CONNECT

Tony Andrews founded Tandem in 1997, and is the Director of Construction at Tandem. He manages the site superintendents, project managers, and estimators. He enjoys site and field work, value engineering, operations management and lean processes, as well as business development. Having been in the industry for 27 years, his favorite part is being able to solve problems and seeing the confidence clients have, knowing they’ve made the right decision in choosing Tandem. Tony was born and raised in the Chicagoland area, and now lives in Park Ridge with his family.

Dimitri Nassis received his bachelor’s in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Construction Technician Certificate from Triton College. After graduating, he spent a decade in the financial industry as an options trader at the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. He left the trading floor and followed his lifelong calling by entering the world of construction and real estate development. After reconnecting with childhood friend Tony Andrews, he helped found Tandem in 1997 and began Tandem’s journey as a developer. In addition to real estate, Dimitri also helps guide the company’s marketing and property management teams. Most recently, Dimitri was instrumental in helping secure Tandem’s largest and most noteworthy development and construction project, MODE 2501, which is a $23M, 78-unit mixed-use building in Logan Square, completed in early 2017.

Chris Walsh received a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a licensed Architect in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Colorado. Prior to becoming a partner at Tandem, he worked for one of the nation’s largest architecture firms and then became the Vice President of Architecture for a national home builder. Additionally, Chris has a background in construction, having worked in the field throughout high school and college. Chris manages the architecture team and serves as the Principal Architect at Tandem.

Sean Staunton received a Bachelor in Public Service from Northern Illinois University. Prior to joining Tandem, he worked with Lettuce Entertain You, Brinker International, and was a realtor at Coldwell Banker. His role at Tandem includes project management, client relations, and business development. He is also the warranty service and OSHA systems manager. His expertise is in designer interior build-outs, including new construction, remodeling, and landscape/exterior space construction. Sean is the Director of Special Projects and Service, helping serve clients and building associations beyond the completion of their projects.

Jeffrey Hreben received his Bachelor’s in International Studies with an emphasis in Economics from the University of Chicago. He earned a Master’s in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a certificate of Real Estate Development from the Wharton School of Business. Prior to joining Tandem, he worked at Progressive Housing Ventures, a residential construction and development firm in Philadelphia that capitalizes on transit-oriented development opportunities. His work at Tandem focuses on various real estate development initiatives, including zoning and entitlements, financial underwriting, investor relations, and project management.

As a Development Manager at Tandem, Joseph is responsible for assisting the entitlement, financing, underwriting, development, and asset management of all New Construction projects. Joseph brings to Tandem a well-versed background in design, development, construction, finance, and management.

Originally from Orange, California, Joseph moved to Chicago where he attended Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

Prior to joining Tandem, Joseph worked for Albion Residential as a director of real estate development. At Albion, Joseph assisted the New Construction and Renovation of several multifamily developments across the Midwest. Prior to Albion, Joseph worked with Cantor Commercial Real Estate’s debt origination group in Chicago underwriting various asset types across the nation.

Joseph’s favorite part of Real Estate Development is bringing early stage concepts and visions to life through a pragmatic and detailed decision-making process that ultimately results in enjoyable environments for the community to live, work, and entertain.

While away from the office, Joseph enjoys boating, flying, playing golf, and following the professional car racing circuits.

Pat grew up in southern Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in Construction Engineering and a minor in Management.  After working on a variety of complex projects for a large general contractor in Los Angeles, he moved to Chicago and now lives with his wife and two kids in Elmhurst.  He joined Tandem in 2015, is a LEED Accredited Professional and is OSHA 30 certified.  Pat led the field operations for the recently completed Avenir tower and is overseeing the construction of the new 20 story Avra building.  His expertise in scheduling, site logistics, LEAN Construction principles and team communication greatly contribute to the success of his projects.

Kevin was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin and moved to Chicago after attending college in Cleveland, Ohio. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Case Western Reserve University as well as a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a licensed Structural Engineer in Illinois, New York, and Arizona and has been involved with the design and construction of over 2,000 apartments, condos, and student housing units, along with healthcare, cultural, higher education, and sports facilities. He currently acts as Project Executive to manage all aspects of new construction and renovation projects. His expertise is in budgeting, scheduling, construction logistics, value engineering, and coordination of building systems. His favorite part of his job is developing innovative construction solutions through collaboration with design professionals and subcontract trades.

Born in Chicago, and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, Phil attended Purdue University and received a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis in Structural Design and Construction Management. He previously held several roles with CB&I/McDermott, ranging from Field Engineering to Construction Supervision. Most recently, he worked as Project Manager for Ascent, a Program/Construction Management consulting firm. He has experience in heavy Industrial and Healthcare Construction, which has allowed him to gain in-depth knowledge of the various building MEP systems. Phil started as a Project Manager with Tandem in August of 2020, assisting with various large-scale projects and the new Public Projects team. He enjoys complex project delivery, and collaborating with trades on front-end design efforts to help streamline construction activities. He loves seeing a project through from start to finish, and finds being a part of a team that guides clients from conceptual design to a final product is extremely rewarding. Phil currently lives in Chicago and always try and squeeze in a round of golf with friends and family when he can!

Mike hails from the South suburbs of Chicago, and has lived in Chicagoland for most of his life. He studied Construction Management at Bradley University and currently acts as a Construction Manager at Tandem, dealing with the day-to-day supervision of the construction jobsite. He makes sure that quality is being controlled so that clients are receiving the best product possible. His favorite part of the job is that every day is different; there are always new challenges that require thinking outside of the box. The end product also gives him a sense of pride, as he has contributed to the ever-changing cityscape. Mike loves spending time with his kids and playing a round or two of golf in his free time.

Tianyi was born and raised in Ningbo, China. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering in China and his Master’s Degree in Construction Engineering and Management at Illinois Institute of Technology. Prior to joining Tandem, he worked as a field engineer for Ningbo Construction—a regionally known developer and GC focusing on site operation for large-scale high-rise projects. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and also OSHA 10 certified. At Tandem, his key tasks include project procurement and project management. His favorite part about his job is keeping trades within the clients’ budgets and meeting the clients’ high-quality expectations.

Rafal was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. For his studies he migrated over to the state of Iowa where he attended Iowa State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a minor in Leadership Studies. Prior to joining Tandem, he worked at F.H Paschen on the Job Order Contract team focusing on public sector renovation projects scattered throughout the city of Chicago. His experience in the public sector has allowed him to accelerate his learning and gain in-depth technical knowledge of various phases of construction from pre-construction through completion. At Tandem, Rafal focuses on project management tasks assisting both the private and public projects team. Rafal’s favorite part of the job is being able to implement new tools, techniques, and technology that help make the project safer, more cost effective, and allow the client to achieve their vision sooner rather than later.

Michael is an architect and project manager supporting both the development and construction teams. In addition to practicing architecture, he has experience in the field as a lender’s inspecting architect and as a general contractor. He performed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with his third year in the Study Abroad at Versailles Program. He later achieved a Master’s in Architecture at the University of Oregon in Portland with a focus in Urban Design and Development and landscape infrastructure. He is licensed to practice in Illinois.

Ken was born and raised in the Western suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Illinois State University in Normal. At Tandem, Ken is a Construction Manager, coordinating and overseeing site specific daily operations under the Special Project division. He helps guide the client from the start to finish of a project. His favorite part of his job is taking a concept and turning it into reality through hard work. Ken has 12 years of experience in custom homes and remodeling and he enjoys the outdoors, fishing, and traveling.

Born in San Diego, California and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Glenn joined the U.S. Army after High School and served in the 2^nd Ranger Battalion for 4 years at Ft. Lewis in Washington State. He met his wife while stationed in Washington State and this was where they were married and lived for 17 years. They currently reside in Valparaiso, Indiana. They have two grown Children (Andy, 26 and Olivia, 22) who both live in Chicago.

Glenn received his BS in Civil Engineering from St. Martin’s College in Lacey, Washington and holds professional engineering licenses in the states of Washington and Iowa (both are inactive status). Prior to Tandem, Glenn has been in the construction and industrial field working as Division Manager at Ryan Companies, Midwest Regional Manager at Walbridge Industrial Process, and as the Vice President of Operations at Power & Sons. His focus is on Public Contracting and the Design-Build process.

As Tandem’s Director of Public Projects, Glenn’s expertise reaches into the operational aspects of construction, managing the business, and strategically focusing on key issues. His favorite part of the job is working with younger people just starting with their careers. He says “There is so much to learn and be taught about what we do that you just cannot get in school. I hope to be a source for peoples’ professional growth.”

A Chicago native now residing in Des Plaines, Kerry attended Northwestern Business College, where, along with her degree, obtained an Advanced Certificate in Senior Accounting. Kerry joined Tandem in September 2020 as Senior Accounting Manager. Prior to Tandem, she has worked for JMB Realty, The Crown Family, Pritzker Realty Group, Jones Lang LaSalle, and more recently Sterling Bay as Project Accounting Manager. Process-driven, with expertise in Corporate, Real Estate and Construction Accounting, Kerry’s favorite part of the job is developing processes and controls to create efficiencies.

Chris Wood is originally from San Francisco. He attended the University of California-Berkeley and received his Bachelor’s in Architecture. In 2004, Chris and his family moved to Chicago’s Western suburbs, where Chris is a licensed Illinois Architect. Before joining Tandem, he served as Project Architect for a large Chicago-based firm, as well as Component Design Manager for a national home builder. Chris was brought onto the Tandem team in 2014 and currently is working as Project Architect.

Born and raised in Park Ridge, Peter attended the University of Illinois (Champaign/Urbana) for a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, and Clemson University for a Masters of Architecture & City Planning.

Peter joined Tandem in October of 2020 as Project Architect/Manager. Prior to Tandem, he worked at FitzGerald Associates Architects where he started as a Staff Architect and worked his way up to Managing Associate. Before that, he worked at ARCO/Murray Design/Build as In-House Design Architect, Urban Design Associates as Urban Designer, and CCY (Cottle Carr Yaw) Architects as a Staff Architect/Designer.

His specialties include melding a keen sense of design with a knowledge of construction when working on mid to high-rise mixed-use/multi-family/residential projects in both urban and suburban contexts. He also has experience working on several rehabs of existing buildings into corporate offices, event spaces, and restaurant/retail experiences.

Peter brings a collaborative and holistic approach to designing a building and/or its neighborhood context. His continuing interest is to incorporate innovative “Sustainable Design” concepts, materials, and technologies into the buildings and communities he helps envision. His favorite part of the job is taking a blank canvas and creating an exciting environment that encourages people to be engaged, inspired, and enthusiastic about the community they live, work, and play in.

He lives on the northwest side of Chicago with his wife, Stacy and their dog, Lulu, in a single family home that they’ve renovated and done extensive landscape work on. When he’s not designing, Peter’s enjoying the outdoors either on a hike, bike, skis, or at the dog park with Lulu. He and his wife also enjoy traveling in and out of the country to experience the life, architecture, and vitality of other cultures.

Taylor was born and raised in the west suburbs of Chicago, but currently lives in downtown Chicago. She graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and Business minor. Currently, she is involved in several organizations, including volunteering as a Climate Action Ambassador for the Illinois Green Alliance. Her work at Tandem focuses on crafting construction documents, permit applications, presentation materials, and also performs site supervision on an as-needed basis. Taylor’s favorite part about working at Tandem is continuously accelerating her education by learning through others. She is grateful for the opportunities and responsibilities she has been handed while being a part of the Tandem team.

As Director of Property Management Mariel provides supervision of the overall operations of each property management asset.  A Chicago native, Mariel has spent most of her career in the multi-site management for portfolios of mixed-use buildings in Chicago and Minneapolis, gaining experiences in areas such as sales, asset management, accounting, and talent management.  She is experienced at developing strategies and recommendations for individual assets that will help benefit the entire portfolio and enhance the resident experience.  While managing the performance and productivity of the property management assets is her primary job function by day, Mariel enjoys being part of the ground-up process for new development and is enthusiastic about the continued growth of Tandem.  Mariel holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design from The Art Institute and is a licensed IL Real Estate Broker.  Her passion for real estate and design began during her youth, by watching her parents’ flip single family homes and her grandfather manage his residential properties.  Outside of the ever-changing world of real estate, Mariel enjoys downtime with her family, working out, and travel. Her favorite thing about Tandem is the dynamic group of talented individuals she gets to work with and learn from.

Alex was born and raised in the Northside Suburb of Mundelein, Illinois. After two years completed at Southern Illinois University, Alex received an internship offering full-time employment at the Abbey Resort as Front Office Manager. He also previously worked at Rental Beast, Inc. as a Market Development Representative.

Since joining Tandem in February of 2020 as Property Administrator, he utilizes his management and leasing knowledge to assist the property management team with leasing processes and paperwork primarily processing applications, credit/background checks, and AHO leases. Alex is also interested in growing his understanding of the development processes, specifically site selection and location oriented design.

He has always had a passion for cities and how they work. Housing and development/design have always interested him, and as a kid, he always dreamt of having an apartment downtown. He loves the history of Chicago and has developed a fascination with its neighborhoods. “Here at Tandem,” Alex says, “I can finally piece together my passions and work history and am so excited to be a part of this team.”

Kaitlyn was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago, where she currently resides. She lived in Columbus, Ohio for 6 years while she attended college at The Ohio State University and also earned her paralegal certificate from Columbus State. When she’s not working, Kaitlyn is spending time with her nephew and family.

Eric was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration majoring in Operations Management from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Tandem welcomed Eric in June of 2021 as the Property Manager at Avra West Loop. Before coming to Chicago, he was the Business Development Manager at Madison Property Management. Specializing in Class A – New Development Management/Operations, Eric hopes to bring new growth with his experience to Avra West Loop.

Judy was born in Peoria, IL. She moved to Janesville, Wi in 2000. After graduating from UW-Whitewater with a degree in Advertising/Marketing, she made her move to Chicago in 2009. As she ventured into the real estate world, she soon realized this was her passion. With over 10 years of experience in managing luxury buildings, she continues to enjoy learning and growing more in the industry.

In her spare time, you can find Judy boxing, traveling the world, teaching others how to cook, and checking out new restaurants. Her love for food, people, and learning about different cultures has led her to a life filled with travels.

Jessica Goodnight was born and raised in Evanston, IL. She is currently residing on the North Side of Chicago. Jessica has a AAS in Construction and Architecture from Harold Washington College and has studied Sustainability Studies at Roosevelt University. Being a licensed real estate broker/realtor, she is also a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Broker Price Opinions. Before working at Tandem, she was a leasing manager for Pioneer Acquisitions and was also a real estate broker for Landstar Realty Group. Jessica joined Tandem in May 2021 as a leasing agent for Avra West Loop. She has just recently accepted the position of property manager at Mode!

Nicole was born and raised in Evanston and holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Communications, and a Masters in Business Administration – as well as an Illinois Leasing License. She has over six years of experience in the multi-family industry. Nicole joined Tandem in February of 2020 as Leasing Manager and she’s previously been a part of two Jeanne Gang (Gang Studios) building lease-ups. She specializes in connecting people to their homes through lifestyle, neighborhoods, and interests, and loves meeting new people and introducing them to parts of Chicago they never knew existed. Sales is Nicole’s specialty; she likes for people to have an experience while on a tour with her. She never wants it to feel like a sale, but more like a lifetime connection. Her favorite part of the job is helping people find their dream apartment and watching them become happy residents in the community. She loves working at Tandem because it is a dynamic and diverse group of people who continue to learn and grow with each other each day. At Tandem, ideas and work ethic are valued, which makes everyone work even harder. Outside of Tandem, Nicole loves traveling, trying new restaurants, and being with family.

Shahid was born in Chicago, moving to Mexico where he studied most of grade school and middle school. He returned the Illinois and attended Lewis University, where he received a Bachelors in Marketing, with a Minor in International Business. He also holds a Real Estate Leasing license. Shahid joined Tandem in January 2021 as Leasing Agent. Prior to Tandem, he was Leasing Manager at Lincoln Property Company and Greystar. His focus is on implementing leasing strategies and sales plans – with expertise in leasing, marketing, social media, pricing analysis, and market survey data. He has a passion for Real Estate and new construction, and his favorite part of the job is meeting people and ultimately helping them find a home.

Marco Saldana was born and raised in Chicago. He is one semester away from an Associate’s Degree from Harold Washington College. Previously, Marco worked at the Hilton Grand Vacations and Giordano’s. Marco joined Tandem in March of 2021 as a Leasing Agent. His hospitality experience translates really well to this position because of the amount of interaction he has had with people from his previous employment. One of his favorite parts of the job is the interaction he has with a variety of people and being part of the process in helping them find their future home.

Born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago (“Go Cubs Go!”), Ryne attended Chicago State University obtaining his a major in Recreation Management and a minor in Physical Education. He previously worked as a Concierge at an apartment building in the Streeterville neighborhood. Ryne describes being a Concierge with Tandem as being a “first responder,” as well as security, a source of communication to residents, potential residents, team members, couriers, vendors, and beyond. His favorite parts of the job are the Tandem team, the residents, and the building (Avenir).

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Albert relocated to New York City in the late 90’s. Albert attended Kingston College/St. George’s College in Jamaica and majored in Business Administration. He has attended the College of Lake County- Hospitality Workshop and has completed the Forbes Five Star Hospitality training at Sandals Resort. Albert joined the Tandem team in May of 2021 as Lead Concierge. Prior to Tandem, he was concierge at One Bennett Park, a guest service agent at Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago and Lowes Hotel-Chicago. His focus is anticipating guest’s and resident’s needs, creating memorable experiences for every resident and guest in the process.

Fabian is originally from Poland, but currently resides in the Chicagoland area and has been here for 13 years. As the Maintenance Engineer for MODE Logan Square, he performs routine maintenance and repairs for the building and individual units. His favorite part of his job is being able to fix things for the tenants. Some of his hobbies include extreme sports and fishing.

Born in Cebu City, Philippines, Raymund was adopted over to the US in 1987, where he grew up in Elk River, MN. Raymund received his Cosmetology licenses in 2004 from Model College of Hair, in St. Cloud, MN. He was a hairstylist for 13 years, then crossed over to cosmetics and worked as a makeup artist/trainer/freelancer for Lancôme, Benefit, and Clarins cosmetics, for 4 years. In 2019, Raymund decided to move to move to Roselle, IL, for a change of pace. Raymund worked for BG Multifamily in Minneapolis and in 2019 as concierge and leasing agent in Chicago. In May of 2020 he got his first apartment in Rogers Park to pursue leasing and real estate. Raymund was assigned to work with Tandem in April of 2021, where he was the daytime concierge, through BG Multifamily. He was then offered the position at Avra as concierge.

Manuel Hernandez was born and raised in Chicago IL.  He has joined Tandem this May of 2021 as the Assistant Building Engineer at Mode Logan Square. Before Tandem Manuel has worked at Steiner Industries as the production manager, safety coordinator and fire safety captain. This industry is growing and he is excited to contribute and share his knowledge, experience and energy to provide a safe, clean and well-organized building that exceeds our tenants’ expectations and draw focus to the Mode vision. When he is no working at Mode he loves running & cycling not just recreationally, but as sport. He can proudly say that he has completed two marathons, several half marathons and Century (100 mile) rides.

Taniqua Elder was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her degree from Harold Washington College in Business Administration. Taniqua comes with 5+ years experience in administration and likes consider herself the jack of all trades. She started working with Tandem as a temp at the beginning of June 2021 and was later hired as a official Tandem employee in July as concierge at Avenir. As concierge, she enjoys being able to put a smile on everyone’s face, the residents and the Tandem team.