Where the flex space movement takes shape.
APRIL 29-30
APRIL 29-30
APRIL 29-30
APRIL 29-30
SPRING SUMMIT 2026
Join the nation’s most focused summit for flex space developers, investors, and operators. This full-day strategy and execution event is designed for leaders shaping the next wave of industrial and flex space development. Attendees will gain exclusive access to a private, behind-the-scenes tour of a newly developed, ground-up flex space asset - followed by a premium networking reception.
At the Ameristar Hotel & Casino – St. Charles, MO
Only 15 minutes from STL Airport!
THE SPRING SUMMIT STARTS IN
OUR SPEAKERS
James Reid is a lifelong entrepreneur who built his first company to over $2.5 million in revenue before selling it—all before the age of 29. After a devastating fire destroyed his home and business, receiving a free storage unit transformed his life and led him to launch Investa Capital, BBi Constructors, and StorCo. His vertically integrated platform now funds, builds, and operates self-storage and flex-space assets nationwide, with over 1.8 million square feet completed and a goal to expand to 500 locations. Rooted in faith, James leads with a mission to develop both properties and people—believing in long-term impact beyond financial returns.
Melissa Anderson serves as Director of Sales for Forge Building Company, a nationwide steel building subcontractor specializing in self-storage, boat and RV storage, and small-bay flex developments. She partners with developers, owners, and general contractors across the country to align building strategy with project goals from the earliest stages of development. Melissa brings a practical, market-driven perspective shaped by hands-on experience in project planning, client strategy, and construction-focused sales leadership. Known for her collaborative approach and ability to bridge vision with execution, she offers insight into what is working in today’s flex space market and how thoughtful planning can drive better outcomes from concept through completion.
MakoRabco, a leader in self-storage design and construction, announces the appointment of Jim Brock as Regional Sales Manager for the Mid-Central territory, covering Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Jim brings more than 30 years of experience in commercial construction. He began as an installer, later owning a successful contracting firm before transitioning into sales. Since 2000, he has specialized in pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB) and self-storage solutions, with experience at American Buildings, MBCI, Kingspan, and Metallic Building Systems.
“Jim’s hands-on experience and deep industry knowledge make him a valuable asset to our clients and team,” said Angie Guerin, Executive Vice President at MakoRabco.
Outside of work, Jim celebrates 30 years of marriage to his wife Lydia. They have a son, Stevie, and recently welcomed their first grandchild, Luca.
In his new role, Jim will support MakoRabco’s continued growth and commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions.
Christen Bryant is a dynamic leader in commercial real estate and development, bringing over 16 years of expertise in executive management, strategic growth, and high-profile project development. Throughout her career, she has successfully expanded regional portfolios into national footprints, aligning financial, operational, and strategic goals to drive business success. With a strong background in operations, property acquisitions, asset management, and corporate real estate, Christen has led executive teams and managed substantial P&Ls, ensuring long-term value creation for stakeholders. Her collaborative approach, sharp critical thinking, and passion for operational excellence make her a transformative force in the industry.
Dennis Buehrle is a cornerstone of the organization and the driving force behind BBI Constructors, bringing a respected background in architecture, CAD, and project management with extensive experience across residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Known for his integrity, precision, and clear communication, Dennis consistently delivers projects on time, on budget, and above expectations, earning an exceptional reputation with clients, vendors, and partners alike. As both a devoted family man and a forward thinking leader, his commitment to excellence is rooted in long term relationships and the belief that every project should be completed so well that clients would never consider another contractor.
Jeff Camilleri is Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at CNB St. Louis Bank, where he oversees commercial lending and strategic growth initiatives. With deep experience in banking, real estate, and asset-backed finance, Jeff works closely with owners, operators, and investors across industrial and self-storage sectors to structure capital solutions that support expansion and long-term value. His perspective is shaped by hands-on underwriting experience, risk management, and navigating multiple market cycles.
Anne Mari DeCoster is President of Investa Capital, BBi Constructors, StorCo Storage, ProSuites, and FlexSpace Nation, leading the companies’ efforts to fund, build, and manage self storage and flex space around the country.
She started her career at Booz Allen & Hamilton, as a war gamer for the Secretary of Defense. The nucleus of Booz Allen’s extensive Cybersecurity and War Gaming divisions, her team brought war gaming to the corporate setting, doing war games for Fortune 500 companies as they prepared for the future. She has used strategy and business skills honed there to help lead businesses in multiple industries.
For the past two decades, Anne has focused on self storage, adding flex space in recent years. She has experience in all aspects of self storage development and operations, from concept to exit, working primarily with independent owner/operators to scale their business, grow revenue, and prepare for the future with strategic and operational precision. She has served in the C-suite of self storage companies and organizations with extensive footprints, including Storelocal, Tenant Inc., HUCO Pacific Development, and the Arizona Self Storage Association.
Anne excels in the design, development, and delivery of new products, services, programs, and companies for the self storage industry. She is widely published and a frequent speaker at industry events. In addition to serving as Secretary of Charity Storage, she is a member of the Arizona Self Storage Association Board of Directors and the California Self Storage Association Legal and Legislative Committee. Anne is also on the Board of Directors of Scorpius Dance Theater and has been a Child Sponsor for Compassion International since 1996. Anne is happily married with four grown sons and a delightful Golden Retriever.
Since 2016,Cathy has been working in the C-PACE Financing industry, across asset classes and complex capital stacks. She has experience with many types of projects including Industrial, multi-family, mixed-use, hospitality, and retail. She came on board as Managing Director with PACE Equity March of 2023.
Cathy & PACE Equity funded C-PACE on the project that we will tour.... StorCo St. Peters Self Storage & FlexSpace
CEO & Founder at Personal Warehouse® / PW Development.
In the '90s, Steven K. Garrison heard the same answer from everyone in industrial real estate: people won't pay the rents required for small-bay space. He didn't accept it. By flipping the model from leasing to ownership, he cut monthly occupancy costs 25–40% and an industry was born.
In the '90s, Steven K. Garrison heard the same answer from everyone in industrial real estate: people won't pay the rents required for small-bay space. He didn't accept it. By flipping the model from leasing to ownership, he cut monthly occupancy costs 25–40% and an industry was born.
That insight launched Personal Warehouse® and the Micro-Flex category: premium, small-bay industrial spaces designed for entrepreneurs, investors, business owners, and sport motor enthusiasts. Twenty-six years of evolution across both ownership and rental models has produced 2M+ square feet, 2,500+ units, 38 projects, and $300M+ in asset value across seven states.
At FlexSpace Nation, Garrison draws on 26 years of hard-won lessons to explore where the Micro-Flex industry is headed and what today's developers need to know to build it right.
Matthew Gray is a Capital Markets Advisor at Atlas Real Estate Capital, where he specializes in structuring and sourcing debt for small-bay industrial, flex space, and value-add multifamily assets across the U.S. He works closely with sponsors, developers, and operators to secure acquisition, bridge, and permanent financing, with a focus on practical execution and lender alignment.
In addition to his advisory role, Matthew is an active real estate investor and operator based in Erie, Pennsylvania. His hands-on experience in acquisitions, renovations, and property management gives him a unique perspective on how deals perform beyond closing—and how to structure financing that actually works in the field.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Penn State University and Edinboro University. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife, Caley, and their four children.
Cody Payne is the Founder and Managing Partner of Flex Parks USA, a national brokerage and advisory firm specializing in small bay flex industrial real estate. With over 1,000 commercial real estate transactions and more than two decades of experience, he is widely recognized as one of the leading authorities in the small bay industrial sector across the United States.
Michael Tran is a Partner at Flex Parks USA and a nationally focused specialist in small bay and flex industrial real estate. He is known for his expertise in flex industrial park development, feasibility analysis, and investment sales, working closely with both private and institutional investors across the sunbelt markets. Michael is also focused on advancing the flex industrial sector through data-driven market insights, deal execution, and advising on new construction flex industrial developments.
Explore What The Summit Has to Offer
About Ameristar
- Set in the heart of historic downtown St. Charles, Missouri ( 1 Ameristar Blvd, St Charles, MO 63301) – surrounded by cobblestone streets and 19th-century charm – Ameristar Casino offers elegant conference facilities, seven restaurants, a dozen bars, and luxury one-bedroom suites at a preferred group rate of $189/night.
- Main Street St. Charles features fine dining, vibrant nightlife, charming boutiques and antiques stores.
- Just 8 miles from the St. Louis Airport and minutes from our newest flex space facility.
Reserve your room today.
AGENDA
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 29
6:00-9:00 PM
Welcome Reception at Ameristar Resort
THURSDAY
APRIL 30
9:00-11:45 AM
Morning Sessions:
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- What is Flex Space and Why Should You Care?
James Reid, Founder, FlexSpace Nation
- What is Flex Space and Why Should You Care?
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- Flex Space Market Update
Cody Payne and Michael Tran, FlexParks USA
- Flex Space Market Update
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- Site Selection and Feasibility: Where It Works and Why?
Cody Payne and Michael Tran
- Site Selection and Feasibility: Where It Works and Why?
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- Underwriting
Christen Bryant, S3 Partners
- Underwriting
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- What I’d Do Differently After 25 Years in Flex Space Development
Steve Garrison, CEO Personal Warehouse
- What I’d Do Differently After 25 Years in Flex Space Development
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11:45-12:45 PM
Lunch, provided at Ameristar Resort
12:45-4:30 PM
Afternoon Sessions:
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- Finance Panel
Jeff Camilleri, CNB St. Louis BankCathy Evans, PACE EquityMatt Gray, Atlas Real Estate Capital
- Finance Panel
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- What to Build/Design
James Reid
- What to Build/Design
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- Construction
Jim Brock, MakoRabco, and Dennis Buehrle, BBi Constructors
- Construction
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- Expert Panel
- Expert Panel
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4:30-7:00 PM
Experience the Future of Flex: VIP Tour + Reception at Our Newest Flex Space Development
(Bus transportation to and from facility provided.
Return to hotel at approximately 7:30 pm)
About Ameristar
- Set in the heart of historic downtown St. Charles, Missouri ( 1 Ameristar Blvd, St Charles, MO 63301) – surrounded by cobblestone streets and 19th-century charm – Ameristar Casino offers elegant conference facilities, seven restaurants, a dozen bars, and luxury one-bedroom suites at a preferred group rate of $189/night.
- Main Street St. Charles features fine dining, vibrant nightlife, charming boutiques and antiques stores.
- Just 8 miles from the St. Louis Airport and minutes from our newest flex space facility.
Reserve your room today.
This is your chance to showcase your company and your brand. Support one of the most talked about and upcoming asset class in the nation. Garner valuable insights and strategic connections by becoming a SUMMIT sponsor at any level. Learn more in the details or become a sponsor now!
Led by FlexSpace Nation founder James Reid, this summit is defining the next era of flex space — uniting the developers, investors, and operators who are building the movement.
