Our Business Philosophy

We understand that community sensitivities sometimes collide with the development process. To be successful, we believe a developer must have a sincere interest in preserving history and neighborhood character while enhancing the vitality of the surroundings. Striving to build projects that allow for greater environmental efficiency, use less surface parking, encourage walking and contribute to ongoing housing diversity all while maintaining a solid economic plan is Metro Star’s operating goal.

Metro Star is committed to:

• Outstanding site and architectural design, built for the long term.
• Preservation of valuable historic architecture in combination with redevelopment of underperforming properties.
• The adaptive re-use of transit-oriented properties procreating the new urbanism vision.
• Exceptional construction standards that preserve architectural impact.
• Management standards that provide a high-quality experience for our residents and neighbors.
• Ethical and transparent business practices.
• A development vision reinforcing our commitment to making a positive, lasting impact for the community.

Metro Star Companies

Robert Smith

Executive Managing Director & Founder

Robert Smith’s 35 year real estate career encompasses a unique combination of industry disciplines and experience. He believes that to be successful in the motley world of New England real estate development a person must possess an extensive understanding of each layer of the development process. With millions of square feet of completed development projects and over 170 major zoning entitlements, Mr. Smith has assembled a successful track record while continuing to be a student of the industry. His companies are vertically integrated organizations that embody his unrelenting demand for quality, financial performance and customer service. Mr. Smith is a graduate of Pepperdine University.

Donna Crandley

Managing Director

Working with Mr. Smith for over 30 years, Ms. Crandley has helped shape all Company iterations and subsidiaries. Her extensive experience with financial accounting has produced excellent Company controls and reporting methods. Managing the interface with all financial partners, she has become the trusted point of contact for all Company transactions. With over 30 years of real estate management experience she maintains the high standard of customer service and product quality the Company is known for. Her diverse understanding of the business makes her the day to day problem solver for the Company. Donna is a graduate of Providence College.

Heather Hallam
CPA - Managing Director of Accounting

Starting her career in public accounting, before transitioning to a high-level private sector position, Heather brings valuable multi-faceted accounting expertise and vision to support Metro Star's explosive growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Science in Taxation from the University of New Haven. Outside of work Heather enjoys strolling the beautiful beaches of our beloved Small City with a Big Heart, Milford, Connecticut, where she and her husband live with their two daughters. 

Blake Smith, JD

Director of Development

Blake is a Graduate of The New School’s Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts and The Brooklyn Law School earning a J.D. While an undergraduate, Blake became a licensed real estate agent for TOWN Residential in New York City. Leasing apartments in Manhattan, Blake refined his understanding of real estate sales, customer service and marketing. As the Director of Development, Blake will focus on acquisitions and programing of new projects as well as assist with the legal functions of Metro Star’s multiple business operations.

Carol Kuryla

Director of Marketing and Communications

For over a decade, Carol has provided valuable contributions to Metro Star’s ongoing marketing and public relations effort. Her vast experience with face-to-face customer sales has translated into many of Metro Star’s customer service and leasing strategies. In addition to her strategic programing role Carol manages the Metro Star philanthropic efforts, representing the company at public events and presentations. Carol holds a Master’s Degree in Corporate and Political Communications from Fairfield University.

David Shaver

Director of Leasing & Sales

With decades of customer service experience David delivers outstanding leadership to the leasing and marketing teams. His commitment to regularly speak with the customer advances sensitivities that help Metro Star determine ongoing market direction and velocity. In addition, David is the author of Metro Star’s “Constant State of Recovery” proactive management policy. David is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University.

Jennifer Hinden

Director of Property Management

Jennifer brings a wide range of experience in construction management and property operations to Metro Star. With a decade at CalPortland Construction in California, she gained in-depth expertise in both administrative and field operations, mastering the full construction lifecycle. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Pepperdine University, Jennifer applies her industry knowledge to enhance Metro Star’s property management strategies. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional resident experiences, optimizing operations, and upholding the highest standards of quality and service across Metro Star communities.

Natalie Cooper 

Director of Business Operations

Natalie brings over 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business operations, with a strong focus on the luxury sector. She began her career at Metro Star in leasing, gaining valuable insights into operations and customer needs. Natalie is passionate about quality, driving growth, and enhancing customer experiences through collaboration and innovation. A graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in Communication and a minor in Business, she now resides in Milford, Connecticut, with her husband and their dog, Pear.

Charaf Nadifi

Director of Technology

Charaf, originally from Morocco, graduated from CATC in 2009 with a degree in Information Technology. He started his career as a Manager at Lomima Company in Morocco, before moving to the United States in 2012. Charaf continued his educational journey at EGCC, earning degrees in Business Management Information Technology and Cyber-Security. Charaf is an experienced and knowledgeable information technology professional with 10+ years of experience. Charaf exhibits experience working with a wide variety of security, networking, hardware, and operating system software. As an IT director at Metro Star, his objective is to ensure that business networks, technical procedures, and processes are running smoothly and effectively to fulfill its target goals.

Smith Construction Company

Steve Johnson

Director - Construction Operations

With over 20 years of construction experience and 12 years under the direct tutelage of Mr. Smith, Steve has become the Senior Project Manager for the company. Through design, construction and project close out, Steve contributes practical project management knowledge on all levels. From ground up suburban developments to urban adaptive re-use projects, Steve adds value to the company’s ability to execute its construction activity successfully. Steve is highly regarded by his peers and project professionals.

Jim Schlauder

Director - Project Supervisor

Working with the Metro Star team for over 20 years Jim has systematically progressed from a highly skilled maintenance technician to a lead Project Manager of construction. In addition to his management duties Jim combines his construction knowledge with his extensive building maintenance experience to assist the property management team with solving difficult building maintenance issues.

Accounting Team

• Chelcie E Roan                                     – Bookkeeper
• Alejandro Villarreal-Lopez           – Bookkeeper

Maintenance Team

• Paris Fabi                     – Property Maintenance Coordinator
• David McCall             – Team leader- Level 1 Maintenance Technician
• Ligny Rivera                – Level 1 Maintenance Technician
• Johnoey Ellis              – Level 1 Maintenance Technician
• Verlin Pugh                  – Level 2 Maintenance Technician
• James Christian        – Level 2 Maintenance Technician
• Dillon C Reilly            – Level 3 Maintenance Technician