E. Stephen Stroud, SIOR, Chairman
sstroud@naicarolantic.com

Experience:
One of the most highly regarded commercial real estate professionals in North Carolina, Steve Stroud began his real estate career in 1965, primarily brokering commercial/industrial land and buildings. His list of developments include the expansive Highwoods Office Park, the Arbors Complex, One North Commerce Center, the Rex Drive Office Complex, the Crossroads Complex in Cary and the original assemblage of property around RDU Airport.

While assembling and developing major industrial and office tracts in Wake County, Mr. Stroud founded Carolantic Realty over thirty years ago, and has since built a diverse team of professionals providing all the specialties of a full-service real estate company. Mr. Stroud's expertise as a real estate broker and developer has now helped make NAI Carolantic the "most called and most quoted" brokerage firm in the commercial real estate marketplace. The legal, financial, journalism, accounting and real estate communities all look to NAI Carolantic for advice and information.

In addition to Mr. Stroud's real estate activities, he has been very active in various civic, business and community development activities. A close friend has said of him, “What makes him unique is his unwavering effort to give back to the community."

In 1987, Mr. Stroud became President of the North Carolina Railroad Company. At that time the major spine railroad was divided into two ownerships: the North Carolina Railroad and the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad. For over 100 years people have recognized the importance of merging the two railroads, but without any success. However, during Stroud's tenure as President, the merger was finally accomplished for the benefit of all citizens in North Carolina.

Mr. Stroud has always been an avid supporter of NC State, recognizing its importance to the Triangle community and the State of North Carolina. In addition to being past-president of the Wolfpack Club, Mr. Stroud was a founding member of the Board of Advisors for the newly formed College of Management for NC State. This college has grown very quickly both in student population and stature and is now ranked among the top business schools in North Carolina and the Nation.

In 1985, Mr. Stroud was asked to be Chairman of the Coliseum Committee to study the feasibility of a major events facility in Raleigh. Many would have given up after that experience, but his unwavering commitment to the community, led to the creation of the Centennial Authority, which was established by the NC Legislature. In 1995, Mr. Stroud was elected as Chairman of the Authority with the mandate to design and build what was to be known as the Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena. He was also instrumental in attracting and convincing the Hartford Whalers, now known as the Carolina Hurricanes, to relocate to this area.

Now completed, the newly named RBC Center is home to the NC State basketball program, and the NHL hockey team -Carolina Hurricanes. This facility's success has exceeded the dreams of those who supported it. Few would have been willing to take on the task of leading this 13-year effort, but Mr. Stroud did, managing to pull off the deal which will forever change the entire Triangle area, boosting economic development for years to come.

Professional Designations:
SIOR, Specialist Industrial & Office Real Estate: The SIOR designation is awarded to individuals who have met rigorous requirements based on their outstanding knowledge of the commercial real estate industry, professional and educational background and adherence to ethical standards. There are only 3,200 SIOR members world-wide and only 123 members in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Professional Affiliations:
NAI Global: Carolantic has been the Raleigh/Durham affiliate for NAI Global since 1982. This network enables us to assist clients in multi-market expansions or dispositions throughout the world.

Hart Corporation: NAI Carolantic has been the Raleigh/Durham affiliate since 1995. This network enables us to assist clients in the acquisition or disposition of rural industrial real estate in the Triangle area.

Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors (TCAR): An organization of licensed commercial real estate brokers, enabling members to advance their education and knowledge of issues impacting commercial real estate on local, state and national levels.