Jeff Blum
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David Franco
Principal and Co-Founder David is Principal and Co-Founder of Level 2 Development, a real estate development firm specializing in mixed use projects in Washington, D.C. David's success as a businessman rests on his entrepreneurial style, community relationship values, and well-practiced business experience in applying creative solutions that benefit stakeholders throughout all phases of the real estate development process, from acquisitions to design, entitlement, public benefits, construction, marketing, lease-up, and project management. David has a strong belief in addressing the community's needs. In 2005, he led an effort with Jubilee Housing, preserving the 48-unit Cresthill Apartments for the Sankofa Tenants Association, creating home ownership opportunities along the 14th Street corridor for low to medium income residents. David co-founded a number of successful businesses between 1985 and 1993, including: Discount Mart, a DC-based, five-unit general merchandise chain; Trumpets Restaurant; and Tracks Nightclub. In 1993, David founded Universal Gear, a men's retail clothing store chain anchored in the District that expanded to include New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Rehoboth Beach, DE, and online markets. David's family has a rich retail history in Washington, D.C. beginning with his family's first store, Jay Dee’s Children’s Apparel, which operated from 1937-1984 in the downtown business district. David served as an appointee by Mayor Fenty to the DC Housing and Community Development's (DCHCD) Housing Protection Trust Fund Board. He also served on the U Street Theatre Foundation Board. David's community-based interests reach beyond real estate development and local commerce. He has co-chaired a non-profit event supporting the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and The Robert Mapplethorpe Laboratory for AIDS Research at the Harvard Medical School, which raised over $500,000. David is the recipient of the 2012 Excellence in Business Award by the Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. |
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