The Dakota Real Estate Investment Trust
The Dakota Real Estate Investment Trust (The Dakota REIT) owns and operates commercial and multi-family residential properties throughout the upper Midwest. Established in 1997, Dakota REIT positioned the company to be compatible with the economies and strength of the cities throughout the upper Midwest. Our mission is to provide a consistent, respectable dividend to our investors. Governance is led by a Board of Trustees, most of who are highly successful, independent business people. Their professional knowledge and insight of regional real estate markets enables us to recognize sound investment opportunities. The advisor has a team of seasoned and dedicated managers who have built, operated, managed, and sold all types of commercial and residential real estate. Our team researches the current markets we are in and investigates new markets on a regular basis for solid investments while working alongside the professional management teams who currently manage parts of The Dakota REIT’s portfolio. Strategically, we work hard to offer investors a balanced, diversified portfolio positioned for solid value and long-term growth.
Brion Henderson
Mr. Henderson received a BA in Industrial Engineering from North Dakota State University in 1976. Since that time he has worked in agricultural production services in North Dakota, specializing in chemical and fertilizer application. Personal real estate investments include multi-family apartments and tax credits. Mr. Henderson serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and on the Finance Committee of the Dakota REIT.
Gene Smestad
Mr. Smestad graduated from the North Dakota State University in 1965 with a degree in Economics. He spent 2 years with the ND/USDA Extension service, 5 years as a bodily injury claims negotiator with State Farm Insurance, and 32 years with Farm Credit Services starting as a loan officer and ending as the President/CEO of AgCountry FCS of Fargo, ND. As the CEO of AgCountry, Mr. Smestad had over 350 employees, 28 branch offices in Eastern ND and West Central MN, and was accountable for the origin of servicing 3.1 Billion dollars of lease and loan volume with contracts in 31 states nationally. Mr. Smestad serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and on the Finance Committee of the Dakota REIT.
George Gaukler
George Gaukler has been active in all aspects of real estate development, management and sales for over 50 years. Mr. Gaukler organized Dakota REIT in 1997 as the sponsor and is currently President and CEO of the advisor to the Trust. Mr. Gaukler is a licensed real estate broker in North Dakota. Mr. Gaukler is a 1962 graduate of Valley City State University. In 1964 he formed Valley Realty, Inc., a real estate development company, which now includes rental management services, real estate sales, land development and construction, of which he is the majority stockholder, president and CEO. Since then Mr. Gaukler has been involved in the development and construction of multi-family apartments and commercial properties throughout North Dakota. The Property Management Division of Valley Realty, Inc. currently manages approximately 3,000 apartment units and commercial property in North Dakota. Mr. Gaukler has also been General Partner in numerous partnerships that own and manage investment real estate.
Jim Knutson
Mr. Knutson graduated from Valley City State University in 1970. He joined Valley Realty, Inc. in 1973, and is its Vice President. His real estate experience encompasses leasing, property management, finance, development, and construction of multi-family apartments and commercial properties. As Executive Vice President of Dakota REIT and Vice President of the Advisor to Dakota REIT, Mr. Knutson is involved in all aspects of the Trust. Mr. Knutson is a licensed real estate broker in North Dakota.