Highland Resources, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Highland Resources, Inc. is a privately held real estate investment firm established in 1984 by Herman and George Brown, who also founded Brown & Root and Texas Eastern Corporation. The company specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of diverse real estate assets, including office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, hospitality venues, and residential communities. With a mission to create long-term value for shareholders, partners, and communities, Highland Resources has accumulated over 30,000 acres of land across Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Scotland, encompassing more than 7 million square feet of commercial space and over 5,000 acres designated for residential development.

Key Strategic Focus

Highland Resources' strategic focus includes:

Core Objectives: To develop and manage a diversified portfolio of real estate assets that deliver sustainable value and foster community growth.

Areas of Specialization: Real estate development, construction, and asset management across various property types.

Key Technologies Utilized: While specific technologies are not detailed, the company employs advanced project management and construction methodologies to ensure efficient development and operation of its properties.

Primary Markets Targeted: Major metropolitan areas in Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Scotland, focusing on both commercial and residential developments.

Financials and Funding

Highland Resources is a privately held company, and detailed financial information, including total funds raised and specifics of recent funding rounds, is not publicly disclosed. The company has a real estate portfolio valued in excess of $400 million.

Pipeline Development

Highland Resources is involved in several notable projects:

Lamar Central: A four-story, Class-A mixed-use development in Austin, Texas, offering 165,000 square feet of rentable space for office, retail, and restaurant use.

Highland Deephaven: A 473-acre industrial development located in Inverness, Scotland, serving the oil industry with tenants including Technip, a company producing pipelines for the North Sea Oil Industry.

Magnolia Landing: A 192-acre, mixed-use district along 1.5 miles of the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina, blending urban vibrance with the lowcountry’s natural rhythms.

East Camden and Highland Railroad: A full-service, short-line railroad established to provide rail service to tenants of Highland Industrial Park and on-track storage of railcars in East Camden, Arkansas, and Minden, Louisiana.

These projects reflect the company's commitment to developing diverse real estate assets that cater to various market needs.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Highland Resources leverages advanced project management and construction methodologies to ensure efficient development and operation of its properties. While specific proprietary technologies or AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, the company's diverse portfolio and strategic developments indicate a focus on innovation and adaptability in the real estate sector.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Highland Resources comprises experienced professionals:

Clark Davis: Chief Executive Officer & President. Clark oversees all business activities, including strategic planning, acquisitions, development, financing, operations, tax planning, and risk management. Prior to joining Highland, he served as the National Business Development Partner at Transwestern and held senior positions at Hines and TIER REIT.

Rachel Jacobs: Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director of Finance. Rachel is responsible for accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, project financing, insurance coverage, tax planning, and treasury management. Before joining Highland, she was a Senior Consultant/Auditor at BKD, LLP.

Bill Neeson: Senior Managing Director, Construction & Development. Bill oversees all construction and development activities associated with Highland's existing assets and future investments. He previously served as Senior Vice President and head of construction for the Texas Division of Brookfield Properties and has extensive experience with Hines Interests.

Jeff Simmons: Managing Director, Operations. Jeff manages Highland's assets in the Austin, Texas area and is part of the development team for the Magnolia project in Charleston, South Carolina. With over 30 years in commercial real estate, he has worked on a portfolio of multi-family projects and acquisition and disposition of commercial lots.

Esther Wood: Vice President/Managing Director. Esther is responsible for accounting and month-end close of various Highland entities, preparing monthly financials, coordinating with external auditors, and supporting the operations team. She also serves as the Asset Manager for the Highland Deephaven property in Scotland. Prior to joining Highland, she had 12 years of public accounting experience, primarily in the construction contractor sector.

Marie Linwood: Senior Director, Finance and Asset Management. Marie supports senior leadership with strategic decision-making by providing financial modeling and evaluations of new acquisitions and investment opportunities. She also analyzes the financial performance of the existing portfolio to create business plans that drive long-term value. Before joining Highland, she was on the Investment and Capital Markets team at Midway Companies.

Franny Edmundson: Director, Project Management & Construction. Franny oversees projects from initial concept through construction completion, including managing financial analysis, pre-development, design, entitlement process, and budget. She previously worked at Midway on their Investment & Development and Acquisitions teams and has experience with Forney Construction and Stages Theatre.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The real estate development industry is characterized by a diverse range of companies specializing in various property types and geographic regions. Key competitors to Highland Resources include:

Shannon Waltchack: A real estate investment and development firm focusing on commercial and residential properties.

Davidson Homes: A homebuilding company specializing in residential communities.

Weichert Realtors: A real estate services company offering brokerage, mortgage, and insurance services.

These competitors vary in size, market focus, and service offerings, contributing to a dynamic and competitive market landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Shannon Waltchack: Focuses on real estate investment and development, with a portfolio that includes commercial and residential properties.

Davidson Homes: Specializes in residential homebuilding, offering a range of single-family homes in various communities.

Weichert Realtors: Provides comprehensive real estate services, including brokerage, mortgage, and insurance, catering to a wide range of client needs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Highland Resources has established significant collaborations, such as the development of Magnolia Landing in Charleston, South Carolina, which blends urban vibrance with the lowcountry’s natural rhythms. Additionally, the company operates the East Camden and Highland Railroad, providing rail service to tenants of Highland Industrial Park and on-track storage of railcars in East Camden, Arkansas, and Minden, Louisiana.

Operational Insights

Highland Resources differentiates itself through its diversified portfolio, encompassing office, retail, industrial, hospitality, and residential properties. The company's strategic focus on major metropolitan areas in Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Scotland allows it to leverage market opportunities and mitigate regional risks. Its involvement in both commercial and residential developments enables a balanced approach to market demand and economic cycles.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Highland Resources is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in its key markets by continuing to diversify its portfolio and pursuing strategic developments that align with community needs and market trends. The company's focus on sustainable growth and community impact provides a solid foundation for future expansion and success.