Company Profile

About Us

Orca Whales, also known as Killer Whales or Blackfish, are known for their intelligence, loyalty to their family pod, and great ability to work together with ingenuity for the greater benefit of the group. As an organization, we find great inspiration in the Blackfish and try to emulate their strength, intelligence, innovation, and loyalty.

Combined, the Blackfish Companies’ partners have over 40 years of development and multifamily housing experience. We have acquired over $1 Billion in multifamily assets nationwide and underwritten over $2.5 Billion of real estate acquisitions. Blackfish has also been involved in the development of hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate projects.

Our Values

  • Love It!

    When you’re enjoy where you are, you want to share it.

  • Get On the Beach!

    Think outside of the box...the box is too crowded anyway.

  • Be the Apex!

    Always do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

  • Ride the Waves!

    A little bit of sugar can change your whole life.

  • All About the Pod!

    Success in life is about what you do for others.

  • Duh!

    When you just know what to do.

Our Team

  • Over the past 40+ years, Dave, as an owner, operator, and senior executive has overseen the acquisition, development, renovation, financing, and management of over $1 Billion of student housing and multifamily assets.

    Dave has served as National Director of Lending at Equitec Financial Group, as Executive Vice President of Acquisitions for Campus Crest Communities (NYSE—CCG), and as President and CEO of Glenwood Intermountain Properties.

    Dave also served on the founding advisory board of Property Solutions (now Entrata), an award winning, high-tech, property management web portal and on-line software service provider.

  • With a distinguished 36-year career in property management, Shelly G. Freeman has been a driving force in the industry. As the visionary founder and President of SGFusion Living LLC and now COO of Blackfish Companies, Shelly has seamlessly managed a portfolio of over a thousand multi-family units across prominent locations. Her expertise extends beyond traditional property management, having personally overseen major capital improvements exceeding $6.1 million, and the strategic management and sale of key properties.

    Shelly's tenure at Glenwood Intermountain Properties as Vice President and then President laid the groundwork for her success, where she implemented groundbreaking technological advancements and spearheaded substantial growth initiatives. Under her leadership, Blackfish Companies has not only expanded its footprint but has also maintained a remarkable record in occupancy and budget adherence, reflecting her unparalleled commitment to excellence in the property management sphere.

  • Josh Freeman brings an exceptional legal acumen to his role as the Chief Legal Officer at Blackfish Companies. As a Founding Partner at Freeman Lovell, Josh honed his expertise in the nuanced areas of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, securities, business formation, and tax structuring. His specialization extends to providing strategic legal guidance for real estate investors and developers, encompassing legal structuring, contracts, deals, and transactions.

    His comprehensive approach to legal counsel is underpinned by a deep commitment to understanding the unique needs of each business, ensuring not just legal compliance but also the protection and growth of the company's interests, assets, and revenue streams. Josh's proactive and prepared mindset, coupled with his extensive experience and a robust network of professional resources, positions him ideally to navigate Blackfish Companies through complex legal landscapes and towards successful business outcomes.

  • With over 5 years of real estate experience in property management, project underwriting, real estate sales and acquisition, and development, Zack has demonstrated an acumen for real estate on many levels. He has taken the lead on over $175M+ of real estate transactions and participated in the development of over 350 townhomes and apartments. Zack is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Utah.

  • Joe has more than a decade of experience in project management, demonstrating strategic leadership and operational expertise. As the Director of Property Management at Blackfish Companies, Joe led a dynamic team that exceeded performance targets, achieving a 97% increase in overall property revenue in just one year. Her approach is driven by a focus on stakeholder satisfaction, cost-effective maintenance solutions, and adherence to industry regulations. Fluent in five languages, Joe is highly skilled in analyzing market trends, implementing technology-driven solutions, and fostering sustainability practices.

  • Melanie Urmston has 5 years of experience in Development and Marketing, blending her business management background with an ardent commitment to community service. With her roots in social media marketing and fundraising, she expertly tailors her approach to address the unique needs of the housing industry. Leveraging her skills in Marketing, Melanie crafts compelling narratives that highlight the significance of affordable housing solutions. Her hands-on experience in nonprofit consulting enriches her perspective, enabling her to drive initiatives that not only enhance brand visibility but also contribute meaningfully to community development and housing accessibility. Melanie's dynamic approach and innovative strategies position her as a pivotal asset in the housing market, dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and making a lasting impact.