Murray Hamilton

murray@primeeventgroup.com
Office 480 820 3144

Murray Hamilton has been involved in the Special Event Industry and temporary structure business for over 15 years. Born in Zimbabwe (Africa), he was educated in Britain. In 1988 he was involved in the set up of Chattels, South Africa (chattels.co.za). The first Roder AG subsidiary in Africa. Chattels subsequently became the largest structure company in Africa. Arriving in the USA in 1992 Murray worked for Roder AG, one of the largest structure companies in the world, on many high profile events such as the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Kentucky Derby, US Open tennis and US Open Golf (www.r-zs.com)

In partnership with Chris Martin the Prime Event Group was established in 1999. (www.primeeventgroup.com) The company was set up to provide “turn key” services of tent structures, climate control and power to discerning clients worldwide. The company has provided services to numerous Fortune 500 companies including most of the major automotive manufacturers. P.E.G. grew rapidly and was one of the largest suppliers of tent structures and HVAC equipment to the Katrina Hurricane Disaster of 2005.

In 2006 the company was sold to the equity fund backed Classic Party Rentals (www.classicpartyrentals.com). Classic is now the largest Party rental company in the USA with revenues in excess of 300 million US dollars.

Murray continues to live in Phoenix, Arizona and intends to spend time between Phoenix, San Diego, CA. and San Carlos Mexico

Kenn Francis

kfrancis@prainc.net

Kenn Francis is the founder and owner of PRA. From 1986 until 1994, Kenn was a commercial broker in Phoenix specializing in the sale of larger income producing properties. He was one of the first brokers to develop and use lease-analysis software for building valuations and sales. Institutional relationships were the foundation of his brokerage business.

In 1992, Kenn acquired his first commercial property from the RTC. From 1992 until 1996, he acquired approximately $150 million dollars in commercial property. The cornerstone was the Biltmore Financial Center located at 24th street and Camelback. In 1998 he decided to sell the bulk of the portfolio during the run-up of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) cycle. This proved to be insightful and the portfolio led to strengthened relationships with private and institutional investors.

In 1999 through 2002, Kenn re-entered the market buying properties in Arizona, Hawaii, Houston, and Southern California. During that period, numerous new relationships were established with large private and institutional partners. At that time, PRA’s asset base grew to $250 million dollars, and included office buildings, industrial parks, hotels and apartments.

At the start of 2002, the real estate market began another unprecedented run-up. At that time, Kenn made the decision to slowly liquidate PRA’s portfolio. Most of the company’s assets were sold by 2006. Convinced that 2006 was not an optimum time to reinvest, Kenn decided to pursue several unique and interesting development opportunities.

Another unique and interesting development is the Canal Walk Residences, located in the Waterfront area of downtown Scottsdale. This is the highest-end urban residential development in Arizona. The project includes 12 custom residences ranging from 3,800 sq. ft. to 6,500 sq. ft. priced in excess of $1,000 per square foot. The project is soon to break ground with over 50% already sold.