Best Bosses in CRE
JOE MORRISON & DAVID WILKES
Myrtle Beach-based Sands Cos. was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Joe Morrison and David Wilkes with a focus on the horizontal apartment segment of the multifamily industry. The firm, which was among the first to introduce the development concept of building deconstructed apartments, has a portfolio of more than 2,000 units across the Southeast. As president of Sands Cos., Morrison leads the company’s acquisition, business development, construction and strategic planning efforts. He began his career as a licensed commercial general contractor and real estate broker in the Carolinas and worked for private home builders, developers and real estate companies before starting his own company focused on real estate development and single-family, commercial and multifamily construction. Wilkes serves as VP of Sands Cos. and oversees the firm’s land acquisitions, entitlement through local municipalities, construction budgeting, negotiating construction contracts and financing, and marketing. He has a background in the development of resort-style communities, high-rise condominium development and traditional neighborhood development. Described as disruptors in the multifamily industry, Morrison and Wilkes hold extensive knowledge in development and construction and have cultivated a supportive team that appreciates their horizontal community concept. Team members say that Morrison and Wilkes are caring and humble, and carry themselves with character and integrity. The two professionals address challenges positively and constructively and have established a family-like culture through team-building exercises, retreats and collaborative meetings that make the firm an attractive employer. Morrison and Wilkes encourage an inclusive approach on projects, seeking the input of all involved.