Miller Becomes President of Trademark

As part of his duties, Miller will oversee the build-up of Trademark's $100-million Realty Fund I and is keeping an eye on potential acquisitions in 21 markets throughout the southeast, southwest, inner mountain west and west. "These are areas we've researched thoroughly. We really like the dynamics of the local economies," Miller explains.

And what will Trademark buy? "The opportunities we'll be looking for are retail, mixed-use and urban infill properties in good shape, where retailers want to be long-term," Miller tells GlobeSt.com. "These properties ideally might be in some form of distress. Perhaps they'll need some redevelopment or repositioning. This is where we can add value; it's what we do well."

Before stepping into the shoes of the company's presidency, Miller was Trademark's CFO, development partner and, more recently, the chief investment officer. His resume also shows executive jobs held with Security Capital Group, CarrAmerica, Arthur Andersen and Leventhal & Co.

For years, Trademark Property has been known primarily as a development company. In fact, during his tenure with Trademark, Miller headed up development for the 560,000-square-foot Market Street in The Woodlands, TX, a mixed-use project located about 40 miles north of Houston. But the market downturn and lack of capital for construction projects moved the company toward an investment, versus a development, strategy.

"It's still pretty early in the investment cycle, but we have some interesting opportunities," Miller comments, adding that 2010 will start out somewhat slowly, with investments picking up in 2011 and 2012. "The investments we'll be making aren't just property acquisitions, but other forms, such as structured investments and debt."