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CEO, THE FRANKLIN GROUP, VIRGINIA BEACH
CEO, THE FRANKLIN GROUP, VIRGINIA BEACH
Virginia Business// August 29, 2024//
Franklin became CEO in 2023, succeeding his father, Wendell, who is now chairman of the real estate development, management and investment firm. Previously chief operating officer, Franklin oversees approximately 700 employees, as well as a portfolio of 200 properties in 10 states and Washington, D.C.
In 2013, Franklin, his father, Tom Johnston and Steve Cooper started The Franklin Johnston Group after leaving S.L. Nusbaum Realty. Johnston stepped down from the firm in June, and the two Franklins remain managing partners of the company, now the Franklin Group.
In fall 2023, Virginia Beach City Council greenlighted the company’s application for a conditional rezoning permit of agricultural land for an apartment project dubbed the Silos at Southern Pines. The company plans to build 176 units, including 53 that will be workforce housing offered at 25% below market rate.
Besides serving on the board of Virginia Beach’s Neptune Festival, Franklin is chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation board.
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