Employee Spotlight: Alia Ganem
Vice President of Operations | LRE & Companies

At LRE & Companies, we’re proud to have a team of passionate and dedicated individuals driving our success. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Alia Ganam, our Vice President of Operations, who has been with LRE for approximately 15  years in various roles.

A Passion for Hospitality & Community

Alia’s journey into the restaurant industry began with her love for food and cooking. Her very first job was in a bakery, and after moving to Seattle in 2001, she continued in the industry, working at a local sandwich shop. Since then, she has never looked back—building a career that blends her operational expertise with her deep-rooted passion for the restaurant world.

Making an Impact Beyond Business

For Alia, success isn’t just about opening and operating restaurants—it’s about the connections made within the community. One of her most rewarding experiences at LRE has been supporting local schools and community initiatives. She recalls a recent event, “Turn Off Technology Night,” where one of LRE’s restaurants donated Certificates of Achievement to encourage families to disconnect from screens and spend quality time together. This initiative was so well received that they’ve committed to supporting two more family events this school year.

A Dynamic Role & A Love for Learning

As VP of Operations, Alia’s role has evolved significantly over the years. She thrives on taking on new responsibilities and learning new skills, not just for her professional growth but also in ways that enrich her personal life. One thing that might surprise people about her job? The unpredictability of her days—no two are ever the same!

Beyond Work: A True Foodie & Creative Spirit

When she’s not managing operations, Alia is all about food, creativity, and sports. She loves cooking for others, exploring new restaurants, and expressing herself through painting, drawing, and photography. And as a proud Boston girl, you’ll always find her cheering on all Boston sports teams!

Thank you, Alia, for your dedication, leadership, and the positive impact you bring to LRE & the communities we serve!

Where Community Thrives: The Role of Multi-Use Developments in Modern Growth

As a developer, I’ve always believed that real estate should be more than just a collection of buildings—it should serve as a cornerstone for growth, connection, and opportunity. Over the years, my team at LRE & Companies has been privileged to play a role in shaping communities in the Western U.S. through multi-use developments. These projects are not just about creating spaces; they’re about building vibrant hubs where people can live, work, and thrive.

Designing Spaces That Meet Community Needs

When I envision a development, I start by asking a simple question: What does this community need? The answer often lies in creating spaces that bring together residential, commercial, and educational components. Take our University Square project in Rocklin, California, for example. Anchored by The Learning Experience, this 10-acre development includes retail, a daycare center, and even a hotel—all within proximity to residential townhomes and future educational campuses.

This kind of integration provides families with everything they need within reach, from grabbing coffee to dropping off their kids at daycare. It’s about making life easier and fostering an environment where people feel connected to their surroundings.

Driving Economic Growth

Multi-use developments don’t just benefit the people who live and work in them; they also energize local economies. By attracting a mix of businesses, from small startups to national brands, these projects create jobs and stimulate economic activity in these communities. University Square, for instance, is contributing to Rocklin’s rapid growth, positioning it as a hub for both residents and businesses.

What excites me most is the long-lasting ripple effect these developments have. When we transform underutilized land into dynamic spaces, it attracts further investment, boosts nearby property values, and supports the growth of surrounding businesses.

Enhancing Accessibility and Sustainability

A core principle of our work at LRE & Companies is ensuring that our developments prioritize accessibility. By designing spaces where residents can live, shop, and access services all in one place, we’re reducing the need for long commutes and creating a more sustainable lifestyle. At LRE & Companies, we’re committed to building communities that are not only convenient but also environmentally conscious. We have a proven track record of creating future-forward developments in some of the most difficult places to develop – think California coastline towns!

A Vision for the Future

For me, the most rewarding part of this work is seeing how these developments bring people together. Whether it’s parents connecting at a daycare drop-off or neighbors gathering for coffee, these spaces become the heartbeat of the community.

As cities grow, the demand for thoughtful, multi-functional spaces will only increase. At LRE & Companies, we’re proud to be part of this evolution, creating projects that drive economic growth, foster connection, and help communities thrive.

This is just the beginning. Together, we can build a future where real estate development serves as a catalyst for lasting, positive change.

SALINAS, Calif. – Dec. 11, 2024 – LRE & Companies is excited to announce Starbucks as the second tenant in its highly anticipated project at the Abbott Road development in Salinas. This marks another significant step in the project’s development, adding a beloved global coffee brand to the community-focused space.

The addition of Starbucks will provide Salinas residents and visitors with a convenient gathering spot to enjoy high-quality coffee and refreshments. Known for its commitment to customer experience and community engagement, Starbucks will contribute to the vibrant atmosphere envisioned for the site. Starbucks will be joining Circle K as one of the key anchors of the development.

“This is a proud moment for our team and the City of Salinas,” said Akki Patel, CEO and Founder of LRE & Companies. “The addition of Starbucks reflects our dedication to bringing quality amenities to the community while supporting economic growth by providing jobs in the Salinas community. We are thrilled to welcome such a renowned brand to this development.”

LRE & Companies is deeply committed to sustainable and community-focused growth, ensuring that the new construction enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors in Salinas while serving the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The project represents a thoughtful revitalization of the site, which will involve clearing two outdated structures to make way for a modern, purpose-built development.

The Salinas project continues to exemplify LRE & Companies’ mission to foster growth and opportunity in communities throughout the region. As construction progresses, additional project updates will be shared.

About LRE & Companies
LRE & Companies is a leading real estate development and investment firm specializing in creating mixed-use spaces that blend functionality and innovation. With a focus on collaboration and community impact, LRE continues to deliver projects that support economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Salinas, CA. – After three years of dedicated effort, LRE & Companies is thrilled to announce the approval of its first tenant, Circle K, in the  highly anticipated project at 1012 & 1016 Abbott Street in Salinas. This exciting development, which marks the culmination of collaboration and teamwork among LRE, trusted brand partners, consultants, and the City of Salinas, will bring significant economic growth and enhanced amenities to the local community.

Circle K is a cutting-edge convenience store and fueling station, offering modern amenities and a seamless shopping experience. This milestone follows the recent Planning Commission approval. Circle K will begin construction first, and other tenants are set to follow, bringing a community-focused atmosphere to the development.

“This achievement represents a major milestone for our team and the City of Salinas,” said Akki Patel, CEO and Founder of LRE & Companies. “The partnership with the city of Salinas has been instrumental in moving this project forward. While the process has taken time, the results will be worth the wait as we transform this site into a vibrant community hub.”

The project will involve the demolition of two existing structures—a former auto body repair shop and a tile and marble company—making way for brand-new, ground-up construction for Circle K and other tenants. This revitalization effort underscores LRE’s commitment to sustainable development and creating spaces that serve the needs of both residents and visitors.

The Salinas project exemplifies LRE & Companies’ dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in communities across the region. Additional project details and updates will be shared as construction progresses.

About LRE & Co
LRE & Companies is a leading real estate development and investment firm specializing in creating mixed-use spaces that blend functionality and innovation. With a focus on collaboration and community impact, LRE continues to deliver projects that support economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Folsom, Calif. LRE & Companies, a full-spectrum real estate development, asset manager, and hotel and hospitality management company, in partnership with the American Hospitality Services, has signed The Learning Experience® (TLE®) as a major tenant for the highly anticipated Southpointe at Folsom Ranch development. The Learning Experience, known for its established reputation of providing exceptional early childhood education, offers essential services for children ages six weeks to six years old.

“LRE & Companies is committed to building strong communities through strategic partnerships with cities and trusted brands,” says Akki Patel, CEO of LRE & Companies. “We are excited to welcome a tenant who offers a vital service to the community and to the Southpointe project at Folsom Ranch, one of Northern California’s largest master-planned developments. LRE & Co. is proud to be a responsible contributor to Folsom’s growth, a city with the highest concentration of software jobs in the Sacramento region and ranked No. 1 in professional and technical employment per capita.”

Parag Laddha and Kunal Rao, franchisees and operators of multiple TLE centers, also shared their enthusiasm: “Folsom is an ideal location for a childcare center due to its growing population of young families and strong focus on education. A new facility would meet the rising demand for quality childcare and further enhance Folsom’s appeal as a family-friendly community.” With their expertise and proven track record, Laddha and Rao ensure that the new facility will deliver high-quality early education and operations, continuing The Learning Experience’s tradition of excellence.

Situated just south of Highway 50, Folsom Ranch is an up-and-coming community that is rapidly expanding. With new homes, a gated senior community, and a state-of-the-art sports complex set to break ground next year, the area is becoming a highly desirable location for families and professionals alike. Additionally, a new Dignity Health Advanced Ambulatory Care Center highlights the community’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services to its residents.

The addition of The Learning Experience is a crucial asset for this thriving community, emphasizing the importance of safe and reliable learning centers for young children. The development offers a diverse range of high-end office, medical, and retail spaces available for sale or lease, including retail shop space, drive-thru pads, and medical offices. The 10-acre site boasts excellent visibility along White Rock Road and East Bidwell, forming a central hub within the expansive 3,585-acre master-planned Folsom Ranch development

Starbucks at Eureka Gateway opens

LRE & Companies announced the grand opening of Starbucks, the first tenant of the highly anticipated Gateway Project in Eureka, earlier this week in a news release. The new Starbucks, built on the site of a repurposed building, marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of this area, providing a hub for community engagement, job creation, and economic growth, the company stated in the release.

Starbucks closed another location in Eureka not far from the new site.

“We’re excited to see the Gateway Project come to fruition with Starbucks as our first tenant,” said Akki Patel, founder and CEO at LRE & Companies. “This project required close cooperation with the Coastal Commission to ensure that we not only adhered to environmental protections but also contributed to the community’s needs and economic future.”

Working with the Coastal Commission was a critical part of the development process, as it ensures that projects meet California’s high environmental standards. Although the process can be lengthy, it is vital for preserving coastal ecosystems while supporting development that benefits the community. LRE & Companies was able to meet these requirements through innovative approaches and solutions that harmonized the needs of the environment and the people of Eureka.

San Rafael, CA – LRE & Co., a family-owned real estate development company, proudly marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of innovation, resilience, and community impact in Marin County and beyond. Since its founding in 1999, the San Rafael-based firm has grown from humble beginnings into a dynamic
enterprise recognized for its distinctive projects and deep-rooted values.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, LRE & Co. has achieved significant milestones, including standout developments in Roseville and Fernley. “Our growth has been steady, but we pride ourselves on remaining small and nimble,” said Akki Patel, Founder and CEO of LRE & Co. “Winning the Roseville RFP was a major milestone, where we delivered on our promise to think outside the box with 11 acres of innovative development.”

LRE & Co.’s evolution is deeply tied to its family heritage and commitment to core values. “Real estate runs in our blood,” said Patel. This connection, combined with lessons learned from weathering multiple recessions, has shaped LRE & Co.’s patient, long-term approach to real estate, particularly in the dynamic Bay Area market. This approach has allowed the company to stay nimble, fostering strong relationships while expanding into new markets and industries.

Looking ahead, LRE & Co. is poised for continued growth and diversification, exploring opportunities in self-storage and multi-family projects. The company remains committed to creating value for the communities it serves while staying true to its roots. As LRE & Co. celebrates this milestone, it continues to drive creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, paving the way for the next 25 years and beyond.

About LRE & Co.
LRE & Co. is a family-owned real estate development and construction company based in San Rafael, California. Since its founding in 1999, the company has established itself as a leader in commercial real estate, with a diverse portfolio that includes partnerships with national hotel brands, franchise restaurants, and
innovative developments across Northern California and northwest Nevada. With a focus on agility, community impact, and a deep connection to its heritage, LRE & Co. remains committed to creating value for the communities it serves.

For more information, please visit https://lrecompanies.com or call (415) 491-1500.

As a CEO, I navigate the high-stakes world of California’s commercial real estate, where aspirations often meet formidable challenges. I have learned to navigate the complexities alongside many dedicated agents, developers, and community members. Here in the Bay Area, I’ve faced the same tough regulations and fierce competition, and through these experiences, I’ve gathered some insights on how to thrive in this demanding environment. Here are my strategies for turning California’s obstacles into profitable ventures and transforming difficulties into opportunities for success.

What is CEQA?

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a cornerstone of the state’s regulatory framework, designed to protect the environment by requiring state and local agencies to identify and mitigate the environmental impacts of their actions. For developers like myself, CEQA is a double-edged sword —essential for sustainable development but often a source of significant delays and added complexity.

In my nearly 25 years in the commercial real estate sector, navigating CEQA has been akin to running a marathon blindfolded. While I appreciate its intent to safeguard our environment, the process can feel overwhelmingly intricate and protracted, especially for those who are new to CRE in California. Here are some insights and strategies that have helped me manage this “necessary evil” more effectively.

1. Start with thorough preparation

Before diving into any project, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of CEQA requirements. Engage with environmental consultants early to conduct preliminary assessments and identify potential red flags. This proactive approach can save time and resources in the long run.

2. Build strong relationships with regulatory agencies

Cultivating positive relationships with local and state regulatory bodies can be immensely beneficial. Regular communication and transparency can help streamline the approval process. Agencies appreciate developers who are cooperative and committed to adhering to environmental standards.

3. Engage the community

Community involvement is a critical aspect of the CEQA process. Host public meetings, provide transparent information about your project’s benefits, and be open to feedback. Gaining community support can mitigate opposition and facilitate smoother navigation through the regulatory landscape. You may also have the opportunity to build community allies who will help to push your projects through the finish line.

4. Leverage legal expertise

CEQA regulations are complex and ever-evolving. Having a legal team with expertise in environmental law can help you navigate potential legal challenges and ensure compliance. They can also assist in preparing robust environmental impact reports (EIRs) that withstand scrutiny.

5. Plan for delays

Delays are an inherent part of the CEQA process. Incorporate potential delays into your project timeline and budget. This realistic planning helps manage expectations and reduces the pressure of meeting unrealistic deadlines.

6. Embrace sustainable practices

Aligning your project with sustainable practices not only benefits the environment, but also positions your development favorably under CEQA. Innovations in green building, energy efficiency, and resource management can expedite approvals and enhance your project’s appeal.

The broader regulatory environment

CEQA is just one piece of the puzzle in California’s intricate regulatory environment. Zoning laws, building regulations, and high costs of living add additional layers of complexity. However, these challenges also present opportunities for those willing to navigate them with patience and strategy.

Entering California’s real estate market is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a unique mindset, boundless patience, and relentless effort. However, for those willing to navigate its complexities, the rewards can be substantial. As I often say, California is a long game — embrace the journey, adapt to the challenges, and transform them into opportunities for success.

By embracing preparation, community engagement, legal expertise, and sustainable practices, one can navigate this challenging landscape and emerge victorious. In the end, it’s about resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of turning dreams into reality.

The space will be surrounded by shipping container walls, which act as canvases for local artists, according to LRE & Companies.