Our Team
Brian Vander Meulen
INVESTOR • DEVELOPER
AZ Designated Broker
BR661529000
Brian is a seasoned Commercial Real Estate Investor, Broker, and Creative Real Estate Specialist with over 20 years of experience. As a husband, father, mentor, coach, public speaker, and two-time best-selling author, Brian has honed his expertise through life’s challenges and successes, embracing the power of teamwork and asking for help. He moved his family from Southern California in 2006 when they moved to Boiling Springs, SC where they lived until mid 2012.
Brian’s journey includes surviving the 2008 market crash, during which he owned and lost 13 houses, only to rebound stronger. He began his career in self-storage when he managed a 288 unit facility in Upstate South Carolina for another private investor. He then went on to acquire his first 388 unit self-storage facility in Aiken SC. Having moved to Anthem, AZ in mid 2012, while continuing to operate Aiken self-storage (remotely) for 5 years, it was time to sell.
In 2016 using his experience as an owner / operator, it was now time to take on the development process in which Brian started from scratch to design and re-zone a 5.5 acre parcel for a 688 unit and nearly 100,000 sf single story class A facility in S Phoenix, AZ which was sold to Stor-America brand in 2017.
During the year-long process to design and re-zone the land, Brian decided to join forces with Keller Williams Commercial in Scottsdale, AZ where he went on to build a multi-million-dollar, referral-based brokerage business.
In 2023, he launched his own brokerage, I.D.E.A.L. Commercial Real Estate in Phoenix, AZ where he works with a few select clients to help them buy, sell and lease commercial investment properties.
Passionate about building relationships, Brian frequently attends specialty seminars and networking events nationwide, forging meaningful personal and professional connections. His ultimate dream is to become a commercial real estate billionaire and philanthropist, donating at least $100 million annually to support causes for the homeless, veterans, and families with disabled children. Brian and his wife Cathy of nearly 27 years are involved in their local church and enjoy traveling abroad.
Brian intends to form his charity called Wheels-4-Wheelchairs, which will help provide additional funding for wheelchair-accessible vehicles to families in need, embodying his commitment to making a lasting impact.
CHUCK S
CONSULTANT
Chuck Sutherland is a national real estate developer, consultant, and speaker.
With over 47 years in real estate and over 220M in transactions, Chuck has both worked with and learned from some of the most creative real estate professionals in North America to make creative transactions that close.
Chuck has developed many projects over several asset classes such as single family, multifamily, commercial, retail, industrial, hospitality, and including self-storage in which Chuck has personally developed 16 Self-Storage properties in Dallas / Fort Worth area, as well as consulted on over 50 properties in other cites across the country.
Chuck has been a member of Society of Exchange Counselors, a private association of brokers, investors, developers since 1995 and in 2010, Chuck shared the Society of Exchange Counselors national award for the “Most Creative Transaction of the Year.” The transaction involved the exchange of fifteen different properties in five states among four different parties. He demonstrates that a properly crafted deal with outstanding benefits for every party is almost impossible to be pulled apart by circumstances.
JAKE B
UNDERWRITING
Jake is a real estate investor with a sharp focus on deal sourcing, underwriting, and project execution. He takes a hands-on approach to managing costs and structuring investments, ensuring long-term success and sustainable growth.
His journey in real estate began with actively sourcing and underwriting deals, allowing him to navigate the market with precision and identify high-value opportunities. Today, he actively manages an $8 million portfolio consisting of real estate and vehicles, strategically optimizing assets to maximize returns. In addition to his investments, Jake has overseen large-scale office renovations, applying his project management expertise to enhance efficiency and value. He currently owns two long-term rentals, manages three Airbnb properties, and oversees three additional properties.
Beyond his personal investments, Jake is passionate about building generational wealth-not just for his family but for his entire team. He is dedicated to sharing knowledge, structuring win-win deals, and creating financial opportunities for those around him.
Jake holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree along with associate degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Technology. A proud Freemason, he embraces the values of integrity, leadership, and lifelong learning. As a certified scuba instructor with over 400 dives worldwide, his passion for adventure has led him to extraordinary experiences—playing tug-of-war with great white sharks, walking among lions in South Africa, and diving 80 feet deep with tiger and bull sharks in Fiji. He has a deep love for nature and the ocean.
Jake currently resides in Southwest Florida with his wife and two daughters, continuing to pursue new opportunities in both business and adventure.
RYAN T
PROJECT MANAGER
Ryan is a dynamic Project Manager with a proven track record in Construction. Bringing 7 years of experience to the table, he excels in managing construction projects from cradle to grave.
Ryan has played a pivotal role in turning over 1,000 doors of multi-family and senior living units throughout his career. Known for his ambitious mindset, he consistently delivers results and drives success in every project undertaken.
Beyond the professional sphere, Ryan is passionate about giving back to the community and spending time outdoors, reflecting his well-rounded approach to life.
RYAN H
ACQUISITIONS
Ryan has 18+ years experience with major engineering firms where he served in various Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Sales roles.
Ryan began investing in his real estate education in 2019 by joining a local REIA (real estate investors association) and investing in his first single family fix and hold.
Later that year Ryan joined a national education group with a specific focus on market analysis, underwriting and acquisitions, and then invested passively in multifamily syndications.
In 2021 Ryan continued expanding his real estate education by joining a national self storage education group, again with a continued focus on market analysis, underwriting and acquisitions.
Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Economics and Mathematics from Syracuse University and lives in the greater Johnson City, TN area with his wife and dog. Ryan is an active board member serving as Treasurer for a non-profit local REIA. Ryan enjoys lifting, reading and travelling.
ALEJANDRO D
INVESTOR • FL BROKER
Alejandro is an active real estate counselor, exchangor and investor with a broker's license in the state of Florida.
He was born in Colombia, grew up in Miami and attended the University of Florida where he graduated with a B.S. in Finance with a minor in Real Estate. Upon graduation in 2011, he joined Google as a Financial Analyst in their global ad sales team and later YouTube's content acquisition team. After 7 years at Google, Alejandro followed his entrepreneurial heart and founded Duque Capital Group LLC, a commercial real estate investment firm focused on middle market multifamily assets. He became part of a group that syndicated 4 deals representing 1,153 units valued over $100MM, and participated in 7 deals as a Limited Partner.
Given market conditions in 2020 and high valuations in the multifamily space, he decided to join a Latin American family company to run their US operations. During his 3 year tenure in Houston as CEO, the company grew from 3 team members to 19 and from $1MM in annual revenue to $18MM. In late 2022, Alejandro sold his partnership interests in the firm and moved back to Miami with his wife Mariela Irala
as they were expecting their first child, Galia Isabel Duque. Since then, he's been fortunate to be closer to family and get back into the real estate world using a new approach: counseling clients, using creative formulas to provide carefully conceived solutions and building relationships in each transaction.
Alejandro is reviving FREE, the Florida Real Estate Exchangors group, attending regional and national marketing meetings, and working on value-add, income-producing opportunities. In his free time, he enjoys being with his wife and family, reading, playing sports and managing his non-profit school in Colombia.
ADRIEN P
ADMIN • SUPPORT
Adrien P. is a key member of the Administrative and Client Support team at I.D.E.A.L. CRE. With a focus on providing exceptional support to both the internal team and clients, Adrien ensures smooth operations across various administrative functions.
From managing schedules and documents to addressing client inquiries, Adrien plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient communication and delivering a high level of service. Their dedication to client satisfaction and organizational efficiency contributes to the company’s success and client relationships.
CATHY V
ACCOUNTING
Having over 30 years of experience as a Certified Professional Bookkeeper, Cathy brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to her clients. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence, she has built a reputation for delivering top-tier financial management and bookkeeping solutions to businesses of all sizes and industries.
Cathy’s extensive background spans a diverse range of sectors, including non-profits, renewable natural gas developers, aviation parts retailers, auto service providers, corporate training firms, medical and physical therapy providers, real estate investors, self-storage facilities, leather goods manufacturers, Cannabis industry and
engineering company for lubricating grease manufacturing technology.
Her versatility and ability to tailor solutions to each client's unique needs make her an invaluable asset to their financial success.
As a skilled professional proficient in QuickBooks, Excel, and Word, Cathy excels in managing financial statements, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and bank reconciliation. Her strong organizational skills and thorough understanding of regulatory compliance ensure that her clients’ financial records are not only accurate and up-to-date but also aligned with industry standards.
At Ideal Bookkeepers, Cathy is more than just a bookkeeper—she’s a trusted partner dedicated to helping businesses achieve financial clarity and growth. Whether you’re looking for ongoing bookkeeping support or customized financial solutions, Cathy’s expertise is your advantage.
Fred w
INVESTOR • OH BROKER
Fred, with over four decades of experience in Real Estate, has excelled in various roles. As Vice President of a regional retail store chain for nine years, he spearheaded store expansions and designs, gaining valuable insights into the retail industry.
Next, he spent 15 years as Vice President of a master distributor, overseeing numerous responsibilities, including the expansion of distribution centers from 50,000 square feet to nearly 1 million square feet across the country. He also acquired and managed warehouse and office spaces, both purchased and leased.
Fred has owned and managed properties in six states and has dedicated the last 18 years to developing personal investments. He collaborates with a select group of investors and homebuyers, acquiring and selling properties in Ohio as a ReMax Commercial & Residential agent. Fred is particularly skilled in executing 1031 exchange transactions and meticulously planning their logistics.
In addition to his Real Estate endeavors, Fred actively mentors new investors, helping them secure their first investment property and providing comprehensive guidance on managing day-to-day operations and long-term growth strategies.
Fred and Brian have known each other for over two decades and frequently collaborate on projects. Fred also provides hands-on support across the East Coast, offering valuable insights and expertise.
Get In Touch
Address:
I.D.E.A.L. Assets
39506 N Daisy Mountain Dr #122-472
Anthem, AZ 85086
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number:
Hours
Office:
Mon – Sat
9:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday – CLOSED
Deal Submissions:
Mon - Sun 24/7 Deal Form
By providing the requested information and clicking "Submit", I provide my signature expressly consenting to contact from I.D.E.A.L. Assets or its subsidiaries, affiliates, or agents at the number I provided regarding products or services via live, automated or prerecorded telephone call, text message, or email (even if your telephone is currently listed on any State, Federal or Corporate Do Not Call List). I understand that my telephone company may impose charges on me for these contacts, and I am not required to enter into this agreement as a condition of purchasing property, goods, or services. I understand that I can revoke this consent at any time.
© 2008-2025 • I.D.E.A.L. Commercial Real Estate • All rights reserved
Arizona Designated Brokerage BR661529000
A Division of I.D.E.A.L. Assets, LLC • Policy & Terms
