CESM is a full-service, real estate investment and development company based in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 2012, CESM focuses on multi-family development throughout the major markets in Texas.
CESM engages in all facets of the development process, including the site selection, design, financing, construction, lease up, and operation of each new property. After site selection and due diligence are complete, CESM works with its team of consultants to develop, construct, and manage each property.
CESM has a successful track record completing traditional garden-style, urban infill, mixed-use, transportation oriented, and student housing communities. The principals at CESM have acquired or developed over 10,000 units with a total capitalization of over $1 billion.
Founder/President
Taylor Stone leads the investment and development efforts at CESM. Mr. Stone has over 30 years of direct experience in the development of new apartment communities.
Prior to founding CESM, Mr. Stone was the Managing Director of Multi-Family with Prescott Realty Group. Before Prescott, Mr. Stone spent six years with First Worthing/Inland American, where he led the development program of the Student Housing Division, developing or acquiring properties throughout the United States.
Mr. Stone graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in real estate and finance. He received his MBA from Southern Methodist University and holds a Texas Real Estate Brokers license.
Mr. Stone has been married for 30 years and has four children. He attends Park Cities Presbyterian Church and is involved with FOCUS Ministries, Family Legacy, East-West Ministries, Boy Scouts of America and West Dallas Community School.
Vice President of Construction Management
As V.P. of Construction Management, Benjamin Leonard, is the eyes and ears of CESM projects in the Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio markets. Prior to joining the CESM team, he was the founder of Dallas Home Management Co., G.M. of Artisan Works/Streetlights Res., and CEO of Air Solutions. He attended Bethel University, in Arden Hills MN., where he graduated in 2002, with a B.A. in
Political Science. It was there where he met his amazing wife, Emily, and since then has had five wonderful kids, Hudson, Coleman, Larson, Anne Beth, and Stiehl. What Mr. Leonard loves most about construction is coming alongside people and using his experience and knowledge to help all succeed. He has always been willing to jump head first into any project he is working on and see it through to completion. The Leonards attend and are heavily involved at Park Cities Presbyterian Church, where they have been members since 2006. Ben enjoys volunteering at Dallas 24 Hr. Club, the overly competitive games played in his front yard with his family and neighbors, and the all too rare date night with his wife.
Development Associate
Powell Snelling assists with CESM development projects in the Dallas and Austin markets. Powell has over 5 years of hands-on multi-family development experience on over 3,500 units. As Development Associate, Mr. Snelling primarily focuses on predevelopment, design, permitting, and construction coordination. Mr. Snelling also has experience as an analyst on the development side as well as construction experience working on site for single-family builders and commercial contractors. Mr. Snelling attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a degree in Economics.
Analyst
George Poston assists with CESM development projects, market research, financial analysis, land acquisition, and underwriting. Mr. Poston has experience as a commercial real estate analyst. Mr. Poston graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in Economics and a minor in Real Estate Finance and holds an active Texas Real Estate License.
Executive Assistant
Ruth Cabrera serves as the Executive Assistant to Mr. Stone. Recently moving from Los Angeles California to Dallas Texas in early 2022, Ms. Cabrera has over 12 years of experience across engineering, architecture, and interior design industries. Ms. Cabrera graduated from Arizona State University, receiving a degree in Art History and a minor in Organizational Leadership Studies.