About Us — EMI Development

EMI brings together top-tier professionals from business development, architecture, engineering, and capital markets to deliver turnkey real estate solutions for the nation’s most dynamic industries.

Our Expertise

Advanced Manufacturing
Aerospace
Defense
General Industrial
Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF)
Technology & Data Infrastructure

Our Founding Partners

Sean Balnes

Founding Principal — Sourcing, Market Strategy, Incentives & Legal

Sean Balnes serves as EMI Development’s lead principal for sourcing and securing development opportunities, performing market analysis, assessing the best uses for properties, securing project incentives, structuring public-private partnerships, and managing legal matters. With over 25 years of experience, Sean brings a unique combination of expertise in property law, commercial real estate, economic development, and emerging industries.

Steve Kimball

Founding Principal — Design & Construction Activation

Steve Kimball is the EMI Development lead Principal responsible for design and construction activation and management. Steve has over 40 years deign, management, and business leadership experience. His leadership is focused on complex projects that advance Life Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, and Department of Defense client initiatives. Steve brings an in-depth knowledge of industry practice to each client’s project.

James Hahn

Founding Principal — Due Diligence & Civil Design

James Hahn is the EMI Development lead principal responsible for due diligence, civil design and client relationships. James has over 29 years of experience in the built industry. His leadership is focused on the business development and client-based initiatives within the industry. James brings his knowledge to assist clients with cost effectively maneuvering though the due diligence process to limit risk and save time and money.

Lucas Hohnstein

Founding Principal — Finance & Capital Markets

Lucas Hohnstein is the lead principal for finance and capital markets at EMI Development. He specializes in underwriting and structuring commercial development and acquisition opportunities across a diverse range of asset classes, including industrial, self-storage, retail, and multi-family properties. His expertise spans the full capital stack, with a focus on financial and economic structuring. With over two decades of experience, Lucas brings a comprehensive background in corporate finance, commercial real estate, and both debt and equity financing.