|
The "Custom Dreams Team" is comprised of a highly reputable, talented, and quality-oriented group of professionals who combine their expertise, skills, and creativity on every project. Executive management, general contractors, project managers, and administrative staff all work together to ensure smooth communication at every phase of a development. Individual team members have shown through the years a passion for what they do, and dedication to serving our clients.
PRINCIPALS
 Born and raised in Los Altos Hills, Mark brings a unique investment banking, venture lending, and real estate investing background to Custom Dreams. He has helped grow the Company to become a leader in the high-end market, building an impressive track record of multiple, custom, high-performance homes. Mark has spearheaded Custom Dreams' "green" building focus, developing a deep network of qualified team members specializing in sustainable development.
Previously, Mark spent five years with Silicon Valley Bank and SVB Alliant, the technology investment banking practice of Silicon Valley Bank. Most recently Mark focused on mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions for leading semiconductor, communications, and software companies worldwide. In this role, Mark was responsible for the execution of multiple multi-million dollar buy-side, sell-side, joint venture, and private financing transactions.
Prior to joining SVB Alliant, Mark worked with SVB's Software & Services Practice in Palo Alto. There he played the lead role in structuring venture debt for VC-backed software startups on the Peninsula. While working with SVB, Mark was instrumental in closing over 50 debt facilities with commitments exceeding $250 million.
Mark graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in business and an emphasis in finance. He is a licensed real estate salesperson in the state of California, and a licensed securities Registered Representative (Series 7 & 63). Mark is also a Certified Green Building Professional.
 Born in New Orleans and raised in Northern California, Carla Blackman brings a unique blend of creative and financial talents to the Custom Dreams Team. A veteran of the banking business, Carla founded Custom Dreams with Brad over ten years ago with the goal of creating a full-service company that does it all under one roof.
Over the past decade Carla has honed her design skills and is committed to bringing clients exquisite interior and exterior details. Carla works with the team of top craftsmen and artisans to ensure that every facet of a Custom Dreams’ home is as beautiful and elegant as it is functional.
FOUNDER
Brad Blackman founded Custom Dreams based on thirty years of experience in the banking, investment, and real estate fields. His extensive cross-industry knowledge combined with his wisdom, passion, and vision for residential development created the foundation of what Custom Dreams is today. His values and knowledge are instilled in every team member and his standards of excellence are continued in every Custom Dreams development.
Earlier in his career, Brad co-founded Blackman Flynn & Co., a merchant bank provided financial services to the investment and real estate development communities. The firm financed and co-developed multiple themed hospitality and celebrity dining concepts including Postrio (with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck), Kuleto's, and Kuleto's Trattoria. The firm also financed and co-developed hotel properties such as The Prescott, Villa Florence and Monticello Inn on San Francisco's Union Square.
|
