THE GC TEAM

Mark Ainley New Business Development

Mark Ainley is an investor, managing broker, and property manager with almost two decades of experience in real estate. Mark has been a speaker at numerous events across the country including investing summits in Dallas, San Francisco, and Chicago. His extensive experience allows him to share his knowledge and experience on many topics like property management, scaling a business, rehabbing and flipping, out of state investing, asset stabilization, market analysis, and more. Mark found his way into real estate by purchasing and flipping condominiums prior to the great recession and since he has built his own portfolio of rental portfolio alongside the creation of GC Realty & Development LLC (GCR&D) and GC Realty Investments (GCRI). He has rehabbed and stabilized over 450 properties and currently manages over 900 investment properties throughout the Chicagoland area. Mark is the co-founder of GCR&D, a full-service Real Estate Brokerage, Property Management, and real estate investment firm in the Chicago Market that consults with both local and out of state investors on the acquisition, stabilization, and management of their rental property portfolio. GCRI has become one of the premier turnkey companies in Chicago, working with both US and International investors. In recent years both companies have grown to include over 25 full and part-time employees running the management & development divisions with 27 additional brokers getting deals done.

He was featured on CNBC’s TV show The Deed chronicling one of his rehabs. He has also been featured on podcasts like Bigger Pockets, The Real Estate Mogul Podcast, Joe Fairless, REI Diamonds, and Positive Phil. In 2017 he was featured on the cover of Top Agent - Property Management Edition.

Shea Murray

Shea Murray is an accomplished business development leader with a dynamic background that spans professional sports, health insurance brokerage, and real estate. Currently serving as the Business Development Manager at GC Realty & Development, LLC, Shea is a driving force behind the company’s growth, forging key partnerships and providing valuable resources to real estate investors, property owners, and clients seeking expert property management solutions in Chicago.

Before transitioning into the real estate industry, Shea was a professional athlete with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, where he honed his competitive spirit, discipline, and leadership skills over a five-year career. His ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and foster meaningful connections translated seamlessly into his roles beyond the field.

Shea’s professional journey also includes experience as a health insurance broker, where he helped clients navigate complex policies across 26 states, tailoring solutions to meet their needs. He further demonstrated his commitment to service and community impact as a certified personal trainer and account executive at XSport Fitness.

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in International Relations and Affairs, Shea excels at building rapport, driving results, and finding creative ways to add value to those around him. His fluency in Spanish enhances his ability to connect with diverse communities.

Known for his approachable demeanor and commitment to personal growth, Shea is an advocate for mentorship and continuous learning. He is also a contributing associate on the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast, where he shares insights with the local real estate community. Shea’s blend of professional versatility, leadership, and dedication makes him a trusted partner in both business and life.

Javier Diaz

Javier Díaz is a seasoned marketing and communications expert with a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives across multiple industries. As the Marketing Coordinator for GC Realty & Development, LLC, he leads strategic content development, social media engagement, and reputation management efforts, contributing to the company's reputation for excellence and growth. His expertise in copywriting, analytics, and audience engagement allows him to craft campaigns that resonate, build trust, and deliver measurable results.

Javier’s impressive career includes collaboration with prestigious organizations such as The Rockefeller Foundation’s Resilient Cities Project, where he played a pivotal role in advancing urban resilience and sustainability initiatives. His professional journey also spans roles in public relations, event production, and digital media for some of Mexico’s most recognized firms, showcasing his versatility and leadership.

In addition to his professional achievements, Javier is highly regarded for his contributions to the reef-keeping community in Mexico. As a true expert in corals and marine ecosystems, he is a go-to resource for hobbyists and enthusiasts, generously sharing his knowledge to help others maintain thriving aquatic environments.

Known for his professionalism, creativity, and approachable demeanor, Javier is admired by peers and clients alike for his ability to balance strategic insight with genuine kindness and collaboration. His unique blend of technical expertise and passion for fostering connections makes him an invaluable leader in both the marketing and marine science communities.

Marta Juszczak

Marta Juszczak is an accomplished Executive Assistant at GC Realty & Development, LLC, bringing over six years of experience in property management and executive support. With a strong background in administrative coordination and real estate operations, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficiency and organization within the company.

Before stepping into her current role, Marta served as an Assistant Property Manager at GC Realty & Development for a year, gaining hands-on experience in tenant relations, lease administration, and property oversight. She also honed her expertise in property management as a Property Manager at Optros Property Solutions Corp. from 2017 to 2019.

Marta holds an Associate's degree in Marketing from the College of DuPage, equipping her with a strategic mindset and a keen eye for business operations. Her passion for real estate, organization, and client service makes her an invaluable asset to the GC Realty & Development team.

Phill Caruso

Phill Caruso is an experienced Turn and Quality Assurance Manager at GC Realty & Development, LLC, with a deep-rooted background in property management, maintenance, and business operations. With over 25 years of experience, he has developed a strong expertise in property services, construction coordination, and quality assurance.

Before joining GC Realty, Phill served as an Inspections Coordinator at HomeRiver Group Chicago Property Management and was previously the Director of Property Services at the same company. His extensive experience includes five years at Letts Property Management, where he played a key role as Director of Maintenance and Construction and Construction Coordinator.

Phill is also an entrepreneur, currently co-owning SmartyPlants Inc. and leading Atomic Solutions Inc., a business he has managed for over two decades. His diverse experience in management, social media marketing, and retail sales has made him a dynamic leader in the real estate and property management industry. He studied at the College of DuPage and continues to apply his vast industry knowledge to ensure excellence in property maintenance and tenant satisfaction.

Melissa Holdren - VP of Operations

Melissa Holdren is a dynamic and results-driven leader with a passion for operational excellence, team development, and strategic growth. With a career spanning retail management, real estate operations, and leadership coaching, she has built a reputation for driving success through efficiency, innovation, and people-focused leadership.

Currently serving as VP of Operations at GC Realty & Development, LLC, Melissa plays a pivotal role in aligning business operations with long-term strategic goals. Her ability to streamline processes, enhance team collaboration, and implement forward-thinking initiatives ensures the company remains an industry leader. She also oversees maintenance operations, where she optimizes service delivery and improves tenant satisfaction through proactive problem-solving and strong team coordination.

Before transitioning into real estate operations, Melissa honed her leadership skills at The Home Depot, where she led high-performing teams, managed multi-million-dollar operations, and spearheaded training and succession planning initiatives. Her time in the retail industry shaped her ability to motivate, mentor, and develop talent, an approach she now brings to every team she leads.

Melissa’s leadership philosophy is simple: build strong teams, create scalable systems, and empower people to perform at their best. She thrives in fast-paced environments where adaptability and strategic foresight are key. Whether she’s restructuring an operational process, coaching a future leader, or implementing company-wide initiatives, she remains focused on one ultimate goal—achieving sustainable growth through smart, people-centered leadership. A lifelong learner and problem-solver, Melissa continues to push boundaries in operations and leadership, making a meaningful impact wherever she goes.

Clifford McCue

Cliff McCue is a distinguished real estate professional, financial expert, and partner at GC Realty & Development, LLC, a leading property management and brokerage firm in the Chicagoland area. As the Chief Executive Officer, Cliff oversees strategic initiatives, fosters business growth, and ensures the delivery of exceptional services to property owners and investors.

With over 15 years of experience in real estate investment, property management, and business development, Cliff has a proven track record in transforming distressed properties into high-quality, cash-flowing rental units. His expertise in turnkey real estate investing and market analysis has positioned GC Realty as a trusted name in the industry.

Cliff is also a Chartered Financial Analyst with extensive experience in financial services, trading, and investment management. Before joining GC Realty, he held key roles in proprietary trading and derivatives management, leveraging his analytical skills and strategic insight.

Beyond his professional achievements, Cliff is passionate about giving back to the community. He served on the Board of Directors for Facing Forward to End Homelessness, where he provided strategic direction on real estate acquisitions and supported initiatives to provide permanent supportive housing.

Cliff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Chicago and continues to lead with a vision for sustainable growth and impactful partnerships.

Bryan Sonn Director of Commercial Sales

Bryan Sonn is a highly experienced real estate professional and partner at GC Realty & Development, LLC, a premier property management and brokerage firm based in Bartlett, Illinois. With over 15 years of experience in the turnkey real estate industry and more than two decades in real estate, Bryan has built a reputation as a trusted expert in property management, leasing, and sales in the Chicagoland area.

As a seasoned investor and manager, Bryan has been instrumental in flipping and completing over 400 homes, showcasing his strategic expertise and ability to lead successful projects. His commitment to delivering exceptional results has helped GC Realty & Development become a trusted partner for landlords and property owners seeking innovative and effective solutions for their real estate needs.

Bryan is passionate about leveraging his extensive experience to provide value-driven services and help clients achieve their investment goals. Connect with him on LinkedIn or reach out to GC Realty & Development to learn more about his contributions to the real estate industry.