About
From humble beginnings to world class properties.
EM8 was founded by Etamar Deshe. Etamar cut his teeth over past decades on every stage of the business. This includes sourcing and underwriting deals, running due diligence, shepherding projects through entitlements and design, overseeing construction, and managing property operations once a deal closes. Currently EM8 is one of the largest multifamily landlords in southwest Chicago.
Who we are
How we operate
A culture of customer delight
We pride ourselves on our culture of customer delight, so our assets don't just look premium they are premium. Anyone can build a nice looking building, but we make sure the soft services and little touches are what we're remembered by.
Transit and infrastructure first
We build near assets with long-term value like train stations, parks, and riverways. This ensure long term value for our properties and better utilization of existing infastructure.
Partnership with a purpose
We treat our investors, local governments, property managers, and builders as long-term partners, not a counterparty. That means finding out and solving problems before they become issues.
Design for long term value
We make design decisions for long-term value instead of short-term costs. We build assets that are adaptable, differentiated, and command a premium.
Leadership
Meet the team
Etamar Deshe
Principal
Read bio for Etamar Deshe
Leads acquisition strategy, deal structuring, and capital allocation across EM8's investment portfolio.
Alexander Riegler
Director of Real Estate & Investor Relations
Read bio for Alexander Riegler
Leads real estate operations, investor relations, reporting, and asset management across EM8's portfolio.
Kathy Molinaro
Administrative Manager
Read bio for Kathy Molinaro
Coordinates project execution, compliance, and day-to-day operational workflows.
Hunter Heyman
Investor Relations and Real Estate Analyst
Read bio for Hunter Heyman
Leads investor communications and marketing, and provides analysis support across EM8's portfolio.
Amy Moll
Accountant
Read bio for Amy Moll
Manages financial reporting and accounting operations across all properties.
Partners & Board Members
Meet the board
Michael Gallant
Founder and Board Member
Read bio for Michael Gallant
Michael Gallant or Mikey as his know by friends and colleagues is a former Israeli Navy SEAL officer (O4) and received his MBA from INSEAD.
Nir Dror
Board Member
Read bio for Nir Dror
Nir Dror serves as Chief Financial and Investment Officer at the Aurum Group (family office). Nir previously served as Chief Investment Officer at Origo Investments, a $350 million investment fund, and prior to that as an investment banker at Barclays Capital (formerly Lehman Brothers) in the US, where he was responsible for global transactions such as M&As, debt restructurings, and IPOs. He currently serves as a director at PolyPid Ltd. (a public company), Keystone Infra, as well as several private companies. Nir holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and Accounting from Tel Aviv University, a Master's degree in Commercial Law from Tel Aviv University, and an MBA (cum laude) from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.
Ilan Lior
Board Member
Read bio for Ilan Lior
Ilan Lior joined Aurum in 2014. Ilan is the general councel and co-manager of Aurum. He handles all legal matters relating to the Aurum group, the various investment transactions and supports the portfolio companies on various legal issues. In addition, he serves as a board member on various portfolio companies of Aurum.
Prior to joining Aurum, Ilan was a partner in a boutique law firm where he headed the corporate and commercial practice group.
Invest with us
Keep in touch and join our investor list
We look at transit-adjacent multifamily, mixed-use, and retail across the Chicago MSA. Leave your email and we will share what we are working on, or book a call and ask us directly.
Would rather talk it through?
Book twenty minutes with us to chat and learn about our properties.
Book a call →