About Us
Founded in 2016, The Foundry Companies is a real estate investment and development company headquartered outside Washington, DC focused on acquiring and operating Manufactured Housing Communities in partnership with strategic joint venture partners and investment fund vehicles. In addition, our experience and background provides the company with real estate development opportunities that allow us to create value for our partners.
Our Team
Christian P. Cronin
Founder and Owner
Christian is the founder and owner of The Foundry Companies and its wholly owned subsidiary, Foundry Communities. Since founding The Foundry Companies in 2016, Christian has been responsible for all facets of the business with a specific focus on overall strategic direction, acquisitions, and capital markets. In 2019, he launched Foundry’s first investment fund focused exclusively on owning and operating manufactured housing communities. In 2021, a second investment fund was launched focusing on manufactured housing. Following the successful raise of FM MHC Investors III, Christian created Foundry Communities to be the operating entity responsible for all manufactured housing investments and operations.
Prior to forming The Foundry Companies, Christian was Director of Acquisitions for Capital City Real Estate. In this capacity, he was responsible for sourcing, due diligence, entitlement, and development of urban infill projects in Washington, DC. His earlier career includes various positions in real estate acquisitions and development for JPI, Grosvenor Americas, and Franklin Templeton Investments.
Christian has experience in the non-profit sector working with Charter Schools on the financing, acquisition and development of school facilities nationwide. Christian received an MBA with a dual concentration in Real Estate Development and Corporate Finance from Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and has a B.A. in Economics from Gettysburg College, where he was a 4-year member of the lacrosse team.
James Rensen
Controller
James is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, and lease administration for The Foundry Companies. He has more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, including 15 years in real estate and private equity. James has significant experience growing businesses and helping them scale by leading cross-functional teams, implementing key initiatives for growth, and streamlining and automating processes. Prior to The Foundry Companies, James spent 12 years with Federal Capital Partners, a Chevy Chase, MD-based real estate private equity firm where he served in various accounting, treasury, and capital markets capacities. During that time, James was integral to the firm’s growth from $240 million AUM to $3 billion in AUM.
James received his B.S. in accounting from the University of Connecticut, an MBA from Georgetown University and is a Virginia-licensed CPA (inactive).
Nick A. Zeidman
Asset Manager
Nick is responsible for optimizing performance for Foundry’s portfolio of Manufactured Housing Communities. This includes oversight of project management, business plan execution, and implementing processes and procedures. Prior to joining The Foundry Companies, Nick was an assistant property manager with CBRE, Inc. In that capacity, he was responsible for the operations and financial activities of local real estate assets. His earlier career includes work in the hospitality industry with Hyatt Hotels and Ritz Carlton.
Nick has a Bachelor's degree focused in Hospitality Administration/Management from Auburn University.
Michelle Maxey
Director of Property Management
Michelle is responsible for leading property management at all manufactured housing communities in our portfolio. Key responsibilities include financial performance, strategic planning, and operational oversight, including the day-to-day management of our onsite property managers and maintenance staff. Prior to joining The Foundry Companies, Michelle held dual roles as Director of Property Management and Director of Sales and Marketing for Augustine Property Management where she oversaw 17 communities and more than 2000 lots. Michelle has been in the property management business focused on manufactured housing for the past 12 years, beginning as an onsite property manager and working her way up to Regional Property Manager at Heritage Financial Group prior to the company being sold to RHP Properties.
