NEWSLETTER YEAR FOUR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER
It is hard to believe we have rounded out four years of Ojas Partners. Recently, I was asked the question, “What would you title this chapter of your life?” While I struggled to grasp the right word, a few team members around me suggested some ideas, one of which was “rhythm.” This resonated.
While there are still fires to put out and challenges we face, our team has developed into a unit with leaders who have the maturity to problem solve and guide more junior team members. Watching systems work and the team navigate complex situations that would have previously stumped them without me present is the most rewarding part of this journey to date.
Since day one of Ojas, I have believed that in order to create a culture of impact, we would need to paddle upstream every minute of every hour of every day. There would be no set it and forget it. We would stay true to our core values and maintain an abundance mindset at every turn of the way. By creating an internal culture that was different, we would build a diverse workforce and retain talent, both of which would lead to better and differentiated results for our clients.
As I look to the future, I can’t imagine what it will hold, just as I couldn’t imagine that we would have a team of 17 when we started four years ago. What I do know is that the rhythm that guides us today will continue to influence us as we move into the next chapter. There are a variety of directions we could take and growth can look a lot of different ways. Ultimately it won’t be about what we do, but how we do it that will influence the impact we have. Our goal is to enhance people’s lives and empower future generations to progress the commercial real estate industry forward to be more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable.
With all of this in mind, I raise a glass to the next wave of Ojas leaders who work tirelessly day in and day out to find their rhythm in the context of the Ojas values so that they too can impact the future of our industry.
Wedgewood-Houston inspired art in our office by Gabby Storey
OUR TEAM
Lizzy LeBleu Vice President
Nashville, West Nashville
Nathan Frost Senior Advisor
Nashville, Germantown
Heather Fuller Advisor
Atlanta, Grant Park
Delanie Lafayette Advisor
Nashville, The Nations
Logan Latraverse Vice President Atlanta, Buckhead
Maria Marioni Operations Manager
Nashville, Green Hills
Kristin O’Donnell Chief of Staff
Ann Arbor, West Side
Duane Roggendorff Advisor
Nashville, East Nashville
Joe Wolf Advisor
Nashville, East Nashville
Lucy Poore Director of Business Operations
Nashville, Germantown
John Schisler Advisor
Nashville, Nations
4 YEARS OF GROWTH
This year has been one of expansion and growth for our team, as we doubled down on support for our Advisors and enhancing our overall operations.
While saying farewell to our beloved intern Ellie as she puts down roots in Charlotte, we’ve welcomed three new members to our Operations team, bolstering our capacity to support both our leasing efforts and the day-today functioning of Ojas. We have expanded our Landlord representation platform to Atlanta and Knoxville, doubled our Advisor team in Atlanta, and added two additional Advisors to the Nashville cohort. With new resumes boasting previous culinary, consulting, and tech experience, we continue to enhance Ojas through our growing team’s diverse skill sets and perspectives.
OJAS HQ
A place to connect with our community
We moved into our new home at 476 Humphreys just as year three transitioned into year four for Ojas. With the initial intention of a come-and-go office space for our Advisors and Operations teams to use between tours, meetings, and projects, we fully set up the office for its use and function throughout the Fall.
MAKING IT HOME
With the spaces initially set up for both collaboration and individual work, we made it a point to focus on design and bring in artwork from local artists to make the space feel like ours. Showcasing unique pieces from the community not only brightened up our office but also allowed us to support local talent. Our office feels like home and keeps us inspired every day.
HOUSEWARMING | OJAS HOLIDAY PARTY
Settling into the new space was just the beginning, as we continued to add personal touches and make it truly our own. The culmination of our move into the office came in the form of our holiday party: a true housewarming for Ojas. Friends, family, and neighbors came by, filling the office with laughter and warmth, transforming our space into a vibrant house party.
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY
Following our housewarming in December, we have been so grateful to continue building community at 476 Humphreys. Through team development activities and celebrations, as well as hosting events within our community (special shoutout to WCRE for joining us for an insightful happy hour this Summer), we are so excited to see what more is in store for years to come in our home on Humphreys Street.
OJAS IN THE WILD
The best way to understand a market is to experience it firsthand. Whether we’re exploring our hometowns—on the familiar streets in Nashville or in the evolving neighborhoods of Atlanta—or scouting new opportunities in other cities, our team is always on the move. These experiences help us stay ahead of the curve and bring fresh perspectives to our work in the industry. Here’s a glimpse of our team out in the wild, where strategy meets street-level insight.
BY THE NUMBERS
DEALS COMPLETED IN THE LAST YEAR
BUSINESS BY NUMBER OF
SINCE OJAS’ INCEPTION
99 45%
DEALS COMPLETED
SINCE OJAS’ INCEPTION
SINCE OJAS’ INCEPTION
45% 55%
BUSINESS BY REVENUE
55%
350 Represented Tenant Represented Tenant Represented Landlord Represented
Landlord Represented Landlord Represented Seller Represented Seller
41% Represented Buyer Represented Buyer
SELECT TENANT OPENINGS
CAPITOL VIEW BARRE3
SYLVAN PARK BODYROK
CRUNCH FITNESS
BAGELSHOP
LADYBIRD TACO
LUXE REDUX BRIDAL
FORZA PILATES
DONELSON
FRANKLIN
KENDRA SCOTT
EAST NASHVILLE
PIE TOWN
DONELSON
WEDGEWOOD HOUSTON
MEJURI
HIGHLAND YOGA PVOLVE
GULCH
PLANTA QUEEN
JADE & CLOVER SKIN LAUNDRY
SUITSHOP
NEIGHBORS
GOODS
PINK DOOR COOKIES
SALADWORKS
SOLIDCORE
DOG SPRING HILL
N.B. GOODS
Last year, just before the holiday season, Camille Alston, owner of N.B. Goods, faced a devastating setback when a tornado destroyed her warehouse operations in Nashville. Despite the challenge, she remained resilient. She found a new space for her retail operations in East Nashville, which opened this past April and quickly became home.
Ojas was proud to support Camille and N.B. Goods through this transition and witness her successful (re)launch in our Nashville community.
LEASES SIGNED
NASHVILLE
FRANKLIN
MERCHANDISING PROJECTS
PEABODY UNION
SOUTH BANK | 50,000 SF RETAIL STILES & HENSLER
THE GULCH | 40,000 SF RETAIL SOMERA ROAD
12 SOUTH | 45,000 SF RETAIL TURNBRIDGE EQUITIES
EAST BANK | 70,000 SF RETAIL MRP REALTY
LINCOLN TECH
EAST NASHVILLE | 80,000 SF RETAIL SOUTHERN LAND COMPANY
THE FINERY
WEDGEWOOD HOUSTON | 35,000 SF RETAIL HINES
CULINARY DISTRICT
SOUTH BANK | 26,000 SF RETAIL ESSEX
THE ARCADE
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT | 100,000 SF RETAIL LINFIELD CAPITAL
EDGEHILL COMMONS
EDGEHILL | 22,000 SF RETAIL ORIGIN INVESTMENTS
HAGAN & CHESTNUT
WEDGEWOOD HOUSTON | 55,000 SF RETAIL MATERIAL VENTURES
ACTIVE TENANTS
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FITNESS
EQUINOX
ELAM
30,000 - 35,000 SF
NASHVILLE
SOFT GOODS SERVICES
UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY
LOGAN & LIZZY
VARIOUS SF
ATLANTA & NASHVILLE
GOLDEN AGE HOSPITALITY
NATHAN
VARIOUS SF
NASHVILLE
VAN LEEUWEN
JOHN
1,200 SF
NASHVILLE
JOEY
NATHAN
7,000 - 8,000 SF
NASHVILLE
SWEETGREEN
ELAM
2,500 SF
NASHVILLE
BARRY’S
LOGAN
4,000 - 5,000 SF
ATLANTA
TORCHY’S
NATHAN
3,500 - 4,000 SF
NASHVILLE
MAPLE & ASH
ELAM
8,000 - 12,000 SF
NASHVILLE
LEVAIN BAKERY
LIZZY & MAY LAN
1,800 - 4,100 SF
NASHVILLE
THE TACO STAND
NATHAN
1,000 - 2,000 SF
NASHVILLE
BLANK STREET COFFEE
JOHN
1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
HOPPIN’
NATHAN
5,000 - 7,000 SF
NASHVILLE
SKIN LAUNDRY
ANNE LOUISE
1,300 - 1,400 SF
NASHVILLE
ELECTRIC SHUFFLE
NATHAN
5,000 - 7,000 SF
NASHVILLE
LUOGO & PELATO
LOGAN & LIZZY
5,000 SF
ATLANTA & NASHVILLE
SAINTS + COUNCIL
LOGAN
6,000 - 8,000 SF
ATLANTA
SOLIDCORE
LIZZY
1,600 - 3,000 SF
NASHVILLE
FRAMEBRIDGE
JOHN
1,200 SF
NASHVILLE
SWEATHOUZ
LIZZY
2,200 - 2,500 SF
NASHVILLE
PAUSE STUDIO
JOHN
2,800 SF
NASHVILLE
E+ROSE
ELAM & LOGAN
1,500 SF
ATLANTA & NASHVILLE
SOCIAL CANTINA
NATHAN
5,000 - 6,000 SF
NASHVILLE
HIGHLAND YOGA
DUANE, ANNE LOUISE & LOGAN
1,700 - 4,000 SF
ATLANTA & NASHVILLE
PEACHY
LOGAN
2,000 SF
ATLANTA
HI, SKIN
LIZZY & DELANIE
1,200 - 1,800 SF
NASHVILLE
HAYWIRE
LIZZY
10,000 - 15,000 SF
NASHVILLE
GLO30
LIZZY & DELANIE
800 - 1,300 SF
NASHVILLE
GIGI PIP
JOHN
1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
BRASSFIELD’S PROVISIONS
JOHN 1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
MYX BLEND BAR
ANNE LOUISE
1,000 - 1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
ABBEY GLASS
ANNE LOUISE
850 - 1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
PURE GLOW
DELANIE
1,200 SF
NASHVILLE
CRAFT BEER MARKET
NATHAN
8,000 - 10,000 SF
NASHVILLE
FOXTAIL COFFEE CO
LOGAN
1,500 SF
ATLANTA
HEADLEY HAT CO.
JOHN & DELANIE
700 - 2,500 SF
NASHVILLE
HIPPO CHAN
NATHAN
1,500 - 2,000 SF
NASHVILLE
JOHN FLUEVOG
LIZZY & JOHN
1,500 - 2,200 SF
NASHVILLE
HONEY BERRY
LOGAN, HEATHER & DELANIE
3,000 - 5,000 SF
ATLANTA & NASHVILLE
LA VENTANA CUBANA
DUANE & DELANIE
800 - 1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
GOODVETS
NATHAN
2,000 - 3,000 SF
NASHVILLE
MCCALLUM AND SONS
ANNE LOUISE & JOE
2,000 - 2,500 SF
NASHVILLE
GONG CHA
DELANIE
700 - 1,200 SF
NASHVILLE
LADYBIRD TACO
LIZZY
2,000 - 2,500 SF
NASHVILLE LASERAWAY
LIZZY
1,500 - 2,400 SF
NASHVILLE
FLORIANA RESTAURANT
DUANE
3,000 - 6,000 SF
HUNTSVILLE
SHIPLEY DONUTS
DELANIE
800 - 1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
RODIZIO GRILL
NATHAN & LIZZY
8,000 - 10,000 SF
NASHVILLE
WINE GIRL
DELANIE
1,500 - 2,500 SF
NASHVILLE
LIVEWELL ANIMAL HOSPITAL
DUANE
3,000 - 3,500 SF
NASHVILLE
MELTING POT
NATHAN & LIZZY
4,000 - 5,000 SF
NASHVILLE THE DETOX HOUSE
DUANE
1,000 - 1,500 SF
NASHVILLE
YEAR 5 AT A GLANCE
Looking ahead to our fifth year, we’re excited to collaborate with more landlords and share in the excitement of seeing tenants open their doors.
TESTIMONIALS
JOSH TOHL
ADEPT PRIVATE EQUITY / SUSHI BAR
Coming into a new market, we were cautious on who we partnered with, who we felt we could instill our trust into for our concept to be successful. Ojas Partners is one of the most remarkable firms we have had the pleasure to work with. With Elam Freeman at the helm, she and her team are relentless, surgical in their approach to identifying opportunities and experts in closing deals swiftly. They have continued to be there for us at the drop of hat, and Elam’s dedication to her clients is evident each time we pick up the phone and call. The result of her hard work and perseverance is recognized by the high regard her colleagues and others bestow upon her. Their ability to navigate multiple deals and to truly earn respect from both sides of the matter is inspiring. Elam and Ojas Partners only have a winning track record and that is why we continue to work with them and recommend them to others. Ojas Partners is just that, a partnership that lasts beyond the signing of the deal. Thank you, Elam & Ojas Partners, for all you continue to help us with, your support has been critical to our success.
PETER MELMED
MILL CREEK RESIDENTIAL
Ojas is the only retail broker we work with in Nashville. Mill Creek has developed five mixed use buildings in Nashville, and Elam and Lizzy have been able to pre-lease a significant amount of the space before the buildings delivered. They brought us quality tenants and do a great job curating the retail tenant mix. I highly recommend Ojas.
DOTAN ZUCKERMAN
PORTMAN
Ojas’ ability to secure a diverse and well-rounded mix of tenants during the pre-lease period has been remarkable, particularly for one of our current projects where we’ve already leased 15,000 SF of our total 17,000 SF of retail. What I truly appreciate is how hard they work and their aggressive approach in pursuing opportunities that align with our vision. The communication between our teams has been seamless, and their quick responsiveness has made our partnership smooth and productive. Ojas has proven to be an invaluable partner, and I look forward to continuing our solid relationship.
ROBBIE NOWINSKI
E+ROSE WELLNESS
Ojas has provided insight, direction, and negotiation that has been integral to the growth of our business. They have been an invaluable resource and true value-add as a partner. Whether it be searching for a new location, understanding market dynamics, or a sounding board for general advice - Ojas has always been there with professional guidance. We intend to continue to work together for years to come, and in cities near and far.
OUR TEAM’S BRAND
WHAT WE WORE WHERE WE
BRAND PICKS
WE STAYED
WHAT FUELED US
THANK YOU