Leadership

As Founder and CEO, Sean leads the firm’s strategic vision, investment direction, and overall execution, guiding each project from concept to completion. Under Sean’s passion and leadership, Formativ is focused on transformative commercial real estate projects that foster community, create economic impact and drive superior returns for our investors and partners. Before founding Formativ, Sean spent more than a decade in New York City’s financial sector, specializing in institutional fixed income trading and investment banking.

He brings a deep understanding of finance, strategy, and economic development to his work. Sean has been a respected and active leader in Denver’s business and nonprofit communities for over 15 years. Sean currently serves on the boards of The Fitzsimons Innovation Community, Denver Metro EDC, and TAG Restaurant Group. Past board leadership rolls include The Denver Zoo, Denver Athletic Club and The Other Side Academy. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Sean holds a B.A. from the University of Maryland.

Josh Marinos joined Formativ in 2016 as Founding Principal and Chief Operating Officer, bringing leadership to all aspects of the firm’s development initiatives and operational strategy. With a passion for integrating innovation and technology into the built environment, Josh drives the adoption of emerging trends and market solutions across Formativ’s portfolio.

With over 15 years of experience in real estate development and a background in hotel management, Josh has co-founded, co-developed, and managed numerous transformative, city-shaping projects throughout Denver. His work has been recognized by the Mayor’s Design Awards, Historic Denver Preservation Awards, and ULI Impact Award for Innovation. Originally from Salt Lake City, Josh is a graduate of the University of Utah.

Jeff joined Formativ in 2017 and serves as the Chief Investment Officer and Principal for the firm. In this position, Jeff oversees the firm’s investment strategy, capital structuring, and portfolio expansion, ensuring disciplined financial execution across development and acquisition initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in real estate development and finance, Jeff has a proven track record for navigating complex markets and delivering transformative projects that enhance communities and drive returns for partners.

Prior to Formativ, Jeff served in various finance and development roles for firms in Denver and São Paulo, Brazil working across a diverse portfolio including boutique hotel to cutting-edge creative office spaces. Jeff began his career at The Concord Group in San Francisco, where he advised on over 150 residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use developments globally. Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, Jeff holds a B.A. from Duke University.

Tara Olley joined Formativ in 2023 and serves SVP of Development and Construction. Tara brings more than 20-years’ experience to this role and under her leadership leads the firm’s complete development cycle from entitlement and-predevelopment through construction. She is driven by bringing bold ideas to execution and mentoring her team and the next generation in the industry.

Tara has worked on all sides of development – general contractor, owner’s representative and developer, successfully leading projects ranging from $1M – $200+M. She began her career with East West Partners, working on the master planned Riverfront Park neighborhood, before joining Continuum Partners and eventually starting her own owner’s rep firm where she played a key role in the execution of Denver’s Market Station. Originally from Austin, Texas, Tara attended the University of Texas at Austin.

Alison Nestel-Patt joined Formativ in 2017 and serves as the Director of Development and Experience. In this role, Alison leads the firm’s visioning and design as well as oversees the marketing and leasing strategies – across the portfolio – to ensure successful deliveries. Alison’s keen eye for executable design, market-leading positioning, and community impact helps drive the success of Formativ’s projects.

Prior to joining Formativ, Alison spent more than a decade at leading marketing and public relations agencies spearheading the brand and communications strategies for leading national and international brands spanning outdoor lifestyle products to hotels. With a passion for creative neighborhoods and art communities, she currently sits on RiNo Art District BID board. Raised outside of Boston, Alison holds a B.A. from Bates College.

Dan Magalhaes joined Formativ in 2025 and serves as a Finance & Development Associate supporting the Formativ team across the full real estate development lifecycle, including acquisition, pre-development, financial modeling and reporting, and banking, while also assisting with underwriting and disposition activities.

Dan began his real estate career at PlattPointe Capital, assisting with debt and equity placements for commercial real estate. He later supported multifamily development across Colorado’s Front Range at BMC Investments. A former business owner, Dan brings an entrepreneurial approach to real estate. Originally from Toronto, Dan graduated from the University of Toronto and holds a master’s in real estate and construction management from the University of Denver.

Nick Glick joined Formativ in 2025 and serves as a Development Manager across the firm’s portfolio. Nick brings nearly a decade of general contractor and development experience to the team, helping to execute the firm’s development pipeline, from pre-development through completion. Nick has focused on urban infill projects throughout his career, both as a contractor and developer in Chicago, Phoenix, and Denver, working on several award-winning projects, like 110 North Wacker in Chicago and 1900 Lawrence in Denver. Raised outside of New York City, Nick attended Syracuse University, where he received a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering.