Our Team

Chief Executive Officer

Emmanuel A. Baptiste's entrepreneurial journey began in New York City, where he owned and operated a yellow medallion cab. His success and network led to the establishment of Supreme Legacy Transports, a full-service transportation company. Its prestigious clientele included the Waldorf Astoria, Starwood Properties, SAP, UBS, JLL, Goldman Sachs, Health Tech Associates, The National Football Association, The National Basketball Players Association, Estiatorio Milos, and Viacom.

Emmanuel's growing network and passion for real estate inspired him to launch Sterling Park Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in residential and commercial property lending in urban cities. Sterling Park Properties, its subsidiary, focuses on acquiring and developing high-end, mixed-use, and luxury properties across the United States. Amid the 2020 pandemic, Emmanuel pivoted his real estate investment company, transforming it into a full-service construction firm. Obtaining his General Contractor Company license, he has since developed and built numerous projects in the metro Atlanta area.

Emmanuel's philanthropic endeavors are commendable, as evidenced by his co-founding of Worldwide Psychos in 2013. With members spanning New York City, Europe, Canada, Long Island, Florida, California, Arizona, and Egypt, the foundation aims to provide human and capital resources for disaster-stricken countries and inspire others to seize opportunities for good deeds.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Emmanuel now calls Atlanta, Georgia, home, where he resides with his loving family.

Project Manager - Georgia

Jovan Parker, our esteemed Project Manager at Sterling Park Properties, brings a wealth of invaluable expertise and a distinguished professional background to our esteemed team, based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a robust collective experience of two years in the real estate field and an additional three years excelling in various management roles, Jovan stands as a pivotal asset, driving the company's growth and ensuring its ongoing success. Renowned for his hands-on approach, Jovan meticulously oversees each project, ensuring that every detail aligns with the company's exacting standards.

Jovan's visionary outlook seeks to revolutionize the real estate industry, paving the way for a sustainable future for both himself and others. What truly distinguishes Jovan is his remarkable adaptability and proactive engagement. Despite commencing his journey without prior experience in home development, Jovan fearlessly immersed himself in the field, mastering a wide array of tasks essential for interior renovations and remodels. From hands-on work like waste disposal and demolition to the intricate construction of bathrooms and kitchens, Jovan's versatility and unwavering commitment have consistently exceeded expectations.

Passionate about real estate, Jovan perceives homes as the very foundation of our world. To him, real estate transcends materiality, serving as a conduit for others to build wealth and providing enduring comfort for families. Jovan finds profound fulfillment in transforming concepts into reality, witnessing the profound satisfaction that arises from self-belief and nurturing the talents and aspirations of others.

In his role as Project Manager, Jovan Parker continues to infuse Sterling Park Properties with an unparalleled sense of passion, determination, and a fresh perspective. Through his steadfast dedication to excellence, he remains resolute in his mission to cultivate extraordinary real estate experiences and contribute significantly to the enduring success of the company.

Construction Consultant - Georgia

Riaan Garforth-Venter is a dynamic and innovative Project Manager at Sterling Park Properties, bringing a unique blend of technical acumen and creative vision to the team. With an impressive career that began in South Africa, Riaan has a proven track record of taking on challenging projects and delivering exceptional results. His meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of client needs have earned him an excellent reputation.

Before relocating to Atlanta in 2015, Riaan was a household name in South Africa as the star of "DIY WITH RIAAN," a popular television show for 14 years. As the Executive Producer, he managed all aspects of production, including sales, sponsorships, and logistics for a 20-person team. This role honed his skills in project management, financial oversight, and team leadership.

Riaan's passion for sustainable living led him to co-produce "LOVE & MORTAR," a book and TV series documenting the construction of South Africa's first bio-climatic, off-grid house. This project showcased his ability to integrate innovative building techniques with environmental consciousness, further solidifying his expertise in the field.

At Sterling Park Properties, Riaan leverages his extensive experience and diverse skill set to manage residential housing projects. His strong planning capabilities, advanced financial management skills, and effective communication make him a vital asset to the team. Known for his hands-on approach, Riaan excels in technical and creative problem-solving, ensuring that every project meets the highest quality and client satisfaction standards.

Riaan enjoys scuba diving and exploring the underwater world outside of work, reflecting his adventurous spirit and love for discovery. Now migrated to American citizen, Riaan resides in Atlanta with his family, continuing to inspire and lead in real estate development.

Legal Consultant

Maxime is the Principal and Managing Attorney of Beaulieu Law Firm, PC. He joined the Sterling Park Properties team in June 2020. Max is responsible for advising the Sterling Park Properties team on key business, strategic, and legal matters.

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Maxime graduated from Vermont Law School, where he studied sports law and played on the rugby team. Maxime is currently admitted to the New York and New Jersey State Bar and specializes in Sports Law and Corporate Transactions. Before establishing the Beaulieu Law Firm, Max worked with some of the major sports leagues and top Law Firms in New York City.

While with the Brooklyn Nets, Maxime assisted in negotiating multi-million-dollar sponsorship transactions on behalf of the Nets with the YES Network, Vitamin Water, and Gatorade. Maxime was also involved in player contract negotiations and was intimately involved with working on collective bargaining compliance for the NBA franchise. Maxime has been at the forefront of handling legal issues associated with running a sports franchise, including the Nets basketball team's transition from New Jersey to Brooklyn.

Max's diverse background in Corporate and Sports Law is a definite asset to the team. He will help us to navigate our growth trajectory in the real estate industry.

Interior Design Stylist

Maria Fernanda Ortiz, a vibrant talent from Bogota, Colombia, embarked on her design journey under the mentorship of her mother, an accomplished fashion designer. Her passion for creativity blossomed as she transitioned to the United States, where she enriched her skills by connecting with industry experts. Now in her senior year at Georgia State University, pursuing a BFA in Interior Design, Maria is dedicated to bringing her clients' dreams to life with flair and precision. Based in Atlanta, GA, she is an integral part of our team at Sterling Park Properties.

Maria's design philosophy is rooted in the perfect balance of functionality and quality. Her keen eye for detail ensures that every project not only meets but exceeds her clients' expectations. Her ability to blend practicality with aesthetic appeal makes her a standout in the field of interior design. Maria's commitment to excellence and her dynamic approach to design have earned her a reputation for creating spaces that are both beautiful and livable.

At Sterling Park Properties, Maria brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of talent to our team. Her background in fashion design, combined with her formal education in interior design, allows her to infuse each project with a unique blend of style and sophistication. Maria's innovative ideas and her ability to seamlessly integrate various design elements make her an invaluable asset to our clients and our firm.

Maria's enthusiasm and passion for design are contagious, inspiring everyone around her. She is driven by a desire to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments that reflect the individuality and lifestyle of each client. With her unwavering dedication and creative vision, Maria Fernanda Ortiz is poised to make a significant impact in the world of interior design at Sterling Park Properties.

Finance Consultant

Max began his career in New York as a Sales Supervisor for a local cable company named RCN. His sales ability and communication skills quickly earned him a promotion to Sales Management. Max brought an additional 200,000 viewers to the cable company within his first 90 days.

As a result of his exceptional performance, Max was swiftly promoted to Director of Sales. During this time, he implemented a bundle billing program to combine cable, phone, and internet bills into one package. His innovation created a substantial increase in sales. Then Coastal Capital Bank, located in Long Island, New York, offered Max a position as Sales Director.

Max's success in the financial industry caught the attention of Sterling Park Properties' CEO – Emmanuel A. Baptiste. Max is responsible for the company's project and corporate financing initiatives. Additionally, he manages equity for projects and oversees investor relations of our high-net-worth individual and institutional investors. Max is passionate about meeting the needs of Sterling Park Properties stakeholders and strategic partners.

Max resides in Florida with his lovely wife, Evelyn, and his daughter.

Certified Home Inspector

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Craig Jones brings the southern charm to the Sterling Park Properties team. He is an experienced International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) certified home inspector. Craig has built a reputation as a professional with integrity and enviable interpersonal skills.

In his role at Sterling Park Properties, Craig pre-inspects our rehab projects and new developments. With his industry knowledge and attention to detail, Craig can discover any subtle signs of problems, enabling us to resolve any issues quickly. As a result, the projects that we list on the market are safe and reliable. Craig is also involved in the construction work during various stages of our new development projects. He verifies that the construction team complies with the approved plans, construction documents, and Atlanta, Georgia’s building codes and regulations.

Craig graduated from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics. However, Craig was not just all academics. He also played collegiate football for four years.

Craig is a uniquely qualified inspector because of his multi-faceted professional background and the skills he gained as an entrepreneur in the limousine service and real estate investment sectors.

Craig resides with his wife in Atlanta and is the proud parent of three incredible children.

Executive Office Manager

We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Garforth-Venter to Sterling Park Properties as our dynamic Executive Office Manager! With an impressive 30-year career in executive TV production, Michelle is ready to bring her vibrant personality and unparalleled teamwork spirit to our company, overseeing all media liaison and marketing content.

Michelle's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. At AquaGuard Foundation Solutions, she excelled as the Senior Marketing Producer, creating a plethora of engaging content, including training videos, newsletters, blogs, case studies, and social media posts. Her talent for TV scripting also shone through in the CEO's NBC and CBS interviews, showcasing her creative flair and attention to detail.

Her role at Siemens US Digital Industries further highlights Michelle's commitment to fostering a healthy and happy company culture. She skillfully organized department Town Halls and conceptualized health and safety leadership campaigns, always prioritizing learning and togetherness. Michelle's work with journalist and consumer protection advocate Dale Cardwell at TRUSTDALE.COM emphasized her dedication to exceptional customer service, focusing on partner relationships and crafting compelling proposals.

Known for her innovative thinking and out-of-the-box approach, Michelle thrives on continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech industry. She is also an acclaimed author of "The Green Line Book," which explores sustainable living practices in Southern Africa. This work earned her a nomination for 'Best Sustainable Living Education' and the role of executive producer for the GREEN LINE TV & book package, recognized at David Attenborough’s International Green Awards.

Michelle's vibrant energy extends beyond her professional life. Residing in Atlanta with her supportive husband, their energetic 14-year-old son, and a lively household of two dogs and two cats, she embodies a perfect blend of warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication.

Michelle Garforth-Venter's infectious enthusiasm and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable addition to the Sterling Park Properties team. Her unwavering commitment to teamwork and innovation ensures that our company continues to thrive and inspire.

Executive Site Foreman

We are overjoyed to welcome Martin Giraldo to the Sterling Park Properties team as our new Site Foreman. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Martin's life has been enriched by a vibrant mix of sports, music, and cultural influences. His passion for creative activities led him to earn a master's degree in marketing and advertising, a field in which he has excelled by producing compelling commercials for radio, television, and print with various advertising agencies.

Martin's journey of growth and learning took him to Vancouver, Canada, where he lived as an English student and embraced the city's diverse environment. Known for his boundless joy and positivity, Martin's personality shines through in every endeavor he undertakes.

In the United States, Martin expanded his horizons by collaborating with companies that specialize in creating unique and memorable events. His meticulous attention to detail and love for teamwork have consistently contributed to the success of these ventures.

Now residing in Lawrenceville with his lovely wife and two children, Martin brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Sterling Park Properties. His extensive background in marketing and event management, combined with his cultural insights, make him an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident that Martin's enthusiasm, dedication, and positive energy will significantly contribute to our continued success and growth. Welcome aboard, Martin!