Credentials

Michael Hoffman is a U.S. real estate developer, inventor, and affordable-housing strategist. He founded North Star Group to deliver development projects that integrate construction, technology, and finance into unified systems.

Holder of 11 US patents spanning construction systems, smart building technology, and agricultural compliance platforms. Personal development experience: 1.5 million square feet. Team development experience: 18+ million square feet across retail, institutional, and residential projects.

Jey Smith serves as Executive Vice President and Lead Developer at North Star Group, responsible for project implementation, stakeholder coordination, and business development across the firm's portfolio.

His role spans owner interface, execution management, and coordination of technical teams to deliver complex development projects on schedule and within budget.

Timothy V. Hall brings over 40 years of construction management experience spanning federal, institutional, and commercial projects. His expertise includes HUD, VA, and GSA construction standards, with deep knowledge of federal compliance requirements.

He is a certified Construction Quality Control (CQC) Manager and certified Safety Officer, ensuring all field work aligns with federal construction requirements, ICC standards, and the complex documentation demands of public-sector facilities.

Paul Watkins Sr. is President of PMW Management Partners, Inc., with extensive experience in residential and commercial development, complex finance structuring, financial analysis, underwriting, and market feasibility. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Hampton University and an MBA from the University of Maryland University College.

Prior to founding PMW, Watkins served as Director of Technical Assistance at Econometrica, Inc., where he led the Housing and Community Development Group. He served as Senior Project Manager and Technical Lead on contracts for Public Housing Authorities across the country on behalf of HUD, leading teams in market analysis, strategic asset repositioning, and technical assistance.

Watkins is a recognized speaker at national conferences including PHADA and NAHRO.

Donald Maxwell is a veteran real estate executive with national experience in REO disposition, housing policy, and urban revitalization. He currently serves as CEO of The Maxwell Organization, a minority-owned real estate consultancy specializing in the liquidation, marketing, and repositioning of residential, multifamily, and commercial properties in distressed markets.

Prior to his current role, Donald held executive positions with MAT Consultant Group, Genesis Auction, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae. At Fannie Mae, he was responsible for designing multi-billion dollar initiatives to address underserved housing needs. His leadership helped generate over $4.5 billion in targeted loan production and national REO sales exceeding 21,000 properties annually.

Donald is a former professional athlete who played in both the NFL and CFL, and is a member of the NFL Alumni Association.

Tom Dowling is a civil engineer, developer, and manufacturing innovator with nearly five decades of construction experience. He currently serves as CEO of Supreme Insulated Panel Systems, producing high-performance Magnesium Oxide SIPs certified for hurricane resistance, fire safety, and net-negative carbon impact.

Tom began his career at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, managing $40M in highway and bridge projects. He went on to found Metropolitan Contracting Co., delivering over $120M in large-scale commercial, industrial, and hospitality construction.

Through Dowco Management Co., Tom owns and operates more than 920 residential units. His portfolio spans engineering, property development, and SIPs manufacturing.

Les Allen Jr. is the CEO and founder of The BlackStar Companies, which includes BlackStar Construction and BlackStar SIPs. Based in Tampa, Florida, the company specializes in construction services and structural insulated panel (SIP) manufacturing.

BlackStar holds multiple certifications including SBA 8(a), HUBZone, MBE, and DBE status. The company brings institutional-grade quality control standards developed through hospitality construction experience, including Marriott-level oversight protocols.

Hampton University graduate with deep expertise in SIP construction technology and resilient building systems.

Amr Khader brings specialized expertise in construction cost optimization through expert estimating services. BIDR Technologies serves healthcare, educational, government, and institutional sectors with data-driven bid leveling and procurement optimization.

Extensive work with public institutions including Orange County Public Schools, Broward County, and multiple Florida counties and municipalities. Deep understanding of public sector procurement requirements and grant-compliant construction budgeting.