Eric Garrett

Managing Partner

As a managing partner of Watermark Residential, Eric Garrett oversees the development of the company's asset portfolio and new market opportunities specifically focusing on site selection, entitlements, contract negotiations and strategic planning.

Throughout his career, Eric has specialized in the development and brokerage of multifamily assets. He has developed approximately 5,000 apartment units amounting to more than $475 million in development activity. In addition, Eric has sold in excess of 6,000 apartment units in multiple markets throughout the United States with a value totaling more than $447 million. Boasting over $900 million in business experience, Eric was recently named one of the nation's top executives under 40 years of age by Multifamily Executive Magazine.

Prior to creating Watermark Residential, Eric was the Director of Development for a Midwest-based apartment developer.

Paul Thrift

President, Thompson Thrift Development

As president of Thompson Thrift, Paul Thrift is responsible for the overall direction of the company, specifically leading the development division, two regional offices and the legal and capital teams.

Paul founded the company with partner John Thompson in 1986. For more than 20 years, Paul has successfully steered Thompson Thrift through the competitive real estate marketplace growing the company's portfolio to include multifamily, institutional, industrial and commercial developments across the Midwest. Paul's innovation and drive have fueled Thompson Thrift's emergence as one of the top privately owned real estate companies in the nation as recently named by Inc. Magazine.

During his career, Paul has been responsible for the development of more than 4 million square feet of projects totaling more than $196 million in value.

John Thompson

President, Thompson Thrift Construction

As vice president of Thompson Thrift Development, John Thompson is responsible for the overall direction of the construction division of the company, two regional offices and the legal and capital teams.

John founded the company with partner Paul Thrift in 1986. For more than 20 years, John has used his love of building and expertise to propel Thompson Thrift into a regional powerhouse in the construction industry. The company's vast portfolio of multifamily, institutional, industrial and commercial developments across the Midwest have earned several industry awards.

Throughout his career, John has been responsible for the construction of 350 projects totaling more than $237 million in value.

Josh Purvis

Development Director

As Development Director for Watermark Residential, Josh Purvis is responsible for identifying and initiating new multifamily real estate projects by searching and evaluating sites across the country. Josh is also primarily responsible for preparing and submitting development plans including budgets, scheduling and property pro-formas. Throughout his career, Josh has specialized in developing multifamily communities with a minimum size of 200 units.

Mike Margason

Construction Manager

Throughout his career, Mike has specialized in the sale and financing of commercial real estate, with a focus on multifamily assets. Prior to joining Watermark, Mike spent five years with Marcus & Millichap selling multifamily assets and four years with Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. (HFF) specializing in the financing and sale of commercial real estate. Mike has been involved in the closing of nearly 100 transactions with a total capitalization of $1.2 billion. He is a licensed Indiana Real Estate Salesperson and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), candidate.

Brian Soutworth

Senior Financial Analyst

As Senior Financial Analyst for Watermark Residential, Brian Southworth is responsible for researching and conducting market and financial analysis of project sites throughout the country. Prior to joining Watermark, he worked as a senior associate with the National Retail Group of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services. He joined that firm in 2001 and received its Sales Achievement Award in 2005 and 2006.

He earned a B.A. in business administration from Hanover College in 2001. He is a licensed Indiana Real Estate Salesperson and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Gene Harris

Vice President
Property Management

As Vice President of Property Management, Gene Harris is responsible for driving the strategic plan for all newly developed assets through the development and implementation of policy and procedures as well as ensuring the highest standard of excellence within the Watermark brand.

With over 15 years of multi-family management experience, Gene is proficient in all aspects of the real estate industry including: leasing, management, development, due diligence, acquisitions and dispositions. He is a proven leader with an exemplary track record for improving operational standards and leading others to perform at their highest potential.

In addition to his extensive experience in operating and managing numerous multi-family apartment communities throughout the country, Gene also served in the US Navy from 1993-1995.

Gregory Buckhout

Vice President
Capital Services

Gregory Buckhout brings extensive experience in commercial real estate lending to his position as vice president capital services for Thompson Thrift Development. He joined the company in 2011. He works out of Thompson Thrift's Carmel office.

Beginning in 2010, he served as senior commercial real estate lender with First Financial Bank of Indianapolis. In that position he was responsible for the institution's commercial real estate lending efforts for the southern half of Indiana, including the cities of Indianapolis, Bloomington and Columbus.

Prior to that he was vice president capital at Lauth Property Group in Indianapolis where he was responsible for the procurement and management of debt financing and joint venture relationships for commercial real estate properties located throughout the United States. He worked for Lauth from 2009-2010.

Before joining Lauth, Buckhout spent more than 15 years working in commercial real estate for large regional financial institutions, including Regions Bank, U.S. Bank, First Union (now Wells Fargo), and Fleet Bank (now Bank of America).

Buckhout received a B.S. degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1992. He received a 2010 Illumination Award from First Financial Bank in recognition of being a top production performer. He has been married for 15 years and has three children.

Cindy Gordon

Sr. Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

As senior vice president and chief financial officer, Cindy Gordon oversees all financial aspects of Thompson Thrift Development.

She is responsible for all accounting, financial reporting, investment and treasury management matters for the company and its portfolio of properties including budget development, management reporting, financial controls and analysis.

Cindy joined Thompson Thrift in 1998 and has more than 25 years of experience in the accounting field. She holds a bachelor's degree from Murray State University and a master's in business administration from Indiana State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Tim Fears

Vice President
General Counsel

Tim Fears is responsible for providing a wide variety of legal services to the company including representation, research and advice to the administration and staff.

A graduate of Purdue University and Indiana University School of Law, Tim formerly practiced law and was a partner with the Wright, Shagley & Lowery law firm in Terre Haute for 14 years.

Tim was admitted the Indiana Bar in 1990 and the Illinois Bar in 1998. He has been admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana and Northern District of Indiana and is also a member of the State Bar Associations of Indiana and Illinois and the Terre Haute Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Mike Peterson

Project Manager

Mike has 18 years of Construction experience and a wide range of project management experience including multifamily, healthcare and retail. Mike graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. construction management.