Developers.
Investors.
Operators.
OUR VALUES
Accelerated Outcomes
Seek the path of least resistance. Find the exit, take the win.
Build Intentionally
Create what the customer wants. Focus on developing a foundation that thrives as future uncertainty unfolds.
Customer Focus
Make owning a PLAYGROUND investment or unit a delightful experience.
Scientific Thinking
Identify the most encompassing theory for success. Hypothesize. Measure. Optimize. Always be open to having your convictions challenged.
→ Leadership
Gerrit Van Maanen
Principal & Co-Founder
Principal and Co-founder of Playground Gerrit was previously one of the first team members at Spartan Investment Group where he focused on ground up development. His responsibilities included site selection, entitlement, and development of $100M of self-storage, totaling over 800,000 square feet.
Gerrit also co-founded Spartan Construction Management and helped grow the company to fifteen employees and tens of millions in revenue. He graduated from The University of Iowa with a degree in Finance.
Ben Lapidus
Principal & Co-Founder
Chief Executive and Co-founder of Playground and Best Ever Conference, the premier trade group for alternative asset syndication. Ben previously built Spartan Investment Group from scratch to $70M in annual revenue as the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Investments for over $400M of acquisitions and $250M of debt, acquiring more than 3M sf of self-storage across 14 states.
Before Spartan, Ben founded and sold a multi-million dollar study abroad company and worked with several start-ups through IPO or acquisition. All in, he's built 7 businesses and failed twice. He graduated from Rutgers University with dual degrees in Finance and Economics where he founded the Rutgers Entrepreneurial Society.