability to see and recruit top talent before others did because he was always looking for it. "When I was in the restaurant business, if I was awake, I was recruiting. And in 27 years at K&N we never had any turnover at the senior leadership level. I’m most proud of that professionally, and I will say the same thing about this Savvy team. I would not do this if I did not have full confidence that we have a world class group of people to do it with."

Even as he boasts a superlative track record in his own businesses, he is pleased today to have partnered with three passionate individuals who thrive on pushing boundaries and surpassing expectations.

Comprised of seasoned experts and fresh talent alike, he says the Savvy Development team brings a diverse range of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table. Schiller's new goal is to, again, foster an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning, ensuring that every member feels empowered and inspired to contribute their best.

I know how to bring people together with a vision, then get out of the way to let those who are smarter than me do the rest."

JILLIAN FOLEY • CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

JILLIAN FOLEY was born and raised in Central California. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Minor in Communications then earned her Master of Accountancy and CPA while working full-time. She quickly transitioned to working in the real estate industry, her true passion, at Stockbridge Capital Group and subsequently moved to Drawbridge Realty where she was able to progress quickly within the company.

At Drawbridge, she oversaw a portfolio of more than $1B AUM with a focus on fund reporting, compliance, year-end audits, investor reporting, and collaborating on property acquisitions and developments. She also oversaw corporate accounting at Drawbridge and was an adjunct professor at Golden Gate University.

In 2020, Jillian and her husband moved to Georgetown and fell in love with the Texas sense of community. She says making the decision to leave a prestigious position as VP of finance at Urbanspace Real Estate+Interiors in Austin for a startup opportunity was tough but she was drawn to the team and its philosophy from the start. She is eager to build Savvy from the ground up, and partner with this exceptional group, which she finds passionate and respectful.

WHAT CULTURE CAN DO

One night in 2015, Schiller was driving home and saw smoke pouring out of the back of Rudy's on Research Blvd. As the fire engines turned in, he called his senior leadership team, general contractor, plumber, and electrician,

and advised them to join him right away. Their arrival was preceded by a health department agent and eight fire restoration reps who routinely monitor scanners looking for the contract to deal with the situation.

After the fire was doused, the health department agent told Schiller that based on the damage, he would be lucky to reopen within 30 days. "After she left," Schiller says, "my team and I gathered and I told them we would open the next morning. The leadership team and trusted vendors looked con-

cerned but the expectation was set." He then told the fire restoration reps who were on site, "The only criteria for getting the contract was to be the first company that had a full crew show up."

Rudy's opened later that morning, at 11am, as a result of teamwork, decisiveness, agility, and will. Schiller says, "That's what culture can do. All those people will take my call because I will always take theirs, 24/7. When you’re needed, you’re needed." Everyone working together as a team accomplished the goal."

WALKING THE TALK

One of Savvy’s taglines is “We don’t just know, we know how.” The team firmly believes knowledge alone means little if one lacks the ability to deploy the ideas to create value. Deeply ingrained in their organizational culture, they deliver tangible outcomes rather than getting stuck on the drawing board.

Collaborating with HOAs is widely acknowledged as a challenging endeavor for developers. In contrast, Savvy has successfully fostered an environment of trust and cooperation with the residents near their development on Williams Drive in Georgetown, as the HOA past president spelled out:

"From our first meeting I knew we would be able to work together and support a major development project... A few observations:

 [Savvy was] always available to discuss matters when we needed help. They proactively made themselves available on an ongoing basis.

 They were always open-minded and upfront. If we suggested changes, they would accommodate what they could, and clearly explain to our satisfaction those they couldn’t.

 Demonstrated outstanding knowledge about business processes; schedules; environmental rules, regulations, and concerns; and how to work with various processes required by the City and the State. Their relationships with all entities were excellent.

 They always had the big picture in mind and willingly shared it with all."

Wilkes says, "When we bought the property it was already zoned commercial, we didn’t have to have any public hearings or engage with the relevant HOAs. But we did meet with them because we wanted their support. There is no driving factor other than me and Ken to make this win-win for everyone. We want to be partners rather than a developer that takes until there is nothing left."

TENACITY

As Schiller and his team work to navigate municipal delays and challenges, they bear in mind that the goal is to benefit the community more so than their bottom line. "What the average citizen doesn’t realize is when city agencies slow down responsible growth, they not only tie up millions of developers' dollars in unused land, and carrying cost, they are also hurting the sales and property tax revenue."

Undaunted, Savvy keeps moving forward and continues to impress nearby residents. Wilkes sent a preemptive apology email to nearby neighbors to explain the disruption and assure them the frenzied pace was to "get out of their hair as quickly as possible." He received this reply: "Our folks aren't complaining as much as I thought they would. We gave them plenty of warning and they realize the guys are working very hard.  I've never seen such action in a construction site!" Wilkes says, "[The residents] get unsolicited email from me about once a week to give them updates about the project. Generally, I try to send the email before people feel compelled to pick up the phone."

URGENCY

Wilkes believes the company’s ultimate competitive advantage is their quick-strike approach being decisive and agile “While others are still analyzing, we are moving forward. We know it when we see it and we act.”

Like Wilkes, the team agrees “speed is sexy” and they are generally willing to pay for it, acknowledging that the benefits of timely delivery outweigh the associated costs.

With the infrastructure phase at Williams Drive expected to be completed within the next 90 days, Savvy is committed to delivering a well-equipped site with utilities readily available. The vertical construction phase is set to commence shortly thereafter, as the team maintains a sense of urgency to bring the project to fruition.

Another example is Savvy's strategic plan, which stands as a departure from the conventional approach of most newly formed companies that defer planning until later in the operation cycle. Schiller emphasizes the proven advantages of this proactive measure. “At K&N, we hired an HR director and IT expert even when the company operated just one store. Moreover, we brought repair and maintenance operations in-house, employing certified welders and HVAC specialists.” He clarifies that this was not anti-outsourcing, but rather a firm belief that external entities would not meet their exacting standards.

CONSISTENCY

Schiller says, "We are committed to building a legacy that transcends individual projects, leaving an imprint on the community and the industry."

Wilkes adds, "There are parameters we look for on every deal and we are always open to seizing compelling opportunities. We are constantly looking for property, and deciding what may be the best fit, from an RV park to a multifamily or commercial development site that is too promising to pass up. The relationships we have in place, continue to build, and seek out are critical to our success. These become or remain resources that bring us opportunities because they know we can move quickly. Those relationships also extend to folks who want to partner with us on projects because they know what we will deliver results."

FORESIGHT

In the case of Savvy's Williams Drive project, the team embarked on a thorough analysis of the property’s dormancy on the market. They discovered several challenges to be addressed, such as the extension of Verde Vista, which required engagement with the city authorities. In addition, two separate groups owned the contiguous parcels, and one wasn’t currently on the market. Due to the infrastructure cost of extending the road and significant reduction in usable land after the road was build it made the acquisition of just one of them an insufficient investment.

Undeterred by these obstacles, Savvy proactively engaged a broker and established communication with both the ownership groups, demonstrating their foresight and strategic approach. Through careful examination and diligent follow-through, they ensured a comprehensive understanding of the project's vision and objectives.

Schiller says, "We are doing our own general contracting in house, which is where Kris [Johnston] fits in." Johnston explains, "My career alone working with national brands and developers is a strong basis for the quality and the speed we are promising. Part of the Savvy Way is that we want to build in the community, not take advantage of it."

As such, Savvy will be its own general contractor for projects as they go past the raw land stage. This approach empowers the company to manage savings, control, and quality, which will maintain its competitive advantage. Schiller says, "We’re not the only ones doing it but we are certainly in the minority as a startup. That makes us unique, provides the best outcome and, more importantly, ties into our mission statement: Relentlessly drive winning outcomes."

KRISTOPHER JOHNSTON • CHIEF CONSTRUCTION OFFICER

KRISTOPHER JOHNSTON was born and raised in Williamson County. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in Agricultural Development with an emphasis in construction sciences. He was also a walk-on for the Texas A&M football team.

His career success is underpinned by the rigorous discipline, diligent work ethic, and teamfirst mentality he learned in the classroom and on the football field. Kris began his career with Westport Group, a commercial general contractor, where he quickly progressed from superintendent to project manager.

In 2021, Kris founded Gabriel CC Investments and became a residential home builder in Georgetown, where he specialized in custom and semi-custom luxury homes. This venture led him to help found Savvy Development in 2023. Kris guides the construction of Savvy communities and all additional construction pursuits.

"From the beginning, it was clear having Kris on board was a natural choice. His expertise allowed us to retain control over the entire construction process while drawing upon our collective knowledge. Unlike many others who lack the understanding and decades of experience that we possess, our team was uniquely positioned to commence our endeavors with confidence." ~Ken