Real Estate: FRANK ‘BUDDY’ GADAMS

Gadams prides himself on his passion for changing communities and cities for the better, as well as his willingness to take on challenging projects. His business, which has eight employees in Virginia, has restored historic landmarks that run along the colonial neighborhoods in Tidewater. He has developed town houses, condos and loft apartments in Norfolk and revamped and restored the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

In November 2021, Marathon started construction on Gravity 400 Apartments, a $45.8 million, 273-unit high-rise in Norfolk. And in July, Gadams announced plans to redevelop the former Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center hospital campus into apartments.

Gadams also is a marathon runner who has competed in more than 25 races, including a 150-mile ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert.

He serves on boards for Benedictine Schools of Richmond, Slover Library Foundation and biotech company ReAlta Life Sciences. He also volunteers for Saint Patrick Catholic School.

EDUCATION: James Madison University

WHAT I WAS LIKE IN HIGH SCHOOL: Average student that was bored. I liked my small businesses better than schoolwork.

BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Spindrift and Perrier