Our Team
L. Jayson Lemberg
FounderL. Jayson Lemberg co-founded Pioneer Acquisitions in early 2009 and has helped drive the company’s growth to new heights. Previously, Jayson was a Vice President and Head of Deal Origination for Thor Equities, a global real estate investment and development firm.
Mr. Lemberg was responsible for identifying acquisition/development opportunities primarily in the New York Metropolitan area and investing capital for the firm’s funds. He personally originated over $2 billion in potential deal volume, over 50% of which was off-market or direct to owner. Prior to joining Thor, Mr. Lemberg worked in the acquisitions group at The City Investment Fund, a real estate opportunity fund in Manhattan co-sponsored by Fisher Brothers and Morgan Stanley. He also covered the freight transportation industry as an Associate Analyst in equity research at JP Morgan.
Mr. Lemberg earned a Master of Business Administration at the New York University Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Roberto C. Goizueta Business School at Emory University.
James B. Peterson, Jr.
FounderJames Peterson is a co-founder of Pioneer Acquisitions, a real estate management and investment firm located in Rye, NY. In his capacity as principal, James has sourced, acquired and redeveloped dozens of multifamily and mixed-use properties, primarily in the Midwest. James is also co-founder of Brixbid, an apartment listing and brokerage platform with offices located throughout the country.
Prior to his career in real estate acquisition and development, James spent nearly a decade as an engineer and project manager working with major industrial firms throughout the country, primarily in the field of aviation.
James earned a Master of Business Administration at the New York University Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science, Engineering from the University of Michigan. He currently serves as Vice-Chairman on the Board of Directors at the New York City Mission Society where he chairs the Programs & Facilities Committee.
Our Team
Odessa Scott
Director of OperationsBio coming soon.
Sierra Teague
Director of Property ManagementSierra Teague is the Director of Property Management for Ivy Residences, encompassing our 22 properties in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. In this role, Sierra oversees the resident services and maintenance activities while leading a team of 10 management professionals, ensuring each property is well-maintained and thriving.
Before joining Pioneer, her passion for multifamily began working with the Chicago Housing Authority and HOPE of East Central Illinois. Sierra embodies hard work, having been promoted 5 times in her tenure with Pioneer. A proud Chicago native, Sierra is driven by her life goal to provide quality housing opportunities for all Chicagoans, from low-income to luxury high-rises.
Sierra earned both her master’s degree in Family & Consumer Science with an option in Family Services and a B.A. in Communication PR from the Eastern Illinois University.
Chantel Karnes
Director of LeasingChantel Karnes is the Sales Director for Ivy Residences, encompassing our 22 properties in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. In this role, Chantel ensures our properties meet full occupancy and holds her team of 6 leasing professionals accountable to meeting and exceeding portfolio leasing goals.
A dynamic, multifaceted leader, Chantel offers 25 years of combined experience in the hospitality and multifamily industries. Her wide range of experience includes operations, business development, sales strategy, luxury travel and marketing.
Chantel’s sales approach focuses on customer service and communication. She believes that drive and motivation are key skills to accelerate performance. As a leader, she is passionate about providing opportunity for personal and professional development to her team.
Chantel earned her B.S. in Education at Eastern Michigan University.
Madi Garner
Marketing SpecialistAs a part of the Pioneer team, Madi supports all marketing efforts for Ivy Residences, Brixbid, and The Penthouse Hyde Park. She is known for her strategic mindset and creative approach, ensuring that Pioneer’s brands showcase a compelling and effective brand presence, from organic content creation to experiential marketing to digital advertising.
In starting her career in startups, Madi gained invaluable knowledge that seamlessly translates into multifamily. She collaborated with business owners directly to introduce fresh ideas and build their key marketing goals and strategies. Madi gained valuable experience in community building, event management, and member engagement within Chicago startup incubators, showcasing her versatility and dedication to fostering growth and collaboration.
Madi earned a Master of Science in Marketing from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Technology from DePaul’s College of Communication.