Philip J. Dowley
Chief Operating Officer
Philip serves as Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for all investment activities including overseeing the company’s current portfolio of stabilized commercial real estate, new development projects and third party sponsored real estate joint venture investments. Philip also oversee investments in businesses operating in the distressed real estate, aviation services and golf industries. Prior to his tenure with Guardian Capital, Philip was an independent commercial real estate developer. He earned a BS in Business Administration from University of California at Berkeley. Philip is a New Orleans buff and enjoys free time with his wife of 35 years and their 3 children.
James Previti
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
James serves as Chairman and CEO of Guardian Capital. He previously founded and successfully led Forecast Homes, one of the largest privately-owned home building companies, which was sold in 2002 to K. Hovnanian. He is responsible for overall investment strategy, providing capital for a variety of real estate project types located throughout California and northern Nevada. James has been a presence in the California real estate industry for decades serving on numerous boards and associations since 1986, including USD's Burnham-Moores Center's Policy Advisory Board. He is an aviation enthusiast and avid tennis player.
Adam Knowlton
Chief Legal Officer
As Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President, Adam serves as Guardian Capital’s general counsel. He is responsible for deal structuring and execution, portfolio matters, compliance and other legal and firm administrative functions. Prior to joining Guardian Capital, Adam was a member of the real estate department of Loeb & Loeb, LLP in the Los Angeles office. Prior to joining Loeb & Loeb LLP, Mr. Knowlton was senior vice president and general counsel for Younan Properties, Inc. where he oversaw all of the commercial real estate management company’s legal matters. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Williams College and his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific.
Russell Rodriguez
Senior Vice President of Asset Management
Russell A. Rodriguez serves as Senior Vice President of Asset Management. He is responsible for conceptualizing, articulating, and implementing high-level asset strategy performance, across Guardian's portfolio, including its commercial real estate, multifamily, office, retail and hospitality properties. Russell also conducts market research, demographic analyses, financial data evaluations, and creates business plans, for each property in Guardian’s portfolio. Prior to Guardian, Russell was the President of Kort and Scott Financial Group, LLC, and the VP, Multifamily, of American Assets Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AAT). Mr. Rodriguez holds a B.A. in International Relations and Business Administration from the University of Southern California (USC), while also studying at the Complutense University of Madrid. Russell is a member of various professional trade organizations and he is the former Chairman of ICSC California.
Joseph Schafstall
Senior Vice President of Development
Joe is Guardian Capital’s Senior Vice President of Development. He leads the development of all projects from inception through construction and assists with asset and property management. He is responsible for site selection and due diligence, coordinating with the investment committee, managing entitlements and A/E consultants, and assists with managing the general contractor. Prior to Guardian Capital, he worked for Wermers Properties, where he handled acquisitions and development, and with Clark Realty Capital and CRC Partners, where he developed 19 projects consisting of more than 3,000 housing units. Joe earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Economics at Duke University and a Master of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.
Brian Fuller
Senior Vice President of Real Estate Investments
Brian is Guardian Capital’s Vice President of Operations. He manages all Southern California commercial retail properties including leasing and property management and provides both construction and financial due diligence for new projects, refinancing projects, and real estate property disposition. Prior to Guardian Capital, Brian was an account manager for The Ryness Company. He earned a BS in Business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Brian has lived in San Clemente since 1999 with his wife and two children and enjoys surfing.
Indira Lemonds
VP, Director of Accounting
Indira serves as controller, managing the day-to-day accounting for the business. She was previously the controller for Argus Realty Investors LP and she earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton. Indira is married with two children and enjoys camping, off-roading, mountain biking and hiking.
Brandy VanDeWalle
Accounting Manager
Brandy is currently responsible for overseeing the day to day accounting functions related to Guardian’s active development projects. She has spent the last fifteen years working at all levels of the construction industry, supplier, GC, and owner. Brandy spent seven years with a local general contractor, Johnson & Jennings, Inc., where she began working in the Accounts Payable role and over the years was promoted to become the Accounting Manager. She obtained her BS in accounting from the University of Phoenix in 2016. In her free time, she spends time with her kids enjoy summers at the river and winters in the mountains.
Travis Adams
Development Manager
As Development Manager, Travis leads and implements underwriting, due diligence and the research process for potential and current investments. Prior to joining Guardian Capital, he was a senior commercial real estate analyst for Valbridge Property Advisors. Travis earned a BS in business administration from University of Connecticut where he was awarded Undergraduate Real Estate Student of the Year. His hobbies include New England Patriots football, reading, basketball and anything outdoor oriented.