Sanderford Speaker Series Featuring MRP Industrial

On March 17, 2025, the White Ruffin Byron Center for Real Estate welcomed D. Reid Townsend (Darden ‘00) and William Hudson (Darden ‘24) from MRP Industrial as part of the Spring Sanderford Speaker Series. The event provided an in-depth look at MRP Industrial’s development approach, market strategy, and investment philosophy, offering students valuable insights into the industrial real estate sector. Students from across Grounds attended, engaging in discussions about industrial development trends, capital structures, and career opportunities in the field.

Townsend and Hudson highlighted the evolving landscape of industrial real estate, emphasizing the increasing demand for redevelopment projects and the necessity for industrial buildings to be strategically located near workforce hubs. They also provided a detailed overview of their development budget process, stressing the importance of broker relationships in securing prime leasing opportunities. They showcased a sensitivity analysis, demonstrating how financial modeling plays a crucial role in shaping investment decisions and project viability. The session concluded with a discussion on career opportunities within MRP Industrial, encouraging students to explore internships and full-time roles in industrial development and investment.

About MRP Industrial
MRP Industrial specializes in ground-up development, entitling land before constructing state-of-the-art distribution centers. The firm has completed and has under construction 32 million square feet across 59 industrial buildings, with their investment footprint including $3.2 billion in capital. MRP Industrial collaborates with 12 capital partners, including pension funds, insurance firms, and private equity investors. Their tenant portfolio features a diverse range of household names, including Kellogg’s, Amazon, Vans, Whole Foods, L’Oréal, Dell, and 3M. The firm’s strategic site selection process prioritizes proximity to labor forces and major transportation networks to optimize efficiency and logistics operations.