Little Rock, AR (December 21, 2018) – Flake & Kelley Commercial is pleased to announce the election of four new shareholder partners. Nicholas Kelley, Cynthia Lu, Kevin Pledger, and Eric Varner have earned shareholder status in the company to join existing partners John Flake, Hank Kelley, Daryl Peeples, Cheryl White, Maggie Hogan, Kathy Groce, James Harkins, Bill Pendergist, and Brooke Miller. With the addition of these new shareholders, Flake & Kelley now has partners across every department, including: brokerage, property management, accounting, human resources, and maintenance.
Hank Kelley, CEO of Flake & Kelley Commercial, commented: “Our new shareholders are an important part of our future as they demonstrate a high degree of knowledge and care for our clients.”
John Flake, Chairman, joined Mr. Kelley in congratulating the new partners: “Our new shareholders represent the finest in professional services. We are delighted to recognize their many contributions to Flake & Kelley.”
Nicholas Kelley joined Flake & Kelley in 2017 and serves as Executive Vice President for the company. He is also a member of Flake & Kelley’s Executive Committee. Nicholas is a member of the company’s brokerage/leasing team, representing such clients as Arthur’s Steakhouse/Ocean’s at Arthur’s and Riverside Properties and properties including Two Financial Centre and the Blandford Building. He also provides guidance to Flake & Kelley’s team on a variety of complex legal matters.
Nicholas is a graduate of the University of Georgia (BBA, Real Estate and Finance) and the Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University (JD). Mr. Kelley received The American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law and the Bureau of National Affairs Award for excellence in the study of labor and employment law. Prior to joining Flake & Kelley, Nicholas practiced as a commercial real estate attorney with the Little Rock firm of Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull, PLLC and most recently with a large Am Law 100 firm in Atlanta, Georgia (McGuire Woods LLP). Nicholas is recently completed the Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy.
Cynthia Lu joined Flake & Kelley in 2013. As a member of the company’s transactional team, Cynthia is responsible for traditional brokerage, leasing, and tenant representation. She represents national, regional, and local retailers such as AT&T, Firebirds Restaurants, Mattress Firm, PetSmart, Signet Jewelers, and Taco Bueno. Cynthia is also a leasing agent for a number of retail centers, including Westchase Plaza, Markham Square, The Village Shopping Center, and Lewis Crossing in Conway.
Cynthia is a summa cum laude graduate of Rice University (BA) and earned a master’s degree from Georgia Tech University in Building Construction & Facility Management. Cynthia was one of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals. She is a member of ChainLinks Retail Advisors and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Cynthia was recognized as one of Little Rock Soiree Magazine’s “Women to Watch” in 2017. Cynthia has recently been selected to participate in the Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXIV.
Kevin Pledger joined Flake & Kelley in 2014 and serves as Director of Facilities. He is responsible for directing all activities for the facilities department including the repair, maintenance and construction of all Flake & Kelley managed properties.
Kevin is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), the Arkansas Association for Healthcare Engineering (AAHE), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Prior to joining Flake & Kelley, Kevin served as the Operations Manager for the Arkansas Building Authority.
Eric Varner joined Flake & Kelley in 2013. As a member of the company’s property management team, Eric oversees the management of some of Central Arkansas’ premier office buildings, medical buildings, and retail centers, including Two Financial Centre, The Village at Pleasant Valley, Westchase Plaza, and Shackleford Crossings.
Eric is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University (BA – Business Administration). Eric was recently awarded the designation of Certified Property Manager® – CPMs are recognized as experts in real estate management and they are at the top of the profession. Eric is also active in Park Hill Baptist Church, Urban Promise, and FORE Ouachita.
For further information, please contact:
Paula Guajardo, Director of Marketing
Flake & Kelley Commercial
501.244.7540 (direct)
501.960.3693 (mobile)
