THE TEAM
Daniel Kurkowski
Partner, CEO
Nothing brings Daniel greater joy than bringing people together to solve complex problems in a way that elevates the community and builds lasting meaningful relationships with the people involved. He focuses on value-add commercial real estate investments and uses modern marketing techniques to separate Obsidian Group from the competition. Daniel looks to create win-win situations with every person with whom he interacts and endeavors to only do business with those who do the same.
Activities & Affiliations
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MNCAR
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Urban Land Institute
THE OBSIDIAN TEAM
Brad Heitzinger
Partner, CFO & General Counsel
As an expert in real estate and tax law, Brad brings an incredibly valuable skill-set to Obsidian Group and its investment strategy. He has represented many of the Twin Cities top investors, landlords, developers and business owners on real estate and tax matters, including but not limited to tax planning, tax credit transactions, opportunity zones and private equity funds.
Brad has acted as interim CFO for other mid-sized companies, helping those companies reach financial success. Brad ensures our investments align with our equity partner’s overall goals, by conducting financial and legal due diligence.
Activities & Affiliations
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Washington State Bar Association
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Minnesota State Bar Association
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Board Member - Millennial Investors Focus Group
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Urban Land Institute
Andrei Bortnov, CCIM
Vice President of Brokerage
Andrei started with the firm at its inception working on both leasing and sales of commercial real estate properties. The initial heavier focus was on leasing (representing tenants and landlords alike) to study the market from a tenancy perspective. The leasing market was strategically chosen to gain competency in negotiating lease rates, lease terms and tenant improvements, and most importantly to understand how leasing affects the capital markets in sales transactions.
To compound his knowledge, he started working immediately on his CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation. Within the first two years, Andrei accumulated several dozen transactions in leasing under his belt and participated in a few sales transactions, which set him up to successfully obtain his CCIM designation within that timeframe. Once he obtained the designation, his focus turned to commercial real estate investments and brokering sales of buildings with over $20 million is transaction volume combined. Currently, Andrei’s primary focus is running the Obsidian Group brokerage overseeing both leasing and sales transactions.
Activities & Affiliations
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CCIM Individual Member
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MNCAR
Ethan Finger
Associate
Ethan offers the unique ability to develop relationships by being the first to deliver opportunities to prospects and clients. Ethan developed his passion for real estate over the years by shadowing and working for local professionals in his hometown of Northfield, MN. Not only did that give him insight into the world of real estate but he was able to develop a deep understanding of how to outwork his peers and best serve his clients. As a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Ethan took advantage of his youth and got licensed as a commercial real estate agent with VSM Commercial during his junior year of college. Fast forward to today and he is now an experienced and integral part of Obsidian Group’s brokerage team.
Activities & Affiliations
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MNCAR
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NAIOP University Challenge
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Stofer Stensby Real Estate Competition
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Delta Sigma Pi - Nu Tau
Sam Carter
Associate
Sam is a trusted advisor to clients and partners through all facets of commercial real estate transactions. His ability to quickly develop impactful relationships mixed with his problem-solving skills in complex environments gives Sam’s clients the confidence to make sound real estate decisions.
After spending time in residential real estate investing, Sam's interest and attention have been strictly focused on commercial transactions.
Activities & Affiliations
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MNCAR
Niel Patel, CCIM
Associate
Niel is “The Gas Station Guy” for the Twin Cities market. He grew up working at his parents gas station in rural Missouri, and quickly learned the value of owning businesses and real estate. After majoring in Finance at the Carlson School of Management, Niel has acquired 3 industrial properties in Minnesota, in addition to brokering numerous real estate transaction.
Today, Niel focuses on helping gas station owners sell their business. Since he has operated a gas station and owns commercial investment property, Niel understands how to properly value the business and real estate. Finally, Niel makes it a priority to educate his clients on the step by step disposition process and ensure a polished transaction.
Activities & Affiliations
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MNCAR
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CCIM Individual Member