INDUSTRY INNOVATOR
Ned Carner, President & Founder
In an industry not usually known for innovation and creativity, Ned Carner has distinguished himself as a creative and conceptual problem solver. Ned's signature approach to property development allows him to see through the noise of “can't do”, “too hard”, and “not how it’s done” to find a different perspective. At the same time, he is uniquely able to share his vision for what's possible in a way that others can see and get excited about, both professionally and personally. He balances creativity with sound judgment, financial knowledge and a strategic yet practical approach.
“Ned excels at soaring over hurdles and solving challenges in elegant ways.”
While walking an operating, fish-processing facility as a property buyer, Ned described his vision for the plant. What if the freezer were turned into a 2-story creative office space, and the processing area turned into wineries, breweries, and art galleries. What if the wharf were lined with house boats and active uses were found for the waterfront property. What if the waterfront was given back to the public, as a vibrant and beautifully livable neighborhood. After the property walk-through, the seller turned to Ned and said, “I don’t think I want to sell the property to you, I think I want to partner with you.” From that conversation grew a partnership aligned with a shared belief that the waterfront of Seattle could be so much more. And serves as one example of how Ned’s approach inspires colleagues and partners to turn “what if” into “what is”.
Prior to founding Wing Point Partners Ned served as the CIO of Unico Properties where he oversaw the acquisition of over $2 billion in real estate assets, served as the portfolio manager of a diverse real estate portfolio and raised over $600 million in equity. Authentic relationships and focus on community are at the center of Ned’s success and where he continues to steer his career and Wing Point Partners. Ned brings with him decades of long-standing personal relationships in the Seattle business community that include building owners, investors, business owners, local municipalities and best in class service providers. Ned uses these relationships to drive superior outcomes for both his project and investors. With this emphasis on building and maintaining relationships, investors become partners, service providers become team members, local governments become supporters. And it is why Ned continues to maintain a strong partnership between Unico Properties and Wing Point Partners.