About Us

We offer a wide array of services aimed at our core.

Sutera is an emerging Multifamily Investment & Property Management firm based in Nashville, Tennessee focused on Value-Add Acquisitions and Management, primarily in the Southeast. Every aspect of our business is designed to create value and enrich the lives of our partners, team members and residents.

Our approach is characterized by strategic analytics, streamlined processes, transparent communication/reporting, and proactive cost-saving strategies while maintaining high service quality and experience-based living for our residents.

Our team is comprised of genuinely gifted minds

OWNER + FOUNDER

ART HECKMAN

Art has accumulated 18 years of experience in residential, commercial brokerage and multifamily executive leadership.

Art began his Real Estate career in 2007 and has accumulated 18 years of experience in residential, commercial brokerage and multifamily executive leadership. This extensive background has equipped Art with a deep understanding of various asset classes and the ability to pinpoint and deliver value. With a passion for uncovering opportunities, analyzing trends, and implementing strategies to maximize returns, Art leverages his creativity, data-driven approach, and expertise to increase occupancy and cultivate a positive tenant experience.
Having managed over 1,300 Class A/B Multifamily units across four states simultaneously, Art has spearheaded leasing strategies, budgeting, planning, reporting, staffing, and goal execution to boost revenue and decrease expenses. His results-oriented mindset is evident in his commitment to adding value throughout an asset's lifecycle, from acquisition and analytics to due diligence, portfolio management, and disposition.
Art's dedication to excellence and transparency has not only fostered a successful career but also cultivated trusted relationships and a solid reputation within the industry. By conducting thorough market research, managing risk effectively, anticipating market fluctuations, and developing strategic action plans in order to delivers strong returns for investors.

DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BARBARA OAKS

NALP, CAM, ARM, NALP, CMCP, RPM, MPM
Barbara brings over 20 years of Property Management experience and leadership to the team.

Barbara brings over 20 years of Property Management experience and leadership to the team. She has successfully managed over 9,000 units during her robust career across multiple states including TN, GA, FL, VA, KY, IL, MS and NC. Barbara has managed 7,000 beds concurrently in student housing at NCSU, UI, MS, WYO, UNCW, and East Carolina State University. Her experience also includes Mixed Used assets. One highlight was when she worked with Bell Partners, LLC on a site in Asheville, North Carolina called, “The District” in downtown Biltmore where she lead the multifamily management team plus oversight of all retail lease holders negotiating leases, facilitating owner meetings, oversight with contractors, subs and negotiating bids/contracts.

She has worked both on-site and managed teams as a Regional Manager overseeing over 3,000 market rate units concurrently. Barbara is a respected leader and business development strategist with a progressive career in positioning assets to achieve sustainable profitability within a dynamic multi-housing market. She is a forerunner, solidifying corporate image through the development and implementation of robust marketing programs that increase occupancy rates and community involvement. Her focus is delivering strong financial results, cost saving strategies, process streamlining, resource management, and excellent customer service. She has provided management services to a variety of different clients ranging from acquisitions, value add, distressed properties and lease ups. Barbara is known for being a catalyst, problem solver, effective communicator, relationship builder and robust leader.

MARKETING/EQUITY PROCUREMENT

JUSTIN NASSIE

Justin has also worked with over 15 syndicators, helping raise more than $450 million in capital for real estate projects.

Justin is an experienced entrepreneur with a strong foundation in real estate investing and finance. His career began in 2007, working with top-tier companies in the industry. He first gained experience as a graphic designer for Sperry Van Ness, where he played a key role in marketing multi-million-dollar real estate portfolios. Transitioning into private equity with Alliance Portfolio, Justin developed expertise in structuring finance deals and partnering with major financial institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

In addition to his real estate endeavors, Justin is the founder and owner of Brandastic, Inc., a highly successful digital marketing agency. His diverse client base includes well-known brands such as Kia Motors, Hampton Inn Hotels, and UFC Gym, showcasing his ability to deliver results across various industries.

Justin has also worked with over 15 syndicators, helping raise more than $450 million in capital for real estate projects. As an active commercial real estate investor, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, making him a valuable asset to any investor seeking opportunities in the real estate market.

EQUITY & PORTFOLIO STRATEGY DIRECTOR

MEREDI LEE

Meredi Lee, MCR, is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with a diverse background spanning private equity, portfolio management, acquisitions, leasing, and development across multiple asset classes. Having worked on all sides of the commercial real estate industry, she brings a well-rounded perspective and a strategic approach to repositioning assets for maximum value and investor returns.

With a strong track record in executing high-impact strategies, Meredi specializes in optimizing portfolio performance through data-driven insights, proactive management, and hands-on execution. She is known for her ability to communicate effectively with investors and stakeholders, ensuring transparency, detailed reporting, and alignment throughout the investment cycle.

As a Portfolio Manager at Rollins Inc., Meredi oversaw a $3B real estate portfolio, managing 1,000+ branch locations across 3M+ SF of office and industrial/flex space. She led multiple teams of third-party brokers, negotiated complex lease agreements, and implemented transaction strategies that enhanced operational efficiency and asset value.

Her experience also includes key roles at private equity-backed CIM Group and Centennial Yards Co., as well as Cushman & Wakefield, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Skanska USA, and JLL. This diverse background has provided her with deep expertise in acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, tenant representation, business development, and marketing/PR—giving her a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and investment strategies that drive long-term value creation.

Meredi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Speech Communication from Georgia State University and a CoreNet Masters of Corporate Real Estate certificate. With a strong leadership style and a results-driven approach, she continues to make a significant impact, innovate, and remain at the forefront of the commercial real estate industry.

Acquisitions

We invest in Value-Add assets in the Southeast with renovation and operational potential to boost value, focusing on suburban areas in growing regions with strong fundamentals to mitigate risk.

Vertically Integrated Management

Our property and asset management platform is built on accountability, transparency, and efficiency. Decisions are tied to measurable performance targets, with incentives aligned to investor returns.

Lease Up

Our lease-up strategy combines market research, branding, pricing, customer service, and skilled staffing to attract tenants and ensure strong occupancy and returns for investors in new multifamily properties.

Consulting

We consult with investors and property owners to explore ways to enhance our mutual relationship.

Our Values

ALIGNMENT

Structure built to achieve common goals. When interests are aligned from the start, everyone benefits.

EXECUTION

We turn plans into action, with incentives tied to performance. Progress is measured through key performance indicators (KPIs), across our team, contractors, and vendors.

EFFICIENCY

We focus on what matters. Our dynamic systems, tools, and technology empower our team to drive strategy and solve problems before they arise.

RESPONSIBILITY

Discipline guides our decisions. High standards, honesty, and integrity sit at the core of every process, from accounting and financing to operations.

COMMUNICATION

Know before you ask. Transparent, consistent communication holds us accountable and keeps investors and residents informed.

PASSION

We show up with enthusiasm and purpose. Real success is determined by the value we create and the lives we enrich, for investors, team members, and residents.

Experience

10

CURRENT + PAST UNITS UNDER MANAGEMENT

45

YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

450

CAPITAL RAISED

Enough Talk, Let's Build Something Together

Reach out now

About Us.

Sutera is an emerging Multifamily Investment & Property Management firm based in Nashville, Tennessee focused on Value-Add Acquisitions and Management, primarily in the Southeast.

Disclosure & Policy Information

Address

Sutera Properties

800 19th Ave Ste 16,

Nashville, TN 37203

Connect

T: 615-568-7774

E: art@sutera.co