– National Managing Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
Joe brings to the table an impressive career spanning over thirty-five years, with twenty-five of those years marked by his role as a partner. His professional journey intertwined with Thomas Fey’s in the mid-1990s when they joined forces at the international consulting firm, Ernst & Young. Their synergy was evident from the outset as they managed some of the largest projects and clients at the firm, demonstrating a remarkable working dynamic. It was during their tenure, while consulting for some of the largest public and reginal homebuilders in the nation, that Joe and Thomas identified a unique market opportunity surrounding the management of inventory with off-balance sheet financing structures. This opportunity became the genesis of the first investment platforms for EMF Capital. From its inception to the present day, Joe has played a pivotal role as an advisor to the EMF Group, providing vital insights and guidance on matters of strategy, execution, and operations.
Throughout his illustrious career, Joe has been a true pioneer in the real estate industry, consistently setting the bar high with his innovative thinking and forward-looking strategies. His journey began in 1995 when he was handpicked to join Ernst & Young’s esteemed real estate practice, where he wasted no time in making his mark. Demonstrating exceptional acumen and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the real estate landscape, Joe quickly ascended the ranks to become a partner within the firm. Joe’s expertise and leadership were instrumental in serving a diverse array of clients within the real estate sector. From developers seeking to bring ambitious projects to fruition to home builders striving to meet the demands of a dynamic market, Joe provided instrumental guidance and support every step of the way. Additionally, his strategic counsel proved invaluable to REITs, time shares, and land banking firms helping them navigate complex regulatory landscapes, reduce taxes, and grow earnings.
After seven years as a partner at Ernst & Young, Joe was recruited to join Grant Thornton and lead the firm’s strategic planning practice. In this role, Joe created multiple strategies to pursue operational efficiencies and improve valuations through tax savings for not only real estate companies, but also for large corporate owners of real estate within various industries. A unique combination of leveraging technology, tax, and real property opportunities led to significant growth for the firm. When the new ASC 842 accounting standards for accounting for leases were issued, Joe led the creation of a national ASC 842 practice that included tax, advisory, and audit services. After that highly successful initiative, Joe was asked to stand up Grant Thornton’s Enterprise Transformation Team. In his capacity as an innovator, Joe played a pivotal role in spearheading the firm’s transition towards automating existing services and devising go-to-market strategies for custom client applications, data strategy, and strategic technology alliances. After his successful tenure at Grant Thornton, Joe brings his unique combination of talents in real estate and automation to the Company, enriching its strategic planning and market strategies.
Joe holds a master’s degree in accounting from Florida International University and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Purdue University. He is also a certified public accountant registered in both Florida and Illinois.