Get to Know Us Meet the Team
Leadership Team
Neal Freeman has over 39 years of real estate development experience, as well as a passion for sports and for building venues that create lifetime memories. Mr. Freeman is the visionary of Competitive Social Ventures which began with Roaring Social Alpharetta and quickly grew into Fairway Social and Pickle & Social. He views Competitive Social Ventures growing into a portfolio of “Social” brands across the Southeastern United States, with each individual venue having its own local influence. Throughout his career, he has developed 52 Publix-anchored shopping centers, and he was the developer of the $100-million LakePoint Sports complex that hosts over 1,000,000 visitors per year.
Harper currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Sales & Marketing for CSV. He has extensive experience in the growing 'eatertainment' industry, which delivers an experience that includes food and/or beverage before, after, or during other activities. CSV has elevated this experience with high end food and drink in addition to pickle ball, golf simulation games, putting greens, corn hole, live music and more.
Harper will continue to work with senior leadership on identifying prime locations, design, build, and grow the brand in new markets. He will be involved in all aspects of development, from concept to completion, with a major focus including food, beverage, entertainment and programming. Harper was previously Director of Sales for Topgolf from 2014 – 2019, where he created customer relations management and sales processes and procedures, and helped grow the popular sports entertainment franchise from a startup with nine venues to a multinational company with 70 locations at the time he was recruited to CSV in 2020.
His passion is fueled by creating and building new concepts and seeing them through to fruition with proven professionals. Harper is from Atlanta, where his first job after graduating college was managing ticket sales for the Atlanta Braves. He also served as Assistant Director of Athletic Communications for Georgia’s Kennesaw State University from 2010-2013, and spent two years as a sports reporter for the Covington News. Harper has dual bachelor of arts degrees in Communications and Sports Management from Kennesaw State University. He lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with his wife and two children.
For over 20 years, Mr. Joseph has honed his expertise in the Capital Markets industry, structuring and closing sophisticated transactions, raising joint venture equity, and managing debt, mezzanine financing, fixed-income securities, M&A, and, beginning in 2011, private equity JV Fund investments in commercial real estate development. He has been a principal investor in over $600 million of commercial real estate investments and developments across the five major asset classes, with an emphasis in multi-family, retail, mixed-use, and hospitality.
Mr. Belt was a principal in the creation and operation of the publicly traded Dutch retail real estate fund, DIM Vastgoed, N V (Euronext Amsterdam Exchange) from 1996 through its sale in April 2010. Additionally, he oversaw the formation and management of 18 Dutch partnerships (“Maatschaps”) from 1992 to 2000, as well as a host of other institutional and family office initiatives throughout his 30+ year career. Mr. Belt is well versed and deeply experienced in the complete commercial real estate spectrum (retail, office, hospitality, residential, and industrial). Mr. Belt is not only involved in the acquisition and development process but is charged with spearheading the debt and equity procurement due to his extensive experience within the capital markets and his development, acquisition, and financial structuring capabilities, along with his asset and property management pedigree.
CORPORATE TEAM
Jermey Gardner holds over six years managing high-level accounts, starting as an Audit and Assurance Staff member with Deloitte & Touche, LLP. His most recent position was with Bennett Thrasher LLP as a Manager, Financial Reporting & Assurance. Some of Gardner’s duties in this position were managing reviews and audits performed in accordance with US GAAP and IFRS standards for interim and annual financial statements, develop various technical accounting memos through research including Goodwill Impairment Analysis (ASC 350), Revenue Recognition (ASC 606), Lease Accounting (ASC 842), Debt Restructuring (ASC 470), and more.
In addition to Gardner’s financing and accounting background, he also has a passion for hospitality. Earlier in his career he spent six years at Houston’s, part of Hillstone Restaurant Group.
Lance Jaglarski serves as CSV's Regional Vice President of Operations. In Lance’s new role, he is responsible for the overall operational execution, performance, and strategy of CSV’s open and operating venues.
Lance has over 20 years of progressive hospitality experience with a focus on multi-unit, high-volume and complex high-end food and beverage venues. In his most recent role, Lance led the daily operations at Milton’s Cuisine as a managing partner and has assisted with the launch and execution of multiple restaurant concepts throughout the Southeast. Lance rose the ranks advocating two values throughout his career: having candid conversations and building authentic relationships with his teams. He has built an invaluable reputation and relationships throughout the Alpharetta community and firmly believes his core values and developing talent with empathy and inclusion is his passion.
Over her 15 years of combined experience, she has honed her skills in various aspects of HR, particularly excelling in recruiting and retention. Kathy is recognized for her ability to streamline hiring processes and facilitate thorough onboarding, contributing to a more efficient and effective workforce.
One of Kathy's standout qualities is her bilingual proficiency, being fluent in both English and Spanish. This makes her an invaluable resource to CSV, given its diverse workforce and stakeholder base. She plays a key role in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, ensuring that everyone thrives in their respective roles.
Gianna (Gigi) is a versatile Marketing Coordinator at Competitive Social Ventures, specializing in creative strategies for its eatertainment and hospitality brands. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication and a Minor in Marketing from Flagler College, Gianna combines a robust understanding of marketing principles with expertise in creative outlets such as graphic design, brand design and development, web design, promotional design, email marketing, social media marketing and more.
With a passion for blending aesthetics with strategic messaging, Gianna excels in crafting engaging campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Prior to joining Competitive Social Ventures in 2021, Gianna gained valuable experience in the marketing field through her internship with Sixteen Creative, where they demonstrated a knack for innovative design and effective communication strategies.
Known for their attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Gianna thrives in collaborative environments where creativity drives impactful results. Gianna is dedicated to enhancing brand identity and customer engagement through compelling visual and digital experiences, contributing to the success and growth of Competitive Social Ventures and its portfolio of brands.
Over 20 years of hospitality management experience with 15 years of senior level management experience in top Atlanta Country Clubs including Druid Hills Golf Club, The River Club and Cherokee Town and Country Club.
- 8 years’ experience in real estate development, leasing, and deal negotiation
- Coordinated the acquisition, master planning, development, disposition, and leasing of the 1,300-acre LakePoint Sporting community
VENUE TEAM
James is a people, performance-oriented Operational Leader with over 20 years offering an exceptional record of achievement. He is known for his attention of detail and strategic & analytical approach problem solving. James brings in customers and accomplishes profit targets. He is talented in identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends and revenue opportunities. James is also a progress-driven planner adept at building and retaining high-performing teams with revenue volume of 25M plus.
David Gomrick is the General Manager of Fairway Social Alpharetta, a CSV venue. David has 4+ years of restaurant management experience, and operational experience. David specializes in ensuring the efficiently of management operations such as budgeting, staffing, events/event sales, payroll, P&L management and more.
Aprial currently serves as a Sales Account Manager for Pickle and Social Gwinnett, a CSV venue. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2011. Since then, she has worked in many hospitality and sales related fields within the Metro Atlanta Area. She most recently worked as a Sales & Marketing Director. She is responsible for over $1.7 million in sales.
Keeshia Washington is the General Manager of Fairway Social Trilith, a CSV venue. She has been in the hospitality industry for 20+ years. While serving she earned a associate awards in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism industries, which launched her career into management. Keeshia enjoys building great staffs, meeting new guests, and providing exceptional service.
As General Manager, I made my mark at Velvet Room, Compound, Fever Night Club, Primal Night Club, and Prive Night Club, infusing each venue with my distinctive vision and expertise. Seeking new challenges, he joined Gypsy Kitchen as the Beverage Manager, eventually rising to the esteemed position of Managing Partner. In this role, he orchestrated the success of Gypsy Kitchen, Southern Gentleman, and Ocean and Acre at Halcyon, overseeing the entire operation and ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
Throughout his career, Ali has cultivated a reputation for excellence, leveraging my skills in hospitality management, leadership, and creative direction to propel each establishment he has worked with to new heights.
As he continues to forge my path in the hospitality industry, Ali remains dedicated to crafting memorable experiences, pushing boundaries, and delivering unparalleled service to discerning clientele. His philosophy has always been to create a memorable experience for guests
Molly Losee is the Assistant General Manager of Roaring Social Alpharetta, a CSV venue. She holds over 17 years of experience in hospitality, and has been blessed to learn and work alongside some of the most established and innovative minds in food and beverage. Her enthusiasm for people has led her down a wonderful road of creating memorable experiences and fostering relationships to last a lifetime.
Kylie Novitt currently serves as the Sales Account Manager for Fairway Social Alpharetta. She holds a degree in Sports Management from UGA, with mindset to focus on the social experiences in the sports industry. Kylie also owns and managers her own boutique, Shop Ten Point. She has always held a passion for helping others planning an execute events, down to every last detail to help create lasting memories for guests.
Laura Bickford serves as the Sales Manager for Roaring Social Alpharetta. She is an experienced Event Sales Manager with a strong hospitality background. She has worked all positions in the hospitality industry, from hostess, VIP host, bartender, to Event Sales Manager for Live! at the Battery. She has experience in planning and executing a high volume of events from game watch parties, to meetings, to concerts and corporate events.
Morgan O’Kelley is the Hospitality Manager at Pickle and Social Gwinnett. She is responsible for the overall satisfaction of the guest experience. Morgan has worked in customer service, in various companies, for the last 15 years. Before coming to Pickle and Social, Morgan was the Director of MySport, an after-school program in Gwinnett County, and she was also the Pickleball Director for the Suwanee Sports Academy (SSA).
With her leadership, she grew the MySport program and made it one of the most successful, and profitable, programs at the Academy. Morgan is an experienced pickleball player and brings a wealth of knowledge to the company. While at SSA, she created the Suwanee Pickleball Team, and she orchestrated open play for pickleball. She also organized the first pickleball tournament at SSA.
Morgan has a passion for creating programs to enhance team building with guests and her staff. She has a great deal of experience, and drive, for sports and she brings a wealth of experience to Pickle and Social.
Chris Wolfe serves as the Director of Pickleball Operations for the Pickle and Social brand. Chris has been a USA Pickleball Ambassador since January 2020, as well as a PPA Certified Teaching Professional, and a 5.0 player sponsored by Team Paddletek. Wolfe’s life changed 11 years ago when he was introduced to the sport of pickleball while he was hosting a morning show in Greensboro, NC. Wolfe called this “the second most fantastic day of my life.” He became hooked on the sport and was determined to be on the court every day as he found it to be not only fun, but also a great stress reliever. He started playing in many tournaments, earning various titles and awards. When he relocated to Atlanta in 2016, his focus changed from his pickleball career, to helping others with theirs.
He has spent his time studying the sports and helping others play. Following his relocation, Wolfe became a co-owner with Chad Cromwell of the Atlanta Pickleball Association (ATLPBA). His role started out as helping run the ATLPBA, while also organizing some of the country’s first pickleball round-robin and 5-line leagues. By 2017, ATLPBA had 400 players signed up and ready to play.
Wolfe is most known for starting the Atlanta Open Pickleball Tournament, one of the biggest Pickleball Tournaments held nation-wide. He partnered with Lifetime Fitness at Peachtree Corners, GA to hold this pickleball tournament. Then, Wolfe and partner Cromwell ran and hosted the first Atlanta Open Pickleball Tournament. This tournament ended up being a huge success, being one of the country’s highest-paying pro tournaments at the time. Fast-forwarding to 2021, Wolfe and Cromwell partnered with the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA), had 1,168 registered players, and gave away over 100K at the Atlanta Open.
“I have been teaching and organizing for years. I have been trying to figure out how to center my career using my expertise in the sport,” states Wolfe. “When people say, if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. This new role will allow me the opportunity to never work again in my life, and I could not be more excited for this opportunity.”
Jared Batts serves as the Executive Chef for Fairway Social Trilith. He has over 18 years of experience in hospitality and culinary industries. He uses his depth knowledge of creating systems to hold team members accountable, which has made a positive working environment with a high rate of service. Jared's passion has always been training, coaching, and developing team members to help them grow individually and within their position.
Richard Davenport had started at Pickle and Social Gwinnett as the Executive Sous Chef and since then has been promoted to Executive Chef.
He was brought up in Pennsylvania he learned from his grandmother who loves food and taught him his passion for feeding people. He has been in the food industry for 15 years growing his craft. Over the years he has traveled to several other states taking in culinary cultures such as NY and FL before coming to GA.
Richard loves to spend his free time with his wife and 3 fur babies relaxing and exploring the vast Georgia culinary scene.
Jacob Saavedra is the Assistant General Manager of Fairway Social Alpharetta. Jacob holds a Business Sports Management degree. Jacob first got started in the hospitality industry as a bartender and quickly progressed to Assistant General Manager, driven by a passion for customer service and operational efficiency. A highlight of my career includes playing a pivotal role in launching a new venue, where I contributed to its successful operations and management. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, further enhancing my professional growth and personal development.