Insight Property Group Co-Founder, Richard Hausler, has announced that he will step back from day-to-day company operations of the leading Washington, DC real estate development firm he has guided since 2009. As the company transitions into its second decade, Trent Smith will step up from his current role of Principal to take the reins as the company’s Managing Principal. Hausler will remain as Insight’s Chairman, continuing to support and invest in the company’s platform and projects. Smith, along with the company’s three principals —Bill Goodman, Sarah Davidson and Maury Stern— will focus on expanding Insight’s footprint in the Washington, DC region while continuing to build on the partnerships and vision that have shaped the company’s position as an industry innovator.

“Trent Smith has been a part of Insight and its leadership for over a decade. His outstanding abilities, character and leadership are well recognized by our longtime friends and partners at Insight, and throughout our industry,” said Hausler. “This transition, carefully planned for continuity as we continue to grow and innovate in this next decade, puts our partners and clients first as always. I look forward to continued investment and involvement with the Insight team and Trent at the lead.”

“I am incredibly proud to step into the Managing Principal role at Insight,” said Smith. “As one of Rick’s initial hires in 2009, I’ve been so lucky to have been involved in the growth, ingenuity, and mission of the company. He established a unique culture, tapping into the talent, curiosity and vision of our entire team, nurturing a collaborative working environment and never compromising his commitment to quality developments that make every community better. I’m very excited about our future and know that Rick will be instrumental in that success, working alongside us in his role as Chairman.”

“I’ve known Rick as boss, partner, family friend, and fellow adventure traveler from when he was 39 to 70, and -- unlike Brady or Brees -- see no drop off in arm strength or mobility,” said Dick Knapp, longtime colleague from Kettler (formerly Kettler & Scott and KSI Services). “Yet, I’ve heard this humble but decorated Virginian is shifting from field general to chairman. Rick’s not leaving the company he loves and has made, but rather guarding the unity and affection of his team, ensuring continued boldness, while at the same time avoiding undo risk. And Rick will continue to buy land and buildings, which comes to him as naturally as breathing air. Rick’s character will continue to fortify Insight -- his discipline, perseverance, generosity, incisive aphorisms, and always that modest wisdom.”

Over the past 20 years, Rick has parlayed this passion for real estate into helping bring to life the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. His fellow Board Member, Tim Rizer, notes, “I have the greatest respect for Rick — for his innovative work in real estate development and placemaking and for his leadership and absolutely unflagging determination in the creation of the Workhouse Arts Center. He is one of the most decent and honorable people I have ever known. Thanks to his vision, our $70 million, 55-acre facility has transformed this corner of Fairfax County, bringing a nationally recognized collaboration of visual and performing arts, education, community engagement, historical perspective, and personal enrichment to the region. We have Rick to thank for this and we know he will be a guiding force for us moving forward.”

Prior to Insight, Hausler was the President of Kettler Inc. for 23 years and was instrumental in leading that company’s emergence as one of the area’s premier development and management companies. Hausler is a summa cum laude graduate of Harvard College and received his J.D. at Harvard Law School.

Today, the Insight team is focused on the delivery of its current residential projects – The Elm, a 456-unit residential building in Bethesda and The Wray, its conversion of an historic office building into apartment homes in Foggy Bottom – and its pipeline of a variety of new projects in Arlington and Falls Church. In addition, it will continue to build its platform for the acquisition of workforce housing.

About Insight Property Group

Insight Property Group develops, acquires and re-positions well-situated multifamily and mixed-use properties in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Since its inception in 2009, through the collaboration of a team of highly experienced and locally-focused industry professionals, the Company has unlocked a broad range of investment opportunities that continue to set a standard for strong and innovative execution in the marketplace. Thanks to established partnerships, with investments of over $1.4 billion, Insight Property Group has planned, delivered and acquired over 4,500 residential units, and 200,000 square feet of office and retail space. The Company’s portfolio of activities includes the development of high-end residential and mixed-use buildings, the acquisition of workforce housing, the construction of affordable housing through public partnerships, the delivery of infill for-sale housing, and the repositioning of close-in suburban rental communities. The approach to each project -- focus, creativity and care.