Our Team

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Darren serves as the Business Officer and Broker of Record (NJ) of The Mountaintop Group, where he leads the firm’s strategic direction, business development, and operational execution across its real estate acquisitions, advisory, and brokerage services.  

With two decades of experience in the real estate industry, Darren brings a broad, 

Darren serves as the Business Officer and Broker of Record (NJ) of The Mountaintop Group, where he leads the firm’s strategic direction, business development, and operational execution across its real estate acquisitions, advisory, and brokerage services.  

With two decades of experience in the real estate industry, Darren brings a broad, advisory-driven perspective grounded in real-world execution. His background spans corporate real estate, brokerage, capital markets, leasing, property and asset management, and portfolio-level operations with firms that managed more than ~10M square feet of commercial real estate. This extensive experience allows him to advise clients with a full understanding of how strategy, capital, and operations intersect. 

He has worked with a wide range of clients, from homeowners and owner-operators to family offices and institutional investors, providing guidance on transactions, valuations, capital planning, and complex real estate investment decisions. 

Darren holds a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University, an MBA in Real Estate from Monmouth University, and a Masters of Accounting, focused in Business Valuation, from Florida Atlantic University.

As the Vice President of Operations and Technology at The Mountaintop Group, Ryan oversees operational processes and technological initiatives, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced productivity in business development. 

Throughout his impressive career, Ryan has managed teams and workflows in his previous role as Chief Technology Off

As the Vice President of Operations and Technology at The Mountaintop Group, Ryan oversees operational processes and technological initiatives, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced productivity in business development. 

Throughout his impressive career, Ryan has managed teams and workflows in his previous role as Chief Technology Officer at an automotive finance startup in Florida, where he was instrumental in real estate acquisitions strategies. Since 2019, he has also worked as a technology freelancer and business consultant, adding a variety of experiences across different business types, including real estate investment, to his portfolio. 

Ryan studied philosophy and literature at Ave Maria University and has earned certificates from post-university courses at Duke University and UC Irvine, including project management, behavioral finance, finance for non-finance professionals, time management & productivity, and communication.

Lori joined The Mountaintop Group in 2022 as the Director of Accounting as is currently the VP of Finance. In her role, Lori oversees all financial operations and accounting functions, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting. She is responsible for budgeting, financial planning, and analysis, while also implementing and

Lori joined The Mountaintop Group in 2022 as the Director of Accounting as is currently the VP of Finance. In her role, Lori oversees all financial operations and accounting functions, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting. She is responsible for budgeting, financial planning, and analysis, while also implementing and maintaining robust internal controls to safeguard the company’s financial assets. Collaborating closely with other departments, Lori supports strategic decision-making and enhances overall business performance, particularly in the areas of business development and real estate acquisitions. 

With 20 years of experience in real estate accounting—including multi-family, affordable housing, and large-scale developments—she has been instrumental in managing multiple financial projects and streamlining accounting operations. Her expertise in financial management and real estate investment, along with a deep understanding of real estate transactions, has been crucial in driving financial efficiency and operational excellence. Lori has also demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities by successfully managing cross-functional teams and leading numerous initiatives to improve financial systems and processes. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business with an Accounting focus, an NC Real Estate License, and currently serves as a Broker-In-Charge. Her continuous pursuit of professional development and excellence makes Lori an invaluable asset to The Mountaintop Group.

Nylz Reyes serves as AVP of Acquisitions at The Mountaintop Group, where he oversees the acquisitions pipeline from deal sourcing through contract execution, playing an integral role in real estate acquisitions, investment analysis, underwriting, and advisor development. He leads weekly deal review sessions, collaborates closely with the 

Nylz Reyes serves as AVP of Acquisitions at The Mountaintop Group, where he oversees the acquisitions pipeline from deal sourcing through contract execution, playing an integral role in real estate acquisitions, investment analysis, underwriting, and advisor development. He leads weekly deal review sessions, collaborates closely with the Executive Committee on acquisition strategy, and provides mentorship to the firm’s Acquisition Advisors to ensure efficient deal flow and consistent performance across the platform. 

Prior to joining Mountaintop, Nylz was an Investment Associate at Northwestern Mutual Real Estate (NMRE), where he underwrote and supported over $5 billion in real estate investment transactions across debt and equity investments ranging from $20M to $400M+ within the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest regions. He brings extensive experience in structuring permanent and construction financing, equity joint ventures, and business development in acquisitions involving multifamily, industrial, office, mixed-use, and healthcare real estate. 

Earlier in his career, Nylz served as a Senior Associate within CBRE’s Valuation & Advisory Group, where he appraised more than $4 billion in institutional-quality assets across all major property types while earning his Master’s in Real Estate Finance from NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate.

John re-joined The Mountaintop Group in May of 2024 as a Sr. Associate. He returns to The Mountaintop Group with over six years of experience in the residential real estate industry, focusing on business development and real estate acquisitions. John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every client interaction. 

Whether you're a 

John re-joined The Mountaintop Group in May of 2024 as a Sr. Associate. He returns to The Mountaintop Group with over six years of experience in the residential real estate industry, focusing on business development and real estate acquisitions. John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every client interaction. 

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor in real estate investment, or looking to sell your property for top dollar, John provides personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals. He is here to serve as your trusted advisor and advocate. 

John received a BA in Business Management from Moravian University.

Louis serves as a Sr. Associate in CRE Acquisitions & Advisory at The Mountaintop Group, where he focuses on deal sourcing, client advisory, and transaction support across the Northeast Region. In addition to his acquisitions role, Louis is a licensed New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson, contributing to the firm's brokerage operations.

Loui

Louis serves as a Sr. Associate in CRE Acquisitions & Advisory at The Mountaintop Group, where he focuses on deal sourcing, client advisory, and transaction support across the Northeast Region. In addition to his acquisitions role, Louis is a licensed New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson, contributing to the firm's brokerage operations.

Louis brings a well-rounded foundation in commercial real estate built across valuation, brokerage, and operations. Prior to joining Mountaintop, he served as an Associate at Capital Valuation Partners in Doylestown, PA, where he appraised multifamily, commercial, industrial, and vacant land assets across varying stages of renovation and rehabilitation. Earlier in his career, Louis worked as a Realtor at Keller Williams Real Estate and as an Office Administrator at Hudson Place Realty in Hoboken, NJ, where he developed a broad understanding of client relations, brokerage operations, and the residential market.

Louis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate from Montclair State University, and has completed additional coursework through the Appraisal Institute.

Christine joined The Mountaintop Group in 2025 as an Acquisition Advisor specializing in real estate acquisitions. In her role, Christine sources business development opportunities and serves as a valuable real estate resource for Mountaintop's clients, both in the Great Lakes region and nationally. 

With more than 25 years of experience i

Christine joined The Mountaintop Group in 2025 as an Acquisition Advisor specializing in real estate acquisitions. In her role, Christine sources business development opportunities and serves as a valuable real estate resource for Mountaintop's clients, both in the Great Lakes region and nationally. 

With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, investment analysis, title services, and sales leadership, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Before joining Mountaintop, she worked as a commercial real estate Associate at NAI Pittsburgh, where she supported leasing, acquisitions, and investment analysis across various asset classes. Additionally, Christine held positions with 84 Lumber, Costar/Loopnet, and several roles in title and settlement services, where she gained insights into site feasibility, market performance, transaction structuring, and the closing process. 

Known for her relationship-driven approach, strong negotiation instincts, and extensive network within the commercial real estate community, Christine is a key asset in driving real estate investment success.

Yash serves as an Acquisitions and Capital Markets Associate at The Mountaintop Group, where he functions as the firm's lead underwriter and financial modeler across third-party client engagements and affiliated acquisition opportunities. Yash supports the full deal lifecycle, from initial screening and financial analysis through closing,

Yash serves as an Acquisitions and Capital Markets Associate at The Mountaintop Group, where he functions as the firm's lead underwriter and financial modeler across third-party client engagements and affiliated acquisition opportunities. Yash supports the full deal lifecycle, from initial screening and financial analysis through closing, and sources prospective opportunities including off-market deals across multiple U.S. regions. He also sources and coordinates debt financing for both third-party client transactions and affiliated entities.

Prior to TMG, Yash gained experience at Goldman Sachs in their Asset & Wealth Management division, where his team oversaw approximately $4.5 billion in assets under management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutions. He also worked alongside the asset management team at Arileus Capital, supporting operational oversight of a retail shopping center portfolio.

Yash holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Villanova University, with a minor in Real Estate, graduating from the University's Honors Program. His studies included an exchange semester at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

Darlene joined The Mountaintop Group in 2025 as Real Estate Manager, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial services and a decade as the owner of a Business Support & Bookkeeping firm. Her dual background in finance and entrepreneurship gives her a uniquely grounded perspective on the operational and investment dimensions of re

Darlene joined The Mountaintop Group in 2025 as Real Estate Manager, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial services and a decade as the owner of a Business Support & Bookkeeping firm. Her dual background in finance and entrepreneurship gives her a uniquely grounded perspective on the operational and investment dimensions of real estate management.

In her role, Darlene oversees the firm's property management operations, ensuring performance, accountability, and a seamless experience for tenants, owners, and investors alike. She is known for her transparency, responsiveness, and commitment to delivering high-level support across all stakeholder relationships.

Prior to joining The Mountaintop Group, Darlene managed a portfolio of 17 apartment buildings (~1,000 units), developing hands-on expertise in both asset management and day-to-day property operations. That experience, combined with her financial services background, allows her to oversee a real estate portfolio with confidence, precision, and a clear understanding of investment objectives.

Darlene holds an MBA.

Shivam has served as Operations & Marketing Associate at The Mountaintop Group since 2025, where he supports both the firm's digital marketing efforts and day-to-day operations across TMG's service lines. In the realm of business development, Shivam manages email campaigns, social media, content development, and marketing automation to ma

Shivam has served as Operations & Marketing Associate at The Mountaintop Group since 2025, where he supports both the firm's digital marketing efforts and day-to-day operations across TMG's service lines. In the realm of business development, Shivam manages email campaigns, social media, content development, and marketing automation to maintain a consistent brand presence aligned with the firm's growth objectives. On the operations side, he assists with managing deal and client pipelines related to real estate acquisitions across TMG's business lines, tenant communications, maintenance coordination, and the administrative workflows that keep TMG's managed properties running smoothly. 

Shivam leverages a variety of marketing, automation, and CRM platforms to create operational efficiencies firm-wide, allowing TMG's team to stay organized and responsive across its growing portfolio of real estate investment services and clients. 

Shivam holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Law from Delhi University.

Nicole Sarrate is the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Strategy at The Mountaintop Group. She is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of expertise in business development, strategic planning, organizational management, and executive support. 

Nicole has built a distinguished career collaborating on initiatives that drive efficie

Nicole Sarrate is the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Strategy at The Mountaintop Group. She is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of expertise in business development, strategic planning, organizational management, and executive support. 

Nicole has built a distinguished career collaborating on initiatives that drive efficiency, streamline operations, and deliver measurable results. In her previous role with ownership and the executive team at Rudin Management Company, she contributed to organizational strategy in the corporate operations of 4.7 million square feet in residential properties, 9 million square feet of commercial office buildings, and a team of 600 employees. She partnered with senior leadership to define needs, develop strategies, and implement cross-organizational initiatives, including real estate acquisitions. 

Nicole extends her strategic expertise as a Managing Partner at WAM, where she crafts investment strategies related to real estate investment, oversees construction, and manages financial reporting. Her experience also aids her role as co-host of the InvestHer Community in Northern NJ, where she helps empower women in real estate through education and strategic planning guidance. Nicole also assists her clients in optimizing processes through software enhancements, project management frameworks, and inventory systems, ensuring alignment with core business objectives. 

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Miami, with honors from the Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society. Nicole is a strategic thinker and collaborative leader dedicated to driving success at every level.

Natalie has been with The Mountaintop Group since 2022, where she plays a key role in business development by overseeing administrative operations. She ensures efficiency and compliance across office management and human resources, which is critical for successful real estate acquisitions and real estate investment strategies. 

Before join

Natalie has been with The Mountaintop Group since 2022, where she plays a key role in business development by overseeing administrative operations. She ensures efficiency and compliance across office management and human resources, which is critical for successful real estate acquisitions and real estate investment strategies. 

Before joining The Mountaintop Group, Natalie worked for Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She is dedicated to optimizing administrative processes and fostering a positive workplace culture. 

Natalie received a BA in Psychology from Franklin & Marshall College.