TEAM
Erin Fitzgerald, Founder + CEO
Erin Fitzgerald is the Founder and CEO of Willow Peak, with over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate. She has transformed 10 million square feet of office space nationwide through her expertise in property repositioning.
Her career began in Minneapolis’ North Loop and Warehouse District, where she developed skills in leasing, sales, tenant representation, and public-private partnerships. Erin advanced to CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate firm, and later became a partner at Transwestern, where she led the downtown leasing team to market leadership and executed high-profile repositioning projects as the national amenity expert, before focusing on office investment sales in JLL Capital Markets.
Erin also leads the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition, a public-private partnership with over 150 organizations focused on revitalizing downtown Minneapolis.
Erin’s diverse experience drives Willow Peak’s innovative vision and growth in property acquisition and repositioning.
Jeremy Drane, Chief Strategy Officer
Jeremy “JD” Drane is the Chief Strategy Officer at Willow Peak. A serial entrepreneur with a robust background in tech and finance, JD has played pivotal roles in corporate development and growth, serving as a Chief Revenue, Commercial, Strategy, and Operating Officer.
JD’s career spans over 25 years, with 13 spent at PwC, where he notably co-founded PwC’s Blockchain practice and contributed to the growth of the Minnesota office. Post-PwC, he co-founded multiple technology startups, which have successfully raised over $50 million in funding.
At Willow Peak, JD supports the creation and execution of the overall business plan and drives fundraising efforts, leveraging his extensive experience in strategy and corporate growth.
Morgan Welker, Marketing Director + EA to CEO
Morgan Welker serves as the Marketing Director and Executive Assistant to the CEO at Willow Peak, where she plays a dual role in driving marketing strategies and ensuring seamless executive support.
With a career spanning 25 years in commercial real estate and construction, Morgan excels in adapting to dynamic environments while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Her expertise lies in managing complex projects and relationships with precision, offering proactive solutions and efficient time management.
Known for her strong organizational skills and analytical acumen, Morgan effectively coordinates and tracks leadership initiatives, contributing to the team’s overall success. Her positive, welcoming demeanor and fierce loyalty make her an invaluable asset to Willow Peak, enhancing both internal operations and external marketing efforts.
Petra Wendorf, Teen Consultant
Petra Wendorf is a Consultant at Willow Peak, where she ensures that the perspectives of teenagers are integrated into the repurposing of buildings and the reimagining of urban spaces. Petra’s role involves bringing fresh, youthful insights to the company’s projects, helping shape spaces that resonate with the younger generation.
Known for her punctuality and meticulous planning, Petra balances her professional role with her middle school studies, sports, involvement as a counselor and volunteer at her church and time with friends. She excels academically and is passionate about her hobbies, which include spending time with her dog, riding horses, biking, playing volleyball, softball, and skiing.
Sarah Wendorf, Youth Consultant
Sarah Wendorf is a Consultant at Willow Peak, where she brings a vital perspective to the integration of children’s views into the design and repurposing of urban spaces. Sarah’s role focuses on incorporating creative and imaginative elements that cater to younger audiences, ensuring that spaces are engaging and functional for children.
Known for her artistic talents, love of animals, and deep spirituality, Sarah enjoys painting, caring for her dog, Huck, and reflecting on life from a spiritual perspective. Her bond with Huck, and her respect for animals, underscores her belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. Currently a student at Avial Academy, Sarah’s intuitive approach and passion for creativity enrich the projects at Willow Peak, making them more inclusive and inspiring for all walks of life.