The senior bench
behind every engagement.

Hal Johnson, SIOR

Hal Johnson, SIOR is a nationally recognized leader in site selection, economic development and industrial real estate strategy, bringing decades of experience in corporate expansion, infrastructure planning and business attraction. As the leader of NAI READY, Hal provides full service site selection, incentive negotiation and strategic advisory solutions to businesses, developers and economic organizations across the country.

With deep understanding of rail, air, port, power and industrial site selection, Hal has helped global corporations, manufacturers and logistics firms secure optimal locations while maximizing financial incentives and reducing development risks. Throughout his career he has worked with major companies such as BMW, Magna, Walmart, Oatly Inc., Pet Supply Plus, AFL Communications, Lennox International, Food Lion, Husqvarna and Zeus, overseeing projects ranging from 50,000 SF to over 800,000 SF.

Before leading NAI READY, Hal served as President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, where he played a pivotal role in economic development, business recruitment and regional growth strategies. His background also includes key leadership positions with the Orangeburg County Development Commission and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, where he helped drive investment and job creation at both local and state levels.

Hal has been recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being named 2013 Economic Developer of the Year by the South Carolina Economic Development Association. He served as Chairman of the Southern Economic Development Council in 2014 and currently holds leadership roles within NAI Global’s Elite Corporate Services and Logistics Teams.

• SpecialtiesSite selection, economic development, incentive negotiation, infrastructure strategy
• RecognitionSIOR · 2013 SCEDA Economic Developer of the Year · 2014 SEDC Chairman
• LeadershipNAI Global Elite Corporate Services and Logistics Teams
• Contacthjohnson@naiready.com · 864.907.6000

Tak O’Haru

Tak is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of WHITE CUBE, LLC, providing strategic real estate and business solutions to clients. He represents global companies, private companies, owners, investors and developers in their real estate transactions.

Tak joined NAI READY as a site selection consultant to assist in both domestic and foreign direct investment projects to the U.S., bringing with him a multitude of invaluable relationships. Based on Tak’s global business background in an executive management position at TOYO INK, a publicly traded multi billion dollar Japanese specialty chemical manufacturer, his specialty is to strategize and manage businesses with proven leadership and extensive communication skills.

• FocusFDI projects, Japan and Asia Pacific corporate relationships, cross border site selection
• BackgroundFounder, President & CEO, WHITE CUBE, LLC · Former executive, TOYO INK (Japan)
• Contacttoharu@naiready.com · 773.234.3313

Kenny Thompson

Kenny Thompson is a broker and research specialist at NAI READY, where he focuses on data consolidation, market research and contract management to support strategic site selection and real estate transactions. With a keen eye for detail and a strong analytical background, he plays a key role in providing accurate market insights, streamlining contracts and ensuring smooth deal execution.

Before joining NAI READY, Kenny worked as an Assistant Property Manager for NAI Earle Furman, where he gained hands on experience in commercial real estate management, property operations and client relations. His ability to assess market trends and organize critical data makes him a valuable asset in supporting businesses, developers and investors in making informed decisions.

Kenny holds a B.S. from Virginia Tech University and brings a strong foundation in research, financial analysis and property management to the NAI READY team. His expertise helps drive efficiency, mitigate risk and optimize site selection strategies for clients across various industries.

• FocusResearch support, data analysis, contract management, deal execution
• EducationB.S., Virginia Tech University
• Contactkthompson@naiready.com

Bob Leak, Jr.

Robert E. (Bob) Leak, Jr. is the President and CEO of Whitaker Park Development Authority. In this role he is responsible for the sale and re development of the RJ Reynolds Whitaker Park manufacturing complex. The 125 acre, 12 building complex in Northern Winston Salem has over 1.7 million square feet of space and 20 acres of redevelopment land, all of which have been sold. This mixed use project is adding new jobs and expanding the tax base for Winston Salem and Forsyth County.

Bob recently joined NAI READY as a consultant and broker, where he is part of a team that assists land and building owners with all of their real estate needs. He brings unmatched economic development expertise, strategic real estate and site development leadership, and strong industry and government relationships built over decades.

Prior to WPDA, Bob served as President of Winston Salem Business Inc. (WSBI), a 501(c)(3) non profit economic development corporation serving Winston Salem and Forsyth County, joining in May 1989. He has also held roles as a commercial real estate broker with Carolantic Realty in Raleigh, Vice President and Director of Economic Development for First Union National Bank, Executive Director of the Rome/Floyd County, GA Industrial Development Commission, and Assistant Manager of Economic Development for the Greater Greenville, SC Chamber of Commerce.

Bob earned his Certified Economic and Community Developer (CEcD) designation in October 1990. He is a member and past President of the North Carolina Economic Developers Association (NCEDA), member and past chairman and Honorary Life Member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), and a past board member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He served on the North Carolina Economic Development Board in 2000 2001, appointed by Governor Jim Hunt, and has served as an adjunct professor of real estate at the Wake Forest University Schools of Business. He was named Economic Development Practitioner of the Year by NCEDA in 2006.

• FocusEconomic development, strategic real estate, industry and government relationships
• CredentialsCEcD · Licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker
• EducationB.S. Business Administration, UNC Chapel Hill · MBA, Wake Forest University
• Contactrleak@naiready.com · 336.416.4610

John Geib

John retired from Duke Energy in January 2024 after a 42 year career. He served in various roles during that time with a primary focus on the customer side of the utility business, ranging from distribution engineering to commercial and industrial account management. The final 20 years of his career were spent in Duke’s Economic Development group, where he retired as the Director of Enterprise Technical Services.

As a leader of the Economic Development team, John worked to successfully attract a wide range of large industrial and data center projects to the Duke Energy service footprint. He helped build Duke’s site readiness program and worked with a number of external parties to assemble and execute North Carolina’s first mega sites.

Along the way, John developed expertise in the utility’s transmission and distribution wires, rates and regulatory affairs, real estate, legal and government affairs practices.

After retirement, John started The Kilowatt Collaborative, LLC to help large industrials work their way through the complex landscape of electric utility operations, policies and practices.

• FocusEnergy, mega sites, utility and government affairs, data center site readiness
• CredentialsRegistered Professional Engineer (NC and SC)
• EducationMechanical Engineering, University of Virginia
• AffiliationsMember Emeritus, Utility Economic Development Association
• Contactjgeib@naiready.com · 336.420.3273

R. Tim Lichtenstein, CCIM

Tim Lichtenstein is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with over 20 years of industry experience spanning brokerage, development, appraisal and construction. As a member of the NAI READY team, Tim brings a powerful combination of property valuation expertise, strategic site insight and investment analysis to help clients navigate complex real estate decisions with clarity and confidence.

Tim has built a diverse career in commercial real estate, holding key roles across brokerage, retail leasing, commercial appraisal and development management. His background includes leadership and production roles at NAI Piedmont Triad, Linville Team Partners, Glenwood Development Company and Gen3 Energy Services, as well as founding and operating Advantage Companies, where he served as Broker in Charge and construction qualifier. Prior to his transition into real estate, Tim spent nearly a decade in the financial markets as a licensed equity trader and stockbroker on Wall Street and in Jersey City.

Known for his hands on approach and market driven perspective, Tim builds strong client relationships through transparent communication, sharp negotiation skills and a commitment to delivering value. Whether representing users or owners, he consistently helps clients achieve both financial and operational success.

• FocusSite valuation, investment analysis, property positioning, brokerage
• CredentialsCCIM · North Carolina General Contractor License · Appraisal Trainee Licensing
• EducationB.A., Banking, Corporate Finance & Securities Law, Seton Hall University
• AffiliationsNational Association of Realtors · NC Association of Realtors · CCIM Institute · Winston Salem Regional Association of Realtors · Former Treasurer, North Florida CCIM Chapter
• Contacttlichtenstein@naipt.com · 336.423.8292

Olivia Patterson

Olivia Patterson is a skilled project coordinator and operations professional who brings strong expertise in contract management, due diligence and real estate operations to the NAI READY team. With a proven track record of supporting complex commercial real estate transactions, Olivia ensures every project runs with efficiency, accuracy and strategic alignment. Her strengths lie in coordinating multi stakeholder communication, managing detailed data systems and optimizing workflows that support timely and compliant deal execution.

Prior to joining NAI READY, Olivia served as Assistant Operations Manager at a CRE investment firm in the Upstate SC, where she led a portfolio of 15 to 20 active contracts, trained and managed junior team members, and supported executive leadership through due diligence oversight and acquisition reporting. She also held roles as Transaction Coordinator and Team Liaison, where she developed streamlined systems for vendor coordination, contract timelines and executive reporting, working closely with C suite leaders across acquisitions and asset management initiatives.

Olivia is deeply experienced in tools like Dealpath, DocuSign, SharePoint, Adobe, Microsoft Office and Google Suite, and she is known for her precision in contract review, budget tracking and data management. Her well rounded approach allows her to connect the dots between project management, legal compliance and organizational growth.

• FocusProject management, contract strategy, due diligence, operations & data systems
• EducationB.S. Psychology with a Minor in Religion, Presbyterian College · Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society · Zeta Tau Alpha leadership
• ToolsDealpath, DocuSign, SharePoint, Adobe, Microsoft Office, Google Suite
• Based inGreenville, South Carolina

Robb McCarter

Robb McCarter has been with NAI Columbia since 2017. As the Director of Research, Robb works closely with broker specialists and the research/marketing team to conduct market research and leverage NAI Columbia’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone/360 camera technologies to support the firm across a variety of projects.

He uses drone and 360 camera capture to provide a different perspective on property listings, showcasing all of a site’s offerings to prospective buyers and tenants. He also tracks market activity to demonstrate real estate trends and provide insight, client support and internal analysis. Robb’s focus covers much of South Carolina, in particular the central part of the state.

• FocusMarket research, GIS, drone & 360 capture, marketing support
• CoverageSouth Carolina, with focus on central SC