Our Team

Chief Executive Officer

Emmanuel A. Baptiste is a builder — of businesses, of communities, and of legacies meant to outlast a lifetime. Born in Trinidad and Tobago and rising through the hustle of New York City, Emmanuel’s entrepreneurial journey began behind the wheel of a yellow medallion cab. From that starting point, he learned the values that still guide him today: relentless work ethic, service without compromise, and the ability to connect with people from every walk of life.

That drive fueled the launch of Supreme Legacy Transports, a premier transportation company serving some of the most prestigious names in business, hospitality, and sports — including The Waldorf Astoria, Starwood Properties, SAP, UBS, JLL, Goldman Sachs, the NFL, and the NBPA. These relationships became more than clients — they were bridges to new possibilities.

Those possibilities took shape in Sterling Park Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to funding residential and commercial property projects in urban markets, and Sterling Park Properties, its development arm, focused on creating high-end, mixed-use, and luxury spaces that transform neighborhoods. In 2020, when the world shifted, Emmanuel pivoted with it — earning his General Contractor license and building Sterling Park Properties into a full-service construction firm known for delivering signature projects across metro Atlanta.

Yet for Emmanuel, the work is about more than bricks and mortar. His greatest moment might be something he never lives to see — a day when his great-grandchildren speak about the path he helped pave and how it still blesses their lives.That’s why his mission is rooted in generational change — giving his children, and the children of others, early exposure to what’s being built so they see it not as “dad’s job,” but as a family legacy.

He knows it takes daily action, resilience through imperfect days, and the power of community. “Nothing great is built alone,” Emmanuel says — and he lives it. His leadership invites others to join in the work: to share resources, lock arms, and create something so strong it shifts culture and stands long after we’re gone.

His heart for impact extends beyond business. In 2013, he co-founded Worldwide Psychos, a global network mobilizing human and financial resources to aid disaster-stricken communities from New York to Egypt, and inspiring others to step into service wherever they are.

Today, Emmanuel calls Atlanta, Georgia home, where he leads Sterling Park Properties with the same passion that started his journey — building for today while laying foundations for tomorrow. For him, every project, every partnership, and every act of service is part of a bigger picture: a legacy that speaks for generations.

Director of Construction Operations

At Sterling Park Properties, we’re proud to have Jovan Parker as our Director of Construction Operations — a leader whose unique blend of vision, discipline, and hands-on expertise has made him an indispensable force in our company’s continued success. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Jovan brings over five years of combined experience in real estate and management, with two years in the real estate field and three years excelling in leadership roles across diverse industries. His ability to blend operational precision with people-first leadership sets the tone for every project we take on.

What makes Jovan stand out isn’t just his impressive credentials — it’s his unwavering drive to learn, adapt, and excel. Beginning his journey without a background in home development, Jovan dove headfirst into the field, mastering the complete spectrum of interior renovation and remodeling work. From waste disposal and demolition to the meticulous craftsmanship of high-end kitchens and bathrooms, he built his knowledge from the ground up. This firsthand experience has not only honed his technical skill but has also given him a deep respect for every stage of the construction process — a perspective that informs his leadership and decision-making daily.

As a forward-thinking leader, Jovan sees real estate as far more than property — to him, homes are the cornerstone of community, security, and generational wealth. His vision is rooted in creating sustainable, high-quality spaces that enrich lives for decades to come. Whether it’s guiding clients through their first remodel or overseeing large-scale development projects, Jovan’s proactive engagement, problem-solving skills, and ability to inspire teams ensure that every project meets and often exceeds Sterling Park Properties’ uncompromising standards.

Beyond the technical side, Jovan thrives on mentorship and empowerment — fostering talent, building confidence in others, and creating a culture where excellence is the norm. His approach is collaborative yet decisive, ensuring every stakeholder feels heard while keeping projects moving forward with precision and purpose.

With his passion for innovation, commitment to craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of client satisfaction, Jovan Parker is not only shaping the future of Sterling Park Properties — he’s helping redefine what exceptional construction leadership looks like in the Georgia real estate market.

Director of Operations & Client Relations

We are thrilled to welcome Brandon Williams to the Sterling Park Properties team as our new Director of Operations & Client Relations. With over 15 years of experience in project management, client success, and operations leadership, Brandon is renowned for his ability to simplify complex processes and deliver outstanding results.

A proud graduate of Howard University and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Brandon began his career as an account executive at The Washington Post before transitioning to Wall Street. He then ventured into the dynamic world of tech startups, where he successfully guided cross-functional teams, implemented scalable systems, and consistently improved client satisfaction. Since 2019, Brandon has pursued his passion for real estate by renovating and flipping homes in Northern Virginia.

At Sterling Park Properties, Brandon will play a dual role: enhancing client relations while overseeing operations at the highest level. On the operations side, he will work behind the scenes to simplify ordering processes, integrate smart software solutions, and standardize workflows that improve efficiency across projects. By leveraging technology for scheduling, budgeting, procurement, and performance tracking, Brandon will ensure the backend runs seamlessly so that every client-facing interaction is smooth, transparent, and professional.

His leadership will also expand into elevating communication—both internally with teams and externally with clients—by implementing platforms that provide real-time updates, clear reporting, and streamlined feedback channels. This holistic approach will allow Sterling Park Properties to deliver faster turnaround, consistent quality, and a best-in-class client experience.

Originally from Chicago and currently based in Atlanta, Brandon is dedicated to building wealth and fostering community through strategic investments. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Cortney, and their two young children.

We are confident that Brandon’s leadership, vision, and commitment—paired with his expertise in backend operations, technology integration, and client communication—will significantly contribute to the continued success and growth of Sterling Park Properties.

Construction Consultant

Riaan Garforth-Venter is a dynamic and innovative Project Manager at Sterling Park Properties, bringing a unique blend of technical acumen and creative vision to the team. With an impressive career that began in South Africa, Riaan has a proven track record of taking on challenging projects and delivering exceptional results. His meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of client needs have earned him an excellent reputation.

Before relocating to Atlanta in 2015, Riaan was a household name in South Africa as the star of "DIY WITH RIAAN," a popular television show for 14 years. As the Executive Producer, he managed all aspects of production, including sales, sponsorships, and logistics for a 20-person team. This role honed his skills in project management, financial oversight, and team leadership.

Riaan's passion for sustainable living led him to co-produce "LOVE & MORTAR," a book and TV series documenting the construction of South Africa's first bio-climatic, off-grid house. This project showcased his ability to integrate innovative building techniques with environmental consciousness, further solidifying his expertise in the field.

At Sterling Park Properties, Riaan leverages his extensive experience and diverse skill set to manage residential housing projects. His strong planning capabilities, advanced financial management skills, and effective communication make him a vital asset to the team. Known for his hands-on approach, Riaan excels in technical and creative problem-solving, ensuring that every project meets the highest quality and client satisfaction standards.

Riaan enjoys scuba diving and exploring the underwater world outside of work, reflecting his adventurous spirit and love for discovery. Now migrated to American citizen, Riaan resides in Atlanta with his family, continuing to inspire and lead in real estate development.

Legal Consultant

Maxime is the Principal and Managing Attorney of Beaulieu Law Firm, PC. He joined the Sterling Park Properties team in June 2020. Max is responsible for advising the Sterling Park Properties team on key business, strategic, and legal matters.

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Maxime graduated from Vermont Law School, where he studied sports law and played on the rugby team. Maxime is currently admitted to the New York and New Jersey State Bar and specializes in Sports Law and Corporate Transactions. Before establishing the Beaulieu Law Firm, Max worked with some of the major sports leagues and top Law Firms in New York City.

While with the Brooklyn Nets, Maxime assisted in negotiating multi-million-dollar sponsorship transactions on behalf of the Nets with the YES Network, Vitamin Water, and Gatorade. Maxime was also involved in player contract negotiations and was intimately involved with working on collective bargaining compliance for the NBA franchise. Maxime has been at the forefront of handling legal issues associated with running a sports franchise, including the Nets basketball team's transition from New Jersey to Brooklyn.

Max's diverse background in Corporate and Sports Law is a definite asset to the team. He will help us to navigate our growth trajectory in the real estate industry.

Interior Design Stylist

Maria Fernanda Ortiz, a vibrant talent from Bogota, Colombia, embarked on her design journey under the mentorship of her mother, an accomplished fashion designer. Her passion for creativity blossomed as she transitioned to the United States, where she enriched her skills by connecting with industry experts. Now in her senior year at Georgia State University, pursuing a BFA in Interior Design, Maria is dedicated to bringing her clients' dreams to life with flair and precision. Based in Atlanta, GA, she is an integral part of our team at Sterling Park Properties.

Maria's design philosophy is rooted in the perfect balance of functionality and quality. Her keen eye for detail ensures that every project not only meets but exceeds her clients' expectations. Her ability to blend practicality with aesthetic appeal makes her a standout in the field of interior design. Maria's commitment to excellence and her dynamic approach to design have earned her a reputation for creating spaces that are both beautiful and livable.

At Sterling Park Properties, Maria brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of talent to our team. Her background in fashion design, combined with her formal education in interior design, allows her to infuse each project with a unique blend of style and sophistication. Maria's innovative ideas and her ability to seamlessly integrate various design elements make her an invaluable asset to our clients and our firm.

Maria's enthusiasm and passion for design are contagious, inspiring everyone around her. She is driven by a desire to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments that reflect the individuality and lifestyle of each client. With her unwavering dedication and creative vision, Maria Fernanda Ortiz is poised to make a significant impact in the world of interior design at Sterling Park Properties.

Finance Consultant

Max began his career in New York as a Sales Supervisor for a local cable company named RCN. His sales ability and communication skills quickly earned him a promotion to Sales Management. Max brought an additional 200,000 viewers to the cable company within his first 90 days.

As a result of his exceptional performance, Max was swiftly promoted to Director of Sales. During this time, he implemented a bundle billing program to combine cable, phone, and internet bills into one package. His innovation created a substantial increase in sales. Then Coastal Capital Bank, located in Long Island, New York, offered Max a position as Sales Director.

Max's success in the financial industry caught the attention of Sterling Park Properties' CEO – Emmanuel A. Baptiste. Max is responsible for the company's project and corporate financing initiatives. Additionally, he manages equity for projects and oversees investor relations of our high-net-worth individual and institutional investors. Max is passionate about meeting the needs of Sterling Park Properties stakeholders and strategic partners.

Max resides in Florida with his lovely wife, Evelyn, and his daughter.

Certified Home Inspector

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Craig Jones brings the southern charm to the Sterling Park Properties team. He is an experienced International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) certified home inspector. Craig has built a reputation as a professional with integrity and enviable interpersonal skills.

In his role at Sterling Park Properties, Craig pre-inspects our rehab projects and new developments. With his industry knowledge and attention to detail, Craig can discover any subtle signs of problems, enabling us to resolve any issues quickly. As a result, the projects that we list on the market are safe and reliable. Craig is also involved in the construction work during various stages of our new development projects. He verifies that the construction team complies with the approved plans, construction documents, and Atlanta, Georgia’s building codes and regulations.

Craig graduated from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics. However, Craig was not just all academics. He also played collegiate football for four years.

Craig is a uniquely qualified inspector because of his multi-faceted professional background and the skills he gained as an entrepreneur in the limousine service and real estate investment sectors.

Craig resides with his wife in Atlanta and is the proud parent of three incredible children.

Executive Office Manager

We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Garforth-Venter to Sterling Park Properties as our dynamic Executive Office Manager! With an impressive 30-year career in executive TV production, Michelle is ready to bring her vibrant personality and unparalleled teamwork spirit to our company, overseeing all media liaison and marketing content.

Michelle's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. At AquaGuard Foundation Solutions, she excelled as the Senior Marketing Producer, creating a plethora of engaging content, including training videos, newsletters, blogs, case studies, and social media posts. Her talent for TV scripting also shone through in the CEO's NBC and CBS interviews, showcasing her creative flair and attention to detail.

Her role at Siemens US Digital Industries further highlights Michelle's commitment to fostering a healthy and happy company culture. She skillfully organized department Town Halls and conceptualized health and safety leadership campaigns, always prioritizing learning and togetherness. Michelle's work with journalist and consumer protection advocate Dale Cardwell at TRUSTDALE.COM emphasized her dedication to exceptional customer service, focusing on partner relationships and crafting compelling proposals.

Known for her innovative thinking and out-of-the-box approach, Michelle thrives on continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech industry. She is also an acclaimed author of "The Green Line Book," which explores sustainable living practices in Southern Africa. This work earned her a nomination for 'Best Sustainable Living Education' and the role of executive producer for the GREEN LINE TV & book package, recognized at David Attenborough’s International Green Awards.

Michelle's vibrant energy extends beyond her professional life. Residing in Atlanta with her supportive husband, their energetic 14-year-old son, and a lively household of two dogs and two cats, she embodies a perfect blend of warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication.

Michelle Garforth-Venter's infectious enthusiasm and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable addition to the Sterling Park Properties team. Her unwavering commitment to teamwork and innovation ensures that our company continues to thrive and inspire.

Executive Site Foreman

We are overjoyed to welcome Martin Giraldo to the Sterling Park Properties team as our new Site Foreman. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Martin's life has been enriched by a vibrant mix of sports, music, and cultural influences. His passion for creative activities led him to earn a master's degree in marketing and advertising, a field in which he has excelled by producing compelling commercials for radio, television, and print with various advertising agencies.

Martin's journey of growth and learning took him to Vancouver, Canada, where he lived as an English student and embraced the city's diverse environment. Known for his boundless joy and positivity, Martin's personality shines through in every endeavor he undertakes.

In the United States, Martin expanded his horizons by collaborating with companies that specialize in creating unique and memorable events. His meticulous attention to detail and love for teamwork have consistently contributed to the success of these ventures.

Now residing in Lawrenceville with his lovely wife and two children, Martin brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Sterling Park Properties. His extensive background in marketing and event management, combined with his cultural insights, make him an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident that Martin's enthusiasm, dedication, and positive energy will significantly contribute to our continued success and growth. Welcome aboard, Martin!