Success comes from making a positive impact

Founder and CEO

 

Jeffrey Perea Branch, founder of Columbus Capital, has over 30 years of experience investing in and developing more than $950 million in commercial real estate. A respected leader in the industry, he serves on the board of BorderPlex Community Trust, is a Tony Robbins Platinum Partner, and holds CCIM and CRX designations. Proud of his New Mexican heritage, Jeff is dedicated to creating innovative and diverse investment opportunities. He is in California with his wife, Michelle Madrid-Branch, and their multicultural family, includes a son by birth, one adopted from Russia, and a daughter from Ethiopia. He also has two daughters who reside in New Mexico.                                                                                                                                                        

Director of Construction

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Greg, a native northern New Mexican, attended St. Michael’s School, where he met his future business partner, Jeff Branch. He holds a Construction Management degree from the University of New Mexico and has over 25 years of experience. Early in his career, he managed significant projects in Arizona and California, including the San Diego Convention Center and the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Now at Columbus Capital, he has led $26 million in new construction and $3 million in renovations, known for his execution and collaboration. Greg lives on a small farm near his childhood home with his wife, Jill, and their two children, and he cherishes the fall season in Santa Fe.                                                                                                      

Qualifying Broker

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Mark brings over 20 years of leadership experience as a senior-level real estate executive for top national development firms. His expertise lies in driving real estate sales and closing strategies that maximize returns for stakeholders. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in planning both large-scale and boutique master-planned communities, seamlessly integrating commercial and residential development.

With a deep understanding of the psychology of buying and the art of negotiation, Mark’s exceptional communication skills make him a valuable asset to the Columbus Capital team. His strategic approach and industry insight continue to shape successful real estate investments and development projects.

Director of Asset Management 

 

Brian Olson, Director of Asset Management at Columbus Capital, brings a disciplined and strategic approach to overseeing the firm’s real estate portfolio. He is responsible for asset performance across capital planning, property and leasing management, lender and investor reporting, construction oversight, and execution of business plans.

Brian has extensive experience in institutional real estate, having spent six years at Irvine Company, where he supported the management of a 52 million square foot portfolio. During his tenure, he focused on development underwriting, capital improvement initiatives, lease transactions, and portfolio strategy. He also played a key role in the growth of the company’s self-storage platform, helping expand the portfolio from approximately 500,000 square feet to over 2 million square feet.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with an emphasis in Global Business and Finance from the University of Southern California, and has completed advanced coursework in Real Estate Principles and Real Estate Finance and Investments through the University of California, Irvine.

Based in California, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as surfing, snowboarding, and staying active outdoors.

Accounting Supervisor

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Phaedra, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has a strong background in property management accounting and office operations. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in financial reporting, lender compliance, and managing accounting systems like Yardi, QuickBooks, and AppFolio.

Before joining Columbus Capital, Phaedra held roles in both the real estate and mortgage industries, including work in construction finance, office management, and mortgage lending. Her diverse experience allows her to bring a detailed, solution-oriented approach to every project.

Outside of work, Phaedra enjoys spending time with her husband Peter and two children.

Controller

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Born and raised in Switzerland, Susanne brings over 35 years of financial and operational experience in the real estate and construction sectors across Switzerland and the United States. She holds the equivalent of an MBA in finance, accounting, and business management.

Throughout her career, Susanne has held key roles across diverse industries—including real estate, construction, film, and non-profits—and has also successfully run her own bookkeeping and candle manufacturing businesses. Her breadth of experience reflects a deep understanding of both corporate and entrepreneurial finance.

Susanne moved permanently to the U.S. in 1992, embracing the American lifestyle and spending 16 years in Northern California before relocating to New Mexico in 2005. She raised two sons—now both in college—and continues to enjoy the balance of work and life in the Southwest.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cultural events, skiing, horseback riding, and discovering the great outdoors.

Virtual Executive Asssitant

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Cherilyn is a skilled executive virtual assistant with a strong background in customer service, administration, and office management. She works efficiently and independently, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Management.

 

As the executive assistant to the CEO, she manages administrative tasks coordinates with team members and vendors, and handles calendar management. With experience across multiple industries she excels in business management, customer service, and project coordination.