About brightSTAR

With over 50 years of combined experience, the team at brightSTAR Communities is dedicated to transforming the standard of affordable housing. Our focus is on acquiring, revitalizing, and operating high-quality manufactured home communities throughout the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond—creating vibrant, well-managed neighborhoods where residents feel valued, supported, and proud to call home.

Our Purpose

We believe that everyone deserves to live in a safe, clean, and affordable environment where they feel valued and engaged; and where they experience a genuine pride in their community.

The Team

Brandon Schilling

President and CEO

Brandon Schilling is a tenured real estate executive with extensive institutional experience leading organizations in the RV and manufactured housing industries. He has overseen the acquisition, repositioning, and development of more than $1 billion in assets across 32 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces. Previously, Brandon directed the growth, performance, and sustainability of a $13 billion portfolio at a publicly traded REIT. At brightSTAR, he drives strategy and operations with a clear focus on performance, community impact, and long-term value creation.

Chassie Williams

Regional Vice President of Operations

Chassie Williams brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the manufactured housing and RV industries. She is recognized for advancing operational excellence, resident satisfaction, and team culture across multi-site portfolios. Chassie’s people-first leadership style and deep understanding of attainable homeownership align with brightSTAR’s mission to deliver exceptional living experiences for residents, families, and guests. Outside of work, Chassie is married with three children and enjoys spending time with her family at the rodeo or cheering from the ball fields

Carter Moses

Director of Acquisitions

Carter Moses brings over eight years of experience in real estate, specializing in the RV and manufactured housing sectors since 2021. She has a proven track record in deal sourcing, investment management, and relationship development—skills that fuel brightSTAR’s mission to acquire, develop, and operate high-quality, affordable communities. Carter’s strategic approach to acquisitions helps ensure sustainable growth and resident-focused outcomes. Carter is married to Joe, who is a navy fighter pilot, and they love doing anything outdoorsy with their Australian Shepard, Copper.

Tony Keckeis

VP, Finance & Accounting

Tony Keckeis is an experienced finance executive with a career spanning private equity, real estate, and construction. He leads finance and accounting for Foxhole Equity and its affiliated companies, including brightSTAR Communities. Active in civic leadership, Tony serves on multiple nonprofit boards and was recognized as a 2024 Forty Under 40 honoree by the Cincinnati Business Courier. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife Liz, their two children, and their dog Enzo.

Nick Kraus

Accounting Manager

Nick Kraus is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with extensive experience in financial reporting, auditing, and corporate accounting operations. As Accounting Manager, Nick brings a results-driven approach and strong technical foundation to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all financial processes. A former Chick Evans Scholar, Nick earned his degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Real Estate from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons—or perfecting his swing on the golf course.

Drew Myers

Co-Founder
Operating Partner

Warner A. “Drew” Myers is a seasoned entrepreneur who has founded several companies, including RecruitMilitary LLC, a military-to-civilian recruitment firm he built and sold to a private equity group. A long-time real-estate investor and developer, Drew holds a B.A. from Indiana University and an MBA from Xavier University. A former U.S. Marine Corps officer, he remains deeply involved in veteran mentorship, leadership development, and philanthropic initiatives that build stronger communities.

A.J. Schaeffer

Co-Founder

Andrew J. (“A.J.”) Schaeffer is an entrepreneur and investor focused on partnering with exceptional leaders and transformative businesses. He applies his expertise in behavioral analytics, business strategy, and partnership development to fuel growth across the Foxhole Equity portfolio. A trusted advisor to executives and ownership teams, A.J. combines his passion for leadership and impact with a dedication to civic and philanthropic engagement. He lives on a farm in Burlington, Kentucky, with his wife Erin and their four children.

Jeff Zalla

Co-Founder

Jeffrey M. Zalla is an accomplished business leader and sustainability advocate who has built industry-leading companies in the industrial services sector. An MBA graduate of The Wharton School and inactive CPA, Jeff’s background includes serving as CFO and Corporate Responsibility Officer of Chiquita Brands, as well as CEO of Tufco Flooring LLC and Operating Partner of Diatom Aviation. His leadership emphasizes ethics, sustainability, and long-term value creation across all ventures.