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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
Brad Blackman brings to Custom Dreams thirty years of experience in the banking, investment, and real estate fields.
He is the retired co-founder and chairman emeritus of Blackman Flynn & Co., a fully-integrated merchant bank he conceived in 1981 to provide a complete range of financial services to the investment and real estate development communities. Blackman Flynn & Co. arranged over $4 billion in equity and debt real estate financings for its clients. Under Brad's direction, the firm provided the capital for and co-developed, as general partner, 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.
Previously, Brad spent more than nine years with Bank of America. In his final position as regional vice president of the Real Estate Loan Administration he administered a $3 billion loan portfolio for 105 Northern California offices, and a $500 million yearly construction loan division.
 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.
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