Bios

Executive Office

Greg Hatem
North Carolina native Greg Hatem is the inspirational vision behind Empire Properties, which has worked tirelessly to improve downtown Raleigh.

Greg’s more than 20 years in real estate development, finance and international business culminated in 1995 when he created Empire to preserve and enhance the character of downtown Raleigh. Since forming the company, Greg has been a leader in the efforts to renew downtown through adaptive reuse of historic structures. Under his leadership, Empire Properties now owns 42 buildings with more than 600,000 square feet of office and retail space in downtown Raleigh.

Greg also is the founder of Empire Eats, Empire’s restaurant division that has been credited with helping to revitalize downtown Raleigh by turning it into one of North Carolina’s culinary centers. The restaurants include The Raleigh Times Bar, The Morning Times, The Duck & Dumpling, Sitti, Gravy and The Pit. Greg has been the creative force behind the restaurants, coming up with the concepts for five of the Empire Eats brands. He also has been involved in recruiting chefs, financing, design and decor and non-traditional marketing for the restaurants.

Greg and the company’s tremendous efforts to revitalize downtown Raleigh have been recognized locally and nationally. The City of Raleigh has given Empire its Sir Walter Raleigh award seven times for work on various rehabilitation projects, including the renovation of All Saints Chapel, an 1875 church that Empire saved, moved to a new location downtown and then restored. In 2004, The News & Observer named him “Tar Heel of the Week.” The Triangle Business Journal in 2005 awarded Empire Properties its Edge Award for Best General Contractor in an Urban Environment. The company was given the L. Vincent Lowe Jr. Business Award by the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina for its preservation work in 2006, and in 2007 the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association gave Empire Properties its prestigious Timothy Anderson award for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation on the historic Heilig-Levine complex. Empire has received four Capital Area Preservation Anthemion Awards for its restoration efforts. Preservation North Carolina has awarded Empire for its vision and creativity in preserving and protecting the state’s architectural resources. Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women has recognized Greg and Empire for its work restoring downtown Raleigh with three awards since 2006, including the most recent, the Resilience Award for Empire’s efforts to continue to grow and thrive despite the difficult economy in 2009. The Triangle Business Journal in 2008 awarded Empire with its Green Award for efforts to build the state’s first U.S Green Building Council LEED Platinum office in the Heilig-Levine complex. In 2010, Greg was given the Creative Thinkers Award by the Carolinas Chapter of the Counselors of Real Estate, and the Design Guild at NC State’s College of Design gave Greg its Design Guild Award for his work in downtown Raleigh.

The company and its leaders have been featured in The New York Times, North Carolina Business, Business Leader magazine, Construction Today, Triangle Business Journal, The News & Observer and Kiplinger magazine for their restoration and revitalization work in downtown Raleigh. Empire Eats restaurants have been in magazines such as Southern Living, GQ, Gourmet and Men’s Health, and on television shows such as “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” “The Early Show,” “Throwdown! with Bobby Flay” and “Man v Food.”

Greg is a board member of the Tryon Palace Commission, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, WakeUP Wake County and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. He is on the board of advisors for Preservation North Carolina and the Crescent State Bank Raleigh Operations. He is on the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, is a founding member of the North Carolina China Center and is on the advisory committee for the Occoneechee Council Eagle Scouts (Eagle Scout, 1978). Greg also was involved in the Livable Streets Partnership, Fayetteville Street Visioning Team and Downtown West Gateway Task Force and was the former co-chair of the Southeast Raleigh Assembly.

Greg also is a frequent guest speaker at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business, the UNC Department of City and Regional Planning and N.C. State’s Chemical Engineering and History departments.

A native of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Greg has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from N.C. State University and a diploma in Chinese studies from Beijing Youth Politics College.

Andrew Stewart
Andrew Stewart joined Empire Properties in 2003, bringing with him years of experience in city planning and research, economics and analysis. He plays a key role on the leadership team, evaluating current and future projects and managing relationships with debt and equity sources. He is responsible for Empire Properties' financing strategy and asset management of the real estate portfolio.

Andrew actively serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of Preservation North Carolina (PNC) and has filled this role since 2006.
In 2008, Andrew was named one of the Triangle Business Journal's 40
Under 40, which recognizes top executives and business leaders in the Triangle who are under the age of 40. As a result of Andrew's financing strategy and execution, Empire Properties received the Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women (TCREW) "Most Innovative Financing Program” Champion award. Andrew also is a regular guest lecturer on Historic Preservation and Development at the University of North Carolina’s Department of City and Regional Planning. Andrew served as a city-appointed member of downtown Raleigh's Parking Task Force and sat on the Board of Directors for Raleigh Little Theater.

In his role just prior to joining the company, Andrew worked with the City of Raleigh Planning Department and was engaged in the creation and management of the Livable Streets Partnership for downtown Raleigh. He also worked for four years as a research economist for Research Triangle Institute International (RTI).

Andrew holds master's degrees in Business Administration and Regional Planning with a focus on real estate development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also graduated with honors from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., with bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Economics.

Property Development

Holton Wilkerson, Brokerage Services Manager
Holton Wilkerson joined Empire Properties in 2007 to lead Empire Brokerage Services, the firm’s brokerage division. By working with commercial real estate brokers, tenants and owners, Holton acts as intermediary for Empire Properties, with the goal of maintaining the company’s reputation as the most trusted, knowledgeable real estate resource in downtown Raleigh. He also assists in the buying and selling of commercial real estate property in downtown Raleigh as well as in new markets.

As Broker-In-Charge, Holton and his colleagues were responsible for increasing the occupancy of the firm’s 650,000 square foot portfolio of historic redevelopment projects from 73 percent to 90 percent since 2007. In 2009, his team had a record year signing 84 leases. In addition Empire Brokerage Services recently established a third-party leasing and property management division that is focused specifically on the downtown Raleigh submarket.

Holton’s commitment to historic preservation is longstanding. As co-founder and former principal of Arbor Equity, he concentrated on the remediation and sustainable redevelopment of contaminated sites, otherwise known as Brownfields. He led a team that transformed a 25,000-square-foot blighted, environmentally impacted warehouse into a fully-leased asset, doubling its value in just over one year. Holton then negotiated a Brownfield Agreement with the state of North Carolina and sold the property to the current tenant. The project provided substantial returns to the private equity investors associated with the development.

Holton earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Affiliations:

NAIOP
Board Member, Legislative Committee Co-Chair
Member, National Developing Leader Diversity Task Force
2008-2010 Chair, Developing Leaders Executive Committee

Urban Land Institute
Member, Young Leaders Group
2008-2009 - Young Leader Executive Committee
(Vice Chair Communications)

Rebuilding Together of the Triangle
2009-2010 Board Member

Ben Steel, Leasing Associate
In February 2008 Ben Steel joined the Brokerage Services team to expand the breadth of Empire Properties’ in-house and third party capabilities.

From taking prospects to lease execution to overseeing extensive tenant build-outs Ben’s talents and varied expertise help to build Empire’s reputation as the premier Downtown Raleigh developer and brokerage firm.

Ben earned his degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he majored in Economics with minors in both Spanish and Entrepreneurship. While attending, Ben was a member of the Heels Club Soccer team and a participant in the Carolina Challenge, an annual contest where students compete to prepare a business plan to launch a sustainable venture. During his senior year, Ben led his Carolina Challenge team to a second place finish, who aimed to create a non-profit organization focused on redeveloping student living facilities into environmentally-friendly, sustainable housing.

As an undergraduate, Ben worked at Paragon Commercial Bank, where he far exceeded the expectations and responsibilities for his positions within the deposit and commercial real estate lending teams. He also spent his time as a youth soccer coach with the Fuquay-Varina Athletic Association. Ben is currently redeveloping a historic house is Southeast Downtown Raleigh, which he prevented from being demolished after decades of disrepair and abandonment.

Matthew Konar, Architectural Consultant
As the architectural consultant for Empire Properties, Matthew provides architectural and graphic design services, leads the business’ rehabilitation analysis for real estate investors, participates in design technology development and training and prepares large-scale comprehensive historic preservation surveys. Since joining Empire in
2008, Matthew has helped with the planning, design and construction on numerous Empire projects, most notably Sitti, Gravy, 230 Fayetteville Street and the G&S Building.

Having previously worked with architecture firms in New York City, Boston and Raleigh, Matthew brought a wide range of architectural experience to Empire. His previous architectural work spans from the recently opened North Carolina Museum of Art expansion and renovation in Raleigh to a custom 3-story loft apartment in SoHo, New York. His award-winning work has been featured in Architectural Record magazine, Architect magazine, Contract magazine and The Architect’s Newspaper.

Matthew earned both his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in structural analysis and his master’s of architecture degree with a concentration in industrial design from N.C. State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is a registered LEED accredited professional.

Property Management

Rye Johnson, Director of Property Management
With a passion for real estate development and management, Rye Johnson joined Empire Properties in 2008 to manage all aspects of property management, including responding to and anticipating current and new tenants’ needs.

Before joining Empire Properties, Rye gained much of her real estate experience during eight years with a local real estate development company, where she focused her efforts on creating value through land sales and leasing space within a four million square foot portfolio of Class A office, retail, industrial, flex and mixed-use projects. She also operated Johnson Realty & Investments, a family business, where she managed commercial investor relationships.

Rye earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a member of the 1994 National Championship Soccer Team. She is a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker. Rye also gives back to the community as a mentor with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County.

Barry Overcash, Property Management Field Operations Manager
Barry Overcash joined Empire’s Property Management team in May 2008 with extensive experience in the management of maintenance operations. Throughout his career Barry has managed the budgets and project costs for an array of construction and maintenance jobs and proven himself as a reliable and respected leader.

Hospitality and Management

Gary Bryant, Restaurant Management/Operations
Gary Bryant came to Empire Eats in 2008 with more than 12 years in the restaurant industry, most recently as chief executive officer of the national restaurant chain he founded, Bear Rock Café. Gary, a business graduate of N.C. State University, now manages all of Empire Eats’ restaurants, which employ nearly 300 people in downtown Raleigh. Gary is responsible for food quality, service, human resources and training of existing restaurants as well as development and funding of new concepts.

Amanda Fekety, Service Director
Amanda Fekety has more than 15 years in the restaurant industry. Before moving to North Carolina to work for Empire Eats in 2008, she spent six years working in New York City for Union Square Hospitality Group as a bartender, private dining manager, catering captain and staff trainer. Before that, Amanda worked for Houston’s Restaurants helping to open several locations along the East Coast.

Adrienne Yancey, Creative Associate
Adrienne joined the Empire team in August 2010 to head up all of Empire's design and marketing.

Adrienne graduated from N.C. State University's College of Design with a bachelor's degree of graphic design. She then spent four years as a graphic designer at Red Hat. In addition to design, Adrienne is very passionate about food. She volunteers at the Downtown Raleigh Farmer's Market, and has her own food blog.

She is excited to be a part of the Empire team, and contribute to the evolving downtown community.

Sarah Morris
In August 2008, Sarah Morris joined the Empire team to coordinate the sales, marketing and production of Special Events and caterings throughout Empire's portfolio of restaurants and properties. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in Art History and minored in Business Administration. Previously, Sarah gained event marketing and business development experience at Blackbaud, Inc. in Charleston, SC and as an intern with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

Accounting & Human Resources

Patricia Wheeley, Controller
A Certified Public Accountant, Patricia Wheeley leads the team responsible for all accounting and financial reporting for the real estate, restaurant and construction divisions of the business. She also manages the administration of all employee policies, procedures and benefits.

With more than 25 years of experience as controller for leading privately held and public organizations in the areas of commercial mortgage financing, real estate investment, residential development, and management and leasing, Pat is a strong asset in the financial management role for Empire Properties.

Pat graduated Cum Laude from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

Terryl Hanson, Accountant, Development and Property Management
Terryl Hanson joined Empire Properties in October 2006 with more than 20 years of diverse accounting experience to provide accounting services for Development and Property Management. Terryl’s extensive experience includes similar positions with two large Triangle Area commercial real estate development firms.

Terryl is a native of Montana and graduated with a degree in Accounting from the Rapid City School of Business in South Dakota.

Deb Thompson, Accountant, Construction
Bringing more than 13 years of construction office management and accounting services experience, Deb Thompson joined Empire Properties in March 2008 to provide accounting services specifically for the company’s construction division. Deb came to Empire Properties from her recent position with Choate Construction Company, where she held the positions of office manager and accounting liaison, among others, for the company’s Raleigh Office. Her previous experience includes a career as a certified fitness instructor and fitness center manager, trained technician at a Chiropractic office, and physician’s office manager.

A native of Goldsboro, N.C., Deb is a Notary Public and has completed 10 hours of OSHA certification. Her active life outside of the office includes her husband, two children and three grandchildren, and supporting scout groups and local church.

Jennifer Herndon, Accountant, Restaurants
A new member of the Empire Properties team and new to the Raleigh area, Jennifer joined the business in March 2006 with a true passion for historic preservation. She previously provided accounting services to several restaurants and small businesses in the Memphis, Tenn. area.

Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in History.

Empire Construction

Dave Nicolay, Director of Construction
As the head of Empire Hardhat Construction, Dave Nicolay manages daily operations of the eight person construction team, as well as oversees design, planning and implementation of all aspects of rehabilitation and restoration projects.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Dave has been passionate about historic restoration since his youth. He earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial Design at NC State College of Design. After graduating in 2003, Dave worked for a brief time with the Empire construction team before leaving Raleigh to lead architectural salvage crews in Seattle and farm sheep in New Zealand. He returned to Raleigh and Empire Properties in 2007.

Pat Rhyne, Field Operations Manager
In early 2005, Pat Rhyne joined Empire Construction to help lead the growing construction team. As field operations manager, he manages the skill labor resources required for each project, assessing and planning for foremen and craft needs, and supporting project managers and superintendents in preparation of construction schedules.

Pat is a Raleigh native with a long-time interest in the restoration of historic structures and creative infill. He gained valuable construction experience working under general contractor R.A. Harbin for more than five years. Pat is a licensed real estate agent and worked in commercial real estate for two years prior to joining Empire Construction.

Kevin Hourihan, Chief Craftsman and Restoration Expert
Joining the Empire team in 2007, Kevin brings more than 25 years of experience in preservation, restoration and repair of antique structures. He has maintained National Register buildings in downtown Portland and owned a business in historically significant areas of metro west Boston. He attended the Universities of Oregon and Alaska.

David Knight, (Emeritus)
A master carpenter with more than 25 years of experience in woodworking, David is Empire Construction’s restoration manager. He oversees the repair of historic details, weaving together the old with the new to help create the unique experience of an Empire Properties’ building.

While attending Virginia Commonwealth University, David studied painting, printmaking and furniture design.