Richard A. Vandervert - Owner

**In Memorium : 11/03/44 - 01-04-23**

Dick Vandervert got his start in the real estate business, working as a residential realtor and owning his own firm - Provincial Properties - for over 15 years. Commercial building became his passion, and he successfully owned and operated Vandervert Construction for over 28 years. Many of the sub-contractors working with Dick over the years consider him not just a client but a friend. 

Eventually the development side of the business became a full time endeavor, and Dick sold Vandervert Construction in 2014 to concentrate on Vandervert Developments. His portfolio of office buildings, retail centers, hotels, and land currently amount to over 2 million square feet of leasable space.  

D. Jason Strain - Director of Leasing

With over 20 years of commercial real estate experience, Jason’s knowledge, skills and relationships throughout the industry have made him an invaluable asset. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jason began his career in commercial real estate in the late 90’s. He obtained both a Washington and Idaho real estate license and started working for SDS Commercial. 

Jason joined the Vandervert team in 2002 where he took on the roles of leasing, development and property management. As the company grew and property managers were hired, Jason transitioned to his current position of Director of Leasing for the companies portfolio which has grown to nearly 300 tenants and 2 million square feet of space.

Debbie Cozzetto - Leasing/ Marketing

Debbie started her career working for Marriott Hotels, and fell in love with the hospitality industry. After graduating from Washington State University with a Hotel-Restaurant Mngmt degree, she joined the family business/ Vandervert Hospitality to help open the Hampton Inn Spokane Airport. Six hotels and 25 years later, she moved over to the Commercial Real Estate side of Vandervert Developments to learn something new. 

Debbie enjoys the ever-changing leasing/ Real Estate industry, and getting to know the tenants and helping them be successful is a pleasure.  Meeting prospective tenants and helping them find a space that fits their business model is one of the favorite parts of the job! In her spare time she enjoys adventures with her family- hiking, skiing or snowshoeing, and traveling. 

*Fun fact - she is an only child!

Chris Barker - Director of Real Estate Development

Chris joined Vandervert Development in 2021 after moving to Spokane from Salt Lake City, Utah.  He has been in Property Management for over 6 years, and brings experience in retail, office, and medical building management.  Chris received his Master's Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Utah, and has a Master's Certificate in City and Urban Planning.  He has a passion for building efficiency and enjoys working with building systems to ensure they are operating efficiently and with sustainability in mind.  Chris's hobbies include camping, golfing, and enjoying the outdoors with his family.  

Nikki Carroll - Property Manager

Nikki began her real estate career in Seattle in 2002 working for a mortgage company, where she eventually moved to the commercial lending department as an administrative assistant. From there, she went on to work for a commercial developer as a project coordinator.

In 2008, Nikki moved to Spokane and began working for Vandervert Developments as a commercial property manager, where she remained for nearly 12 years.

2020 presented her with an opportunity to work for one of Spokane’s largest commercial real estate firms as a commercial property manager and licensed real estate broker.

Nikki rejoined the Vandervert team as a commercial property manager in 2023 and couldn’t be happier to be back!

Nancy Chappell- SR Controller

SR CONTROLLER - After graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Accounting, Nancy started her career as a CPA working for a national accounting firm in Spokane.  Over the years she has spent time working in several different industries including banking, mining, wholesale & retail grocers and real estate development.  Before joining Vandervert Developments as the SR Controller, she worked for a local accounting firm where she specialized in tax preparation for clients in the hotel and real estate industry. In her free time Nancy enjoys baking (her fruity pebble cookies are always a hit), hiking and relaxing at home on the back porch with her husband, daughter, and crazy cat. 

*Fun Fact - Nancy and her husband both come from large families - 13 siblings between the two! 

Tracey Benjamin - AP/AR

Tracey Benjamin has worked for Vandervert Developments LLC as the AP/AR since 2007 performing a myriad of duties from payments and vendor relations to deposits and tenant relations. She also tends to the delinquency collections and most things related to real estate and income taxes, along with serving as a back-up receptionist.

Tracey enjoys reading, writing, baking, and spending time with her cats, horse, and goats.

*Fun fact – she is a published author.

Heather Bursch - CAM Specialist

Heather Bursch is the Accounting Assistant and CAM Specialist for Vandervert Developments. She was a legal assistant for 15 years and picked up accounting along the way. Some of Heather's responsibilities include preparing tenant CAM billings, assisting with financial entries and lease administration.

Mitch Hillman - Maintenance

Mitch Hillman was in construction and then the trucking industry for 20 years prior to joining the Vandervert Team. With over 300 tenants - his job description is varied, and he never knows from day to day what might be asked of him, but always does it with a smile. Mitch likes the interaction with his tenants and vendors - its what keeps the job interesting. Mitch's hobbies include construction, woodworking and fishing. 

Joe Manlick - Maintenance Lewiston, ID

Joe has worked for Vandervert Developments as an independent contractor for nearly 11 years. He is responsible for maintaining common areas and performing various maintenance duties at Nez Perce Plaza in Lewiston, Idaho.