Sower
Team

As Sr. Director of Acquisitions, Ethan’s primary role is to provide customers with the information necessary to invest with Sower Farmland. Ethan’s extensive financial experience in agribusiness investments stems from over a decade of experience in understanding the agriculture real estate and credit services marketplace.

Ethan attended the University of Arkansas and has graduate degree in Agricultural Economics.

Chris brings over 25 years of experience in the investment industry. His background involves working in investor relations and fund raising with Family Offices, High Net Worth Individuals, Pension Plans, Endowments and Foundations.

As a General Partner at Sower Chris believes the foundation of the firm’s success is built by putting the client’s interests first. Chris has a deep affinity for farmland and has been acquiring and owning farmland assets for decades making him a true expert in this asset class.

Chris graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Marketing and an MBA with a concentration in Finance.

As Director of Lien & Legal Services, Kali is responsible for the acquisition and oversight of the Sower Investment portfolio as well as leading legal operations across several states. As a tenured acquisitions director, she provides underwriting and decisioning for these assets until they become real estate. Kali also leads the tax deed partnership efforts.

Kali has 12 years of experience in the real estate and legal field, has navigated through company mergers and worked on strategic growth initiatives.  She has demonstrated expertise in maximizing value in investments as well as title curative.  

Kali holds a Master of Science in Human Behavior from Capella University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Creighton University. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kali enjoys outdoor water sports, yoga and family activities.

As Director of Servicing, Regina uses her skills as integrator, strategic thinker, and meticulous process builder to craft strategic solutions that optimize processes and drive organizational success.

Regina’s experience with problem-solving, techinical integration, and project management stem from her decades of experience as an executive in Operations across several industries including finance and healthcare.

Regina holds a Bachelor of Science from Bellevue University and a Paralegal Associates degree from Iowa Western Community College.

In her personal time, Regina enjoys outdoor activities with her family and guided meditation.

As CEO and Sr. Managing Partner of Sower Investment Partners, Jared has over two decades of experience guiding real estate investments of all types. Jared has successfully navigated the real estate economy with holdings in single-family, multi-family, agriculture, commercial, retail, and tax liens. His investment strategies also include venture capital and debt investments.

This experience has been facilitated by a belief in strong systems, processes and partners, coupled with solid industry insight and work ethic. Throughout his entrepreneurial career, Jared has found value in real estate related assets, fully realizing that proper planning leads to penultimate outcomes. Over the course of his career, Jared has been involved with the purchase and disposition of over 5,000 properties of various asset classes.

He attended the university of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 2002 with a degree in Construction Management. He currently serves on several non-profit venture capital boards and serves as a Director for Westgate Bank. Jared and his wife, Kim, reside in Springfield, Nebraska, with their four children and are actively involved at Mercy High School and St. Columbkille Catholic Parish.

Curtis Leick, is Managing Director at Sower Capital Management. He has a decade of commercial real estate experience through commercial banking and investment analysis. Curtis was the lead underwriter for a $400M loan portfolio for a Midwest community bank. Curtis currently oversees approximately $100M in assets under management primarily dedicated to development and retail assets.

As Managing Director, Curtis is responsible for portfolio management of all SCM commercial real estate assets and provides investment committee recommendations for acquisitions, dispositions, and new venture structures. His operational responsibilities include maintaining banking relationships, transactional lead on all acquisitions and dispositions, along with financial reporting of SCM funds and syndications.

Curtis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Economics and a minor in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is also a CFA Level Three Candidate.

Tyler is responsible for maintaining strong relationships with investors and providing optimal support. As an investor advocate, he excels in fostering connections and ensuring client satisfaction through personalized assistance and timely responses to inquiries.

With over 3 years of experience in financial services, Tyler has navigated through various roles, each contributing to his expertise in investor relations. He has demonstrated proficiency in financial modeling, project management, and client communication, honing his skills to effectively address the diverse needs of investors. He has demonstrated expertise in understanding client needs and time management, contributing to the smooth operation of financial processes.

Tyler holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Investment Science, Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, and Banking and Financial Markets from University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Tyler enjoys volunteering with Omaha Parks and Recreation. He is also a girls’ wrestling coach at Buena Vista High School.

As a finance leader passionate about creating visibility and transparency, Joe delivers financial understanding, results, and clarity that help drive the business to specific outcomes and improve operational metrics year over year. Joe is responsible for producing timely and accurate financial reporting, improving financial performance and decision making across the enterprise. Joe uses his skills to create greater visibility and access to financial analysis and insight for business decisions.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in Commercial Real Estate Finance and Marketing from Marquette University as well as a Master of Business Administration Degree from Bellevue University.

Outside of the office, Joe, with his wife, is involved in the activities of his three daughters. He is committed to discovering inspiration wherever it arises whether it be family, travel, or other experiences.

With a 20 year career in farmland brokerage and management, Eric has procured, sold and managed thousands of acres of farmland, worth several hundred million dollars in value. As an established leader in the agricultural land and management sector, his clients and partners have included individuals, families, private and public funds, institutional investors and bank and trust company clients throughout the United States.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Eric is an active member of many local, state and national real estate associations as well as civic and church boards, fundraising and capital campaign committees.

Teddy is a Senior Associate responsible for investment analysis and fundraising. As an expert in pro forma financial modeling, he helps lead the underwriting and due diligence efforts of new ventures and opportunities.

With four years of experience in the financial services industry, Teddy has helped navigate through several fundraises and recapitalizations and has demonstrated expertise in financial and investment analysis. Teddy holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Beyond his professional endeavors, Teddy enjoys lifting weights and golfing, when the Nebraska weather allows.

Janna is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning over two decades across various industries. Currently serving as an Executive Assistant/Corporate Recruiter & HR Generalist at Sower Investment Partners, Janna brings extensive expertise to the table.

With a solid foundation in human resources and recruitment, Janna has played pivotal roles in talent acquisition and management throughout her career. Janna has enjoyed roles as Senior Executive Recruiter, spearheading recruitment initiatives in the Omaha Metropolitan Area, and as a Senior Account Executive honing skills in client relations and business development.

Janna’s skills include proficiency in account management enabling the ability to foster lasting client relationships as well as driving revenue growth. Janna has consistently demonstrated adaptability, leadership, and a drive for excellence.

Janna received her Bachelor of Science, Education, from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Matt Pickens is Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Sower Investment Partners. He has nearly 15 years of private equity and venture capital investment experience across multiple asset classes, including commercial real estate, energy, oil and gas, and healthcare.

As our CFO and a member of the firm’s Investment Committee, Matt is responsible for developing and executing on the firm’s investment strategies and risk management policies. His operational responsibilities include analytics and due diligence oversight, transactional structuring, and financial reporting.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a specialization in Accounting from University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Juris Doctor (Magna Cum Laude) from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He is a licensed attorney in the state of Nebraska, as well as a Certified Public Accountant certificate holder.

Shellie has over 30 years of business experience spanning multiple industries, including, but not limited to, BPO, distribution, wireless, and real estate. As our Chief Operating Officer & Integrator, Shellie is responsible for executing overarching company performance and ensuring every segment of our business works in unison to accomplish our targets. Shellie oversees our Human Resources, Technology, Legal, Asset Management, and Tax Lien teams. Shellie brings extensive expertise in maximizing individual and team performance and organizational optimization through building winning cultures and leadership development.

Shellie holds an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal studies from the College of St. Mary, Omaha, NE, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration with a minor in Spanish from the University of Nebraska, at Omaha.

Obadiah has over 18 years of finance and accounting experience in various roles, including auditing, financial reporting, corporate accounting, industry and financial analysis, taxation, and regulatory compliance. Obadiah oversees treasury, financing, financial reporting, tax return preparation, and audit completion.

Obadiah holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Iowa State University and a Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Jacob Zylstra is Legal Counsel at Sower Farmland. He has over fourteen years of experience in land management and real property transactions including commercial real estate, agriculture, and energy. During his time in private practice, Jacob has represented clients in litigation including trusts and estate, regulatory, and business matters.

As Legal Counsel, Jacob is responsible for administering the acquisition and operation of assets, the corporate governance of single purpose entities, and advising the Sower Farmland team on due diligence, real estate, and operational matters.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Art in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from California State University, Fullerton and a Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He is a licensed to practice law in California and Nebraska.