We Know What It Means To
Serve People
Loving and meaningful connections is our style of business.
We work closely with investors, stakeholders and communities to ensure every project meets shared goals. Our transparent communication and collaborative spirit make us the ideal partner for those looking to develop and manage successful properties.
The key to success is earning the trust of customers, associates and investor partners. Essential to achieving our mission is a hands-on culture where associates are committed to listen with interest, identify preferences, and deliver services that exceed customer and investor partner expectations.
Our Story
Partners
Paul Fairholm
Founding Partner, Chief Executive Officer
Gary Griffiths
Founding Partner
Richard Miles
Founding Partner
Steve Miles
Founding Partner
David Webster, Sr.
Founding Partner
Chad Griffiths
Chief Financial Officer
Cole Smith
Chief Development Officer
David Webster Jr.
Chief Operating Officer
Jake Webster
Partner, Hospitality Management
Executive Team
Paul Fairholm
Founding Partner, Chief Executive Officer
Bio
Specialties: Growth Leadership, Asset Management Team Collaboration, Strategic Execution
Paul Fairholm leads the strategic success and growth of Western States with decades of leadership experience in senior living, management and development. Since 1994, Paul has helped tell Personal Touch stories of needs met, dreams realized and problems solved. Paul hails from upstate New York and earned degrees from Brigham Young University and Virginia Commonwealth. As president and CEO of Western States, Paul is responsible for the daily operations of dozens of properties representing more than a billion dollars in physical assets and nearly 5,000 employees in 12 U.S. states.
Cole Smith
Chief Development Officer
Bio
Specialties: Real Estate Greenfield Development, Asset Management, Construction Management, Acquisition Oversight
Paul Fairholm leads the strategic success and growth of Western States with decades of leadership experience in senior living, management and development. Since 1994, Paul has helped tell Personal Touch stories of needs met, dreams realized and problems solved. Paul hails from upstate New York and earned degrees from Brigham Young University and Virginia Commonwealth. As president and CEO of Western States, Paul is responsible for the daily operations of dozens of properties representing more than a billion dollars in physical assets and nearly 5,000 employees in 12 U.S. states.
David Webster, Jr.
Chief Operating Officer
Bio
Specialties: Asset Management, Solution-Based Mentoring, Innovation, EBITA and NOI Management
Dave Webster Jr. oversees the day-to-day operations of Western States, ensuring business lines function smoothly and efficiently. He works closely within the executive leadership team to develop and execute strategies that support growth objectives and maintain commitment to delivering the highest level of service and quality to customers and business partners within the organization’s Personal Touch Culture. Dave has been with Western States for over 20 years and during his tenure, driven operational excellence throughout dozens of senior living, hospitality and multifamily housing properties.
Jennifer Knecht
Chief Revenue Officer
Bio
Specialties: Repositioning and Transformation, Topline Revenue, Occupancy Development and Stabilization, Market Strategy, Brand Experience, Voice of Customer
Jennifer Knecht is a seasoned strategic visionary with over 20 years of sales and marketing, customer experience and operational leadership. Jennifer has a track record of transformational leadership and a toolbox of proven growth strategies. In her recent revenue-leading roles, Jennifer developed a series of person-centered customer experience insights formulas, brand architecture frameworks, and a series of growth strategy playbooks which have produced multiple billions in revenue and impact for the organizations she’s led.
Chad Griffiths
Chief Financial Officer
Bio
Specialties: Financial Management, Asset Management, Budgeting and Investments
Chief Financial Officer Chad Griffiths brings over 17 years of experience providing him a comprehensive understanding of financial operations and strategic planning. Chad holds a bachelor’s and MBA from Brigham Young University and a wealth of experience managing and leading financial initiatives. He is a seasoned, dynamic strategist with an understanding of current and future trends in financial systems and management.
Marshall Paepke
Chief Strategy and Human Resource Officer
Bio
Specialties: Human Resources, Associate Retention and Happiness, Talent Management, Executive Development, Strategy
Marshall Paepke is an accomplished entrepreneur and an expert in leadership development and strategic growth. He has served as an executive coach, corporate advisor and is skillful in the advancement of leaders and expansion of corporate objectives. As chief strategy and human resource officer, Marshall leads the strategic vision and associate recruitment of Western States, ushering the organization’s Personal Touch Culture throughout its multifaceted properties.
