Who We Are
Value Creation
Upperline is a privately held commercial real estate investment and development firm dedicated to identifying and unlocking value in dynamic markets. We take an innovative, hands-on approach to repositioning and developing a range of asset types—including mixed-use, office, retail, and master-planned communities. With a strong foundation in our core values and a focus on performance, we deliver exceptional results for our partners across both urban infill and suburban settings.
Aligning Purpose, Place, & Performance
- Alignment with firm mission and core values
- Personal or cultural connection
- Vision that sparks excitement
- Emotional resonance with end use
- Underserved neighborhoods or demographics
- Access to jobs, housing, or services
- Local stakeholder support
- Alignment with city or regional plans
- Contextual sensitivity
- Material and craft quality
- Sustainability commitments
- Timeless over trendy
- Strong demand indicators
- Favorable supply-demand dynamics
- Accessible financing structures
- Realistic absorption timelines
Leadership
Upperline is led by a team of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in commercial real estate. This breadth of expertise informs every investment decision we make, allowing us to approach each project with insight, creativity, and a clear vision for long-term success.
Spencer Harkness
Founder & CEO
Spencer is responsible for leading the team in day-to-day operations as well as executing Upperline's investment strategies. He has managed the investment and development of more than 1.3 million square feet of commercial mixed-use development valued over $300 million. Spencer graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University of New Orleans. Outside of the office, Spencer enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, three daughters, and extended family.
Nealy Mraz
CFO
Nealy plays a key role in shaping and executing Upperline's investment strategy, overseeing financing, asset management, accounting, and tax compliance. She brings 12+ years of real estate finance and accounting experience, including a progression at Midway to Controller after its merger with Parkway.
Brent Hodges
Chief Investment Officer
As Chief Investment Officer, Brent leads Upperline’s investment sourcing, capital allocation, and risk management efforts. He is responsible for executing the firm’s investment thesis across both ground-up and value-add strategies, ensuring every opportunity aligns with long-term growth goals. Brent brings over 25 years of experience to the team, having acquired, developed, and managed a diverse portfolio of commercial properties valued at over $1 billion.
Alex Vitenas
VP, Acquisitions & Operations
Alex leads new acquisition business development, market expansion, investor relations, and strategic systems operations for Upperline. He works alongside executive leadership to analyze market trends, identify new prospective markets, originate acquisition opportunities, conduct due diligence, and acquisition efforts.
Eric Mayfield
VP, Development
Passionate about creating transformational real estate developments, Eric is responsible for Upperline's development activities. With over two decades of experience in commercial real estate, Eric's experience spans mixed-use properties, specialized industrial build-to-suit projects, and commercial interiors totaling over 3.0 M SF and $1.2 B in capitalization.
Jeremy Knapp
Sr. Associate, Investment
Jeremy manages all financial analysis and investment management for Upperline. He works with senior leadership to evaluate acquisitions, conduct due diligence, forecast and analyze market trends, prepare Investment Committee materials, and oversee ongoing portfolio performance.