News
Orlando, Fla. (June 3, 2025) – Foundry Commercial is proud to announce that Lauren Marquess, Director of Digital Marketing, and David Kafel, Director of Project Management, have been recognized among GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum’s Aspiring Leaders of 2025, an annual selection of commercial real estate’s most talented young professionals driving innovation and excellence across the industry.
Marquess and Kafel were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements and the leadership they demonstrate within both Foundry and the broader CRE landscape.
As a member of Foundry’s marketing leadership team, Marquess blends technical expertise with creative storytelling to elevate both client brands and the Foundry platform. From producing dynamic video content with motion graphics to overseeing digital strategies and mentoring colleagues, Marquess has become a driving force behind Foundry’s brand evolution and cultural storytelling. Lauren has also been instrumental in shaping the growth of Foundry’s elevated marketing services platform, integrating it into the company’s broader real estate ecosystem. Under her leadership, the platform has expanded its social media and experiential marketing services across the country, unlocking new ways to engage customers and add value for clients.
Kafel, who leads Foundry’s project management platform, is known not only for overseeing complex projects across sectors like industrial, office, and retail, but also for uniting and uplifting his team. In 2024, he launched the firm’s first Project Management Summit, bringing teammates together from across the country to build connections, strengthen their capabilities, and spark collaboration. Outside the office, Kafel’s leadership extends into the community, where he volunteers regularly and steps in when disaster strikes, most recently helping with recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
“Innovative leaders like Lauren and David are leading Foundry into a new age, where creativity, integrity, and authenticity intersect with performance,” said Gregg Ickes, President of Foundry Commercial. “It’s remarkable what they’ve accomplished already, and we’re incredibly proud to see them recognized as some of the most promising leaders in our industry.”
Learn more about Marquess and Kafel as well as the other leaders profiled this year here: https://www.globest.com/2025/06/03/cres-aspiring-leaders-of-2025/.