Steven C. Friedmann, Partner
A native Californian, graduate of UC Berkeley and Southwestern School of Law, Mr. Friedmann is a licensed real estate attorney and broker specializing in the entitlement, development, construction, and management of apartment buildings. Prior to founding Topanga, mentored by American billionaire and philanthropist David H. Murdock to acquire, operate and grow real estate assets. He led a division of Castle & Cooke, Inc. for over a decade by acquiring land, winning RFP’s, constructing aviation facilities, and branding an FBO chain with offices in Los Angeles, Hawaii and Washington State. Prior to that he was corporate counsel for JP Morgan (Chase) where he managed the disposition and legal matters pertaining to real estate owned (REO) assets of the bank. His transactional work includes complex workouts, negotiated settlements, purchase and sales agreements, entitlement, and land use matters. Mr. Friedmann enjoys spending free time with family, traveling and golfing.
Mike Bernstein, CFO
Mr. Bernstein is a principal of Bernstein Financial Services, a firm which completes 2,000+ personal and business tax returns annually. His firm advises and counsels Topanga on all real estate acquisitions and funding matters. Mr. Bernstein helps Topanga through detailed underwriting and accurate financial analysis. Mr. Bernstein spends his leisure time snowboarding, wakeboarding and running (longest: 100 miles in 28 hours) and triathlons of all distance.
Emery J Comerford, Project Executive
Mr. Comerford joined the Topanga Commercial Construction team in 2020 as Project Executive and oversees all construction management issues including design, reporting systems, preconstruction, bidding, estimating and project management. He was formerly Vice President of Construction for AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. where he managed 18-36 employees and prior to that he was President of Coury Enterprises and privately held general contracting company with over $170M of projects ranging from multifamily to senior housing. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University.
Anne-Marie Sullivan, Property Manager
Ms. Sullivan is Topanga’s Property Manager. Ms. Sullivan maintains the highest level of integrity for everyone involved in the rental process at Topanga’s properties, and her hands-on approach to property management helps ensure tenant satisfaction and loyalty. Prior to joining Topanga, Ms. Sullivan was the Creative Director at Fredrick’s of Hollywood for thirteen years. She is a graduate of California State University, Northridge.
Coleen L. Kirnan, Asset Manager
Ms. Kirnan is Topanga’s Asset Manager overseeing the portfolio of existing real estate assets. For 23 years she was the President and Owner of Kirnan Commercial Real Estate Inc., a Los Angeles-based commercial brokerage and construction company. Ms. Kirnan received her MBA from Pepperdine University.
Rick Reeve, Project Manager
Rick Reeve has more than 40 years of experience in construction and construction management.
His time spent both on the job site and in the office offers a unique and distinctive approach to building.
Rick spent 12 years with Heil Construction as a Principal. His duties included building and managing the company’s production activities and overseeing all project scheduling, CPM processes, and project coordination with the Project Managers. This process was monitored daily to help communicate effectively with the clients.
Rick started in the industry as a carpenter, framing projects ranging from custom homes to commercial buildings, multi-family, and hotels. He used this experience to transition into management positions with Caulkins Construction and Coury Enterprises. During this time, he was responsible for site development, shell construction, and general construction in many industries, including retail shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, custom homes, apartments, and condominiums.
Tim Kiser, Project Manager
Mr. Kiser joined the Topanga Commercial Construction team in August 2022 and is responsible for scheduling, quality control, contract review, cost analysis, and tactical planning for the completion of our thirty-two-unit building at 14541 Gilmore.
Mr. Kiser brings 20 years of construction management experience as a licensed General Contractor, Senior Superintendent, and Project Manager. His construction management style has been critical to the success of several projects ranging from Small Lot Subdivisions and Luxury Estates to Commercial Development and Heavy Structural.
Tim’s daily activities include interacting with subcontractors, inspectors, engineers, architects, and oversight officials. His construction knowledge and technical skills are at the forefront of making key decisions to resolve a multitude of situational issues that may threaten to impede the forward progress of the project’s schedule. He is also responsible for the security and safety of all site personnel, equipment, and structures.
In his spare time, you may find him at a Dodgers or Kings game or running for a charity. This month he is taking the 100-mile run challenge for the prevention of Veteran Suicide.