Talented Professionals Working Towards One Goal
Palisades Development Company is made up of a group of professionals that each bring their expertise to the company and projects. Combining there experience creates a solid team dedicated to making each project a success. Exceptionally talented, creative people are at the heart of what makes this such a great real estate development company.
Patrick McKenna – President
In 2014, after almost 20 years in residential and construction financing, Patrick decided to utilize his experience and knowledge and fulfill a long-term goal of developing high-end luxury homes. In that time, Patrick has been directly involved in managing and financing over $100 million in ground-up and redevelopment projects, primarily in the Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Brentwood neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Having grown up in the Pacific Palisades and having extensive knowledge of the neighborhoods, their history etc., Patrick has been able to deliver a high-end product that meets the community needs, wants and desires. Blending this with his experience in finance, raising capital and ultimately a return to the end investor, has allowed Patrick to leave his mark and establish himself as an ultra-luxury residential developer. Patrick currently resides in the Pacific Palisades with his wife and family and enjoys being involved in the local community. He has an MBA from Chapman University, a BA from Washington State University and is a graduate of Loyola High School (Los Angeles).
Leslie Gornik – Senior Vice President
Leslie’s experience in real estate is extensive. She started in the loan industry in 1993. She had a strong interest in the construction and development side of the industry, so she started delving into fix and flip projects that she managed from start to finish. Leslie met Patrick while working for Union Bank in their Private Bank division, it was natural transition when he decided to open an office in Pacific Palisades to do single family home development that she joined him. With her wide-ranging experience she contributes to many of the different facets of the development of each project with a focus on project analysis, monitoring project budgets, and investor and lender relationships. She has worked for Patrick for over 10 years, she is rooted in Beverly Hills as a 35 year resident. She is proud to have brought her Beverly Hills’ family business to Pacific Palisades, in the new Caruso development, Palisades Village.
Trevor Halfhide – Vice President of Project Management
Trevor has worked in the home development industry in Southern California since 2011. Before joining Palisades Development Company Inc. in 2019, Trevor spent 6 years working for Thomas James Capital (now Thomas James Homes), the largest single-family infill home developer in California. During this time with the company, he took on multiple roles, including Financial Analyst, Senior Purchasing Manager and Director of Vendor Development. At Palisades Development Company, Trevor manages budgeting, contracting, scheduling and assists with design. He is a licensed General Contractor (B) in the State of California. Trevor is a graduate of Loyola High School and Colgate University.
Ashley Wendell – Vice President - Design and Real Estate Development
With over 18 years of experience in high-end residential as well as retail, hospitality and commercial interior design, Ashley has designed for a range of taste-specific clients using a keen eye for individuality and detail. After graduating from Pratt Institute in New York, she worked on projects all across the country before moving to Los Angeles in 2017. Ashley loves mixing textures and design styles to create one of a kind timeless interiors. Focusing on "livable luxury", she uses her background in both architecture and photography to develop clean lines and warmth while referencing vintage details to give clients a space that is truly ageless. Her background in project management and construction helps enforce project schedules and budgets.