ABOUT US
Hackberry Lane applies institutional discipline to student housing, a sector historically defined by fragmented ownership and inconsistent standards. We acquire, reposition, and manage off-campus communities in top tier university markets, focusing on durable demand and long-term value creation.
Our approach is straightforward: operate with precision, design with intent, and execute with accountability. Through hands-on asset management and a centralized operating platform, we create environments where residents thrive and investors realize robust risk-adjusted returns.
We are long-term owners aligned with our capital partners. By investing in well-located assets and managing them with a focus on safety, stewardship, and operational excellence, Hackberry Lane has built a proven platform designed to perform across market cycles.
Our Approach
Our approach is rooted in thoughtful design, long-term care, and a deep respect for the character of each property.
We balance legacy spaces with modern comfort, creating properties that feel both intentional and lived-in. Every detail is considered through careful evaluation of individual communities, allowing properties to integrate naturally and deliver lasting value.
Our Mission
Guided by a balance of thoughtful design, strong operations, and a sense of community, Hackberry Lane creates elevated student housing informed by local insight, careful stewardship, and a clear understanding of how people live today.
Leadership
Reid Marks is a real estate investor and entrepreneur who has led the acquisition of thousands of student housing beds in blue-chip university markets. Prior to founding Hackberry Lane, Reid was on the Real Estate Acquisitions team at Brookfield Asset Management, where he helped execute several billion dollars of investments across alternative asset classes. He began his career on the M&A team at Eastdil Secured, advising on roughly $8 billion in real estate transactions.
Reid graduated from the University of Michigan, where he managed the Men’s Basketball Team and was Co-President of the Michigan Ross Real Estate Endowment Fund. He currently serves on advisory boards for the University of Michigan Weiser Center and the Virginia Tech Blackwood Department of Real Estate.
Experience in complex deal structures across various commercial real estate asset classes. Prior experience in entrepreneurial ventures including tech startups and ESG focused initiatives. Engaged in sourcing and development of regional destination casino properties nationwide with Rush Street Gaming, as well as multifamily, senior living, and hospitality development opportunities with LAMB Properties.
Prior to Rush Street / LAMB, Nick participated in ~$5B of corporate M&A transactions while in Eastdil Secured's Investment Banking unit. Nick is an avid skier, golfer, wine collector and urban explorer. Graduated from Yale University.
Cameron has experience in municipal government and real estate-adjacent policy, having worked for the New York City Council where he led a Council office's work on zoning and land use. He participated in negotiations on 100+ unit affordable and market-rate development projects and oversaw town-gown relations with major public universities.
Prior to founding Hackberry Lane, Cameron led several entrepreneurial ventures including producing an Off-Broadway show and chairing the NIL Collective of an NCAA Division 1 basketball program. He is a passionate golfer, padel player, and pizza connoisseur. He graduated from Yale University where he served as the radio voice of Yale athletics.
Aaron has experience investing across various real estate asset classes, including student housing, multifamily, condos, single-family rental, hotel, office, industrial, senior living, life sciences, storage, and retail. While at BDT & MSD Partners, he participated in over $1 billion of investments, including the development of Knox Street, a large mixed-use project in Dallas, TX.
Prior to joining BDT & MSD Partners, Aaron worked on the Acquisitions Team at Harrison Street. He is an avid golfer and lifelong University of Michigan fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Brings extensive experience across multiple housing sectors, including student and affordable housing. Most recently supported operations for 2,000+ units through proactive site visits, operational assessments, and strategic initiatives. Partnered with regional teams and senior leadership to enhance performance, resident satisfaction, and financial outcomes across stabilized, acquisition, and lease-up communities.
Personal interests include indie video games and espresso martinis. Graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Psychology; held leadership roles in the First Year Experience program and served as an orientation leader.
Winner of the Mulroy Real Estate Challenge, a national case competition featuring 35 teams from 26 universities. Led a comprehensive development proposal for a complex urban infill site in Philadelphia, encompassing due diligence, market analysis, financial modeling, and design. Gained transaction experience at Brown Harris Stevens, supporting a top-producing team with over $1B in sales.
Recipient of the Outstanding Student Leader and Outstanding Senior Teaching Assistant awards from Virginia Tech. Katie is an animal foster volunteer, a lover of Delaware beaches, and a soccer and tennis enthusiast. Graduated first in class from Virginia Tech’s Real Estate program.
Recipient of the Presidential Scholarship at the University of Alabama. Previously coordinated leasing, resident relations, and marketing events at a 400+ bed student housing property in Tuscaloosa, AL. Served in various leadership roles with Pi Kappa Alpha at the University of Alabama, including Health & Safety Officer, Judicial Board Member, & House Manager.
Emerson is an avid skier, fly fisherman, and traveler. He also enjoys hunting in his home state of Mississippi. Graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Finance and a minor in Psychology.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re searching for your next home or simply want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you and help you take the next step.