Westwood Financial Company Profile

Background

Westwood Financial is a premier commercial real estate investment firm specializing in the ownership, management, and operation of high-quality shopping centers across the United States. Established in 1970 by founders Steven Fogel and Howard Banchik, the company has developed a robust portfolio of over 125 properties, primarily concentrated in top metropolitan markets such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh. The firm's mission is to provide stable, income-producing real estate investments, focusing on grocery-anchored and service-oriented centers that serve as community hubs. With nearly 55 years of experience, Westwood Financial has become a significant player in the retail real estate sector, emphasizing tenant relationships and strategic property enhancements to drive value.

Key Strategic Focus

Westwood Financial's strategic focus centers on:

• Core Objectives: Achieving high occupancy rates, executing strategic acquisitions, and enhancing the performance of existing assets through tenant improvements and property upgrades.

• Areas of Specialization: Grocery-anchored and service-oriented shopping centers, with a particular emphasis on high-growth markets in the Sunbelt region.

• Key Technologies Utilized: Advanced market analysis tools for property acquisition and creative financing solutions to maximize returns.

• Primary Markets Targeted: Metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh.

Financials and Funding

Westwood Financial has demonstrated strong financial performance and strategic capital management:

• Total Funds Raised: The company has raised nearly $80 million in debt capital to support property acquisitions and enhance its portfolio.

• Recent Funding Rounds: In September 2022, Westwood executed a $100 million accordion to its existing unsecured credit facility, increasing total commitments to $255 million. This term loan, bearing interest at SOFR plus 170 basis points, was intended for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of upcoming mortgage debt maturities and future acquisitions.

• Notable Investors: Specific investor details are not publicly disclosed.

• Utilization of Capital: The capital raised has been allocated towards strategic acquisitions, property enhancements, and strengthening the company's balance sheet to support ongoing growth initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Westwood Financial's pipeline development includes:

• Key Pipeline Candidates: Properties such as The Shops at Stone Creek in Dallas, Texas, and Eastway Square in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Stages of Development: The company focuses on acquiring properties with strong performance potential and enhancing existing assets through tenant improvements and property upgrades.

• Target Conditions: High-growth markets with strong demand for grocery-anchored and service-oriented shopping centers.

• Anticipated Milestones: Achieving high occupancy rates, executing strategic leasing agreements, and completing property enhancements to increase asset value.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Westwood Financial distinguishes itself through:

• Proprietary Technologies: Utilization of advanced market analysis tools for property acquisition and creative financing solutions to maximize returns.

• Significant Scientific Methods: Application of data-driven strategies for tenant selection and property management to optimize performance.

• AI-Driven Capabilities: While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, the company's focus on innovative market analysis suggests the potential integration of advanced technologies in its operations.

Leadership Team and Changes

The leadership team at Westwood Financial comprises:

• KC Bills: Chief Executive Officer. Previously served as Senior Vice President and President of the West Portfolio at Phillips Edison & Company. Appointed CEO in September 2025, succeeding Mark Bratt.

• Lauren Ball: Chief Operating Officer. Former Vice President of Leasing at Curbline Properties.

• Juyuan Wei: Chief Financial Officer. Has been instrumental in executing strategic capital market transactions and enhancing the company's financial resilience.

• Aaron Johnson: Senior Vice President, Transactions. Leads the company's acquisition strategy and execution.

• Brett Johnston: Senior Vice President. Oversees various operational aspects of the company.

• Doug Howell: Vice President, Property Management. Manages the company's property portfolio to ensure optimal performance.

• Mark Wohlstadter: Senior Regional Leasing Director for CO, TX, KS, WI, NY. Leads leasing efforts in multiple states.

• Tara Borysiak: Senior Regional Leasing Director for TN, GA, NC, SC, FL. Oversees leasing activities in the southeastern U.S.

• David Mitroff: Senior Regional Leasing Director for AZ, CA, NM, IL. Manages leasing operations in the western and midwestern U.S.

• Tim Chung: Senior Associate General Counsel. Provides legal guidance on company operations.

• Matthew Loving: Director of Investor Relations. Maintains relationships with investors and stakeholders.

• Volker Schramm: Director of Marketing. Leads marketing strategies to enhance brand presence.

• Cariel Hughes Surman: Human Resources Manager. Oversees HR functions to support company growth.

Competitor Profile and Market Insights

The retail real estate market is substantial and characterized by numerous shopping centers and retail properties across the U.S. It offers growth potential in high-growth metropolitan areas, particularly in the Sunbelt region. Industry trends include a shift towards experiential retail, integration of e-commerce with physical stores, and an emphasis on community-focused shopping centers.

Key competitors in the retail real estate sector include:

• Phillips Edison & Company: Focuses on grocery-anchored shopping centers across the U.S. Notably, KC Bills, Westwood Financial's current CEO, previously held senior leadership roles at this company.

• Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC): Specializes in providing flexible workspaces and innovation hubs.

• Bldup: Offers real estate development and construction information.

These competitors vary in their specific focus areas but operate within the broader commercial real estate landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Westwood Financial has engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its market position:

• Capital Market Transactions: Secured financing commitments, including a $100 million accordion to its credit facility, to support acquisitions and operational flexibility.

• Leasing Partnerships: Developed strong tenant relationships to achieve high occupancy rates and favorable lease terms.

Operational Insights

Strategic considerations include:

• Major Competitors: Companies like Phillips Edison & Company and Bldup.

• Market Position: Strong presence in high-growth Sunbelt markets with a focus on grocery-anchored centers.

• Competitive Advantages: Experienced leadership, strategic property acquisitions, and a focus on community-oriented retail centers.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Westwood Financial's strategic roadmap includes:

• Expansion: Entering new high-growth markets to diversify the portfolio.

• Enhancement: Investing in property upgrades and tenant improvements to increase asset value.

• Innovation: Leveraging market analysis tools and creative financing to maximize returns.

• Partnerships: Seeking new institutional partnerships to support growth initiatives.

Contact Information

• Official Website: Westwood Financial

• Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram

• Headquarters Location: Los Angeles, California