“Using my gifts in governance and my deep experience in the real estate industry to help grow businesses rooted in meaning and purpose.”

Joseph Downs is a seasoned real estate development executive whose career spans over 25 years, marked by transformative leadership, strategic execution, and a steadfast commitment to purpose-driven work. As Principal and Partner at Hawthorn Investors, LLC, Joseph brings a powerful blend of governance acumen and operational expertise to the world of commercial real estate. His journey from construction project management to executive leadership illustrates a trajectory fueled by a passion for excellence, a sharp investment mind, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the organizations and communities he serves.

Joseph’s introduction to the real estate industry came through a technical and hands-on foundation in engineering and construction. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Marquette University, he joined Opus Design Build, LLC, where he would spend over a decade mastering the intricacies of design-build project management. His ability to lead complex developments across various asset classes quickly became evident. Over 12 years, he honed not only technical and operational proficiency but also the interpersonal and leadership skills that would lay the groundwork for his executive career.

In 2010, Joseph expanded his scope by joining The Love Companies, where he served as Vice President. Here, he delved into real estate investment sourcing, asset management, and development across bank-owned and senior living properties. This period marked his transition into the financial and strategic layers of real estate, further rounding out his comprehensive understanding of the industry. His contributions to asset performance and development strategies positioned him as a valuable cross-functional leader with an instinct for aligning investment goals with long-term value creation.

By 2013, Joseph had returned to The Opus Group to lead institutional development projects and teams.  Over the next 10 years, he grew to become an Officer of the company and an EVP/GM that led a 40+ person integrated team responsible for more than $1B in 12 markets. His portfolio covered multifamily, student and senior living, retail, office, industrial, life sciences, and data centers. Joseph’s impact was both broad and deep—he not only oversaw project development and execution but also played a pivotal role in shaping market strategy, cultivating capital relationships, and leading cross-disciplinary teams with clarity and conviction.

Joseph’s hallmark as a leader is his ability to bridge vision with execution. Whether steering deal structuring, overseeing market analysis, or collaborating with institutional capital partners, he brings a steady hand and strategic foresight. His leadership style is inclusive and team-oriented, yet decisively focused on outcomes. At Opus, his ability to inspire confidence among stakeholders—from architects and contractors to investors and board members—was integral to the company’s sustained success across diverse economic cycles.

In 2024, Joseph embarked on a new chapter by co-founding Hawthorn Investors, LLC. This venture focuses on build-to-suit development for investment-grade retail tenants and identifying opportunistic acquisitions. It reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and deep industry insight, as well as his ongoing commitment to shaping the built environment with purpose and precision. At Hawthorn, Joseph remains hands-on, overseeing the full development lifecycle and nurturing partnerships grounded in trust, transparency, and long-term value.

Governance has always played a central role in Joseph’s professional identity. Beyond the boardroom, he has contributed extensively to nonprofit and civic boards, including his recent role as a consultant to the School District of Clayton. His previous board positions include President of Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, Director at the Opus Foundation, and member of the Missouri Growth Association. He also served on the advisory board for the Civil Engineering program at Saint Louis University. Through these engagements, Joseph continues to champion community-focused development and educational advancement, aligning his professional achievements with broader social impact.

Joseph is a proud member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), where he leverages his network to exchange insights and elevate leadership within the real estate investment community. His membership reflects both his standing in the industry and his ongoing dedication to personal and professional growth. Within YPO and beyond, Joseph is known for his collaborative mindset, integrity, and ability to see both the forest and the trees—an invaluable quality in an industry defined by risk, scale, and complexity.

At his core, Joseph is motivated by a desire to build—build teams, build businesses, build spaces that serve people’s lives. He finds joy in contributing his expertise to ventures that are not only profitable but also purposeful. His belief in governance as a lever for meaningful change informs every board role he accepts. He is deeply committed to supporting companies that operate with intention and vision, where his contributions can help shape a future that is both sustainable and significant.

Outside the office, Joseph finds balance and fulfillment in family, food, and health. These personal values inform his professional ethos: relationships come first, quality matters, and well-being is non-negotiable. Whether leading a multimillion-dollar development or mentoring an emerging leader, Joseph brings presence, principle, and purpose to every endeavor.

Character:
Joseph exemplifies integrity, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility in every leadership context. His commitment to meaningful service and ethical business practices is evident in both his professional contributions and community involvement.

Knowledge:
With a solid engineering foundation and decades of executive experience, Joseph possesses a rare 360-degree understanding of real estate development. His fluency across technical, financial, and strategic disciplines makes him an invaluable asset to any organization.

Strategic:
Joseph has a proven track record of translating vision into actionable plans that generate tangible results. His ability to anticipate market trends and structure deals that align with long-term objectives is central to his leadership success.

Communication:
Whether engaging with stakeholders, leading teams, or serving on a board, Joseph communicates with clarity, authenticity, and intention. His ability to align diverse voices around a shared purpose fosters trust and accelerates progress.