About Us

Mr. Nyquist is a Principal and co-founder of C&A Companies. Since co-founding the company, he has been involved in every aspect of each projects life cycle for the multitude of projects in which C&A has been, or currently is, involved. Karl takes pride in developing relationships with all stakeholders involved in C&A’s projects that stand the test of time. Accordingly, he is actively involved in developing and implementing each projects unique strategy with the aim of delivering above average results for all stakeholders, whether they are directly or indirectly involved in a particular project. Prior to co-founding C&A, Karl served as President of Angler Real Estate for four years. He was also a real estate investment banker with Northland Financial Company (now Northmarq Capital). Karl holds a Master of Real Estate and Construction Management degree (MRECM) from the University of Denver and a BS in Business Administration, Finance and Marketing from the University of Northern Colorado. Karl earned a Structural Estimating Certificate from Vale International. He is a licensed real estate broker and General Contractor in Colorado.

Mr. Axner joined C&A Companies in 2024 as Vice President. Kyle previously worked as VP of Asset Management at Birge & Held, overseeing a team of asset managers and a portfolio of approximately 100 multifamily properties. Additional prior experience includes five years in transactions at AIMCO REIT, completing over $1.2bn in acquisitions, as well as finance leadership roles at an apartment syndicate and an outdoor recreation company. Kyle holds a Master’s in Real Estate Finance from the University of Cambridge and a BS/BA in Finance and Real Estate from Colorado State University.

Mr. Pretzler is a Principal and co-founder of C&A Companies. Like Mr. Nyquist, since co-founding the company, he has been involved in every aspect of each projects life cycle for the multitude of projects in which C&A has been, or currently is, involved. He is integrally involved in the analysis and selection of new business opportunities, strategic business analysis, financial planning and charting the firm’s direction and goals. Prior to co-founding C&A, David previously served as President of Centaur Development Company. He holds a Master of Real Estate and Construction Management degree (MRECM) from the University of Denver and a BS in Political Science from Colorado College. His academic credentials also include International Relations studies at The London School of Economics. David is a licensed real estate broker in Colorado.

Mr. Shepherd joined the firm in 2025 as a Senior Associate and is primarily focused on acquisitions, development and asset management of C&A’s diversified portfolio. Brendan previously worked at Resource Land Holdings, a real estate and natural resources-focused private equity firm, where he was engaged in all aspects of the investment process. He graduated with honors from Cornell University with a BS in Applied Economics and Management.

Mr. Lambert is a Principal of C&A Companies. He joined the firm in late 2015 as an Executive Vice President, becoming a full partner in 2018. He splits his time equally between oversight of company operations, new business development, and executing on the strategic business plans for C&A’s multitude of projects. Prior to joining C&A, Todd held various executive positions at one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate development companies. Todd holds a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) from Washington University in St. Louis with an emphasis in Corporate Finance as well as a BS/BA in Accounting from the University of Utah. Todd is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (inactive) and a licensed real estate broker in Colorado.

Ms. Hearn is the Office Manager and Project Administration Manager at C&A Companies. Justine is responsible for overseeing general office operation, organizing and coordinating office procedures, and ensuring overall organizational effectiveness and efficiency. She provides administrative and logistical support in every aspect of project management, ensuring that all company employees have both the assistance and the resources that they need to meet company goals and objectives. Ms. Hearn holds an Associate Degree in general studies, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice as well as a Paralegal Certificate from the University of Colorado at Denver. In addition, she has more than 25 years of experience in complex commercial and real estate transactions as well as engaging in and managing more than 50 trials during her tenure.

Mr. Johnson joined the firm in 2023 as a Financial Analyst. In his role, Brad aids in the financial analysis and underwriting of the company’s diversified portfolio of investments as well as keeping detailed records and accounting figures for these projects. Brad previously worked as a commodity trader and cattle accountant where he helped oversee the financial risk and operational management of various agricultural enterprises. He graduated with honors while earning his BS in Agriculture and Economics from Colorado State University and then earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. He is also a licensed real estate broker in Colorado.