Who we are
GKH Partners is a real estate developer and investment company built for dynamic markets. Through a hands-on approach, disciplined risk management, and innovative deal structures, we pursue select opportunities that maximize asset value and protect capital in any environment.
Our platform spans self-storage investment and development, infill residential projects, and joint venture equity financing throughout the Western United States. Through our Lock & Leave Storage brand, we acquire, develop, and operate premium self-storage facilities in high-growth markets, combining disciplined site selection, thoughtful design, and hands-on management to create resilient, high-performing assets. Across our residential platform, we focus on underutilized parcels and redevelopment opportunities, delivering thoughtfully designed housing in supply-constrained markets where demand remains strong.
We also partner with experienced builders and developers by providing private equity capital for residential and commercial projects. Beyond capital, we bring strategic oversight, underwriting expertise, lender coordination, and execution support throughout the investment lifecycle. With a vertically integrated model and long-term ownership mindset, GKH Partners is positioned to move decisively, adapt to changing market conditions, and create durable long-term value.
Leadership Team
Bradley Willard
CEO and Managing Partner
Bradley Willard serves as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of GKH Partners, where he leads the firm’s overall strategy, investment platform, and day-to-day operations. He oversees acquisitions, development, finance, asset management, and capital markets activities across the company’s diversified real estate platform, with primary responsibility for sourcing opportunities, underwriting investments, conducting market research, conducting due diligence, and executing.
Bradley directs GKH Partners’ self-storage investment and development platform through its Lock & Leave Storage brand, overseeing the acquisition, entitlement, development, and operation of premium facilities throughout the Western United States. He is actively involved in sourcing opportunities, structuring transactions, managing development, and maximizing long-term asset performance.
He also oversees the firm’s infill residential development and redevelopment platform, focused on underutilized parcels across the Western United States. His responsibilities include land acquisition, entitlements, design coordination, construction oversight, and sales execution, and he works closely with municipalities, consultants, and community stakeholders. Bradley also leads GKH Partners’ joint venture equity platform, partnering with experienced builders and developers to provide private equity capital for residential and commercial projects.
Prior to joining GKH Partners, Bradley worked at Accenture, where he led teams to design, develop, and implement core business applications for Fortune 500 clients, including AT&T. His responsibilities included project management, strategic planning, market analysis, budgeting, and staff leadership.
Bradley holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. He resides in Orange County with his wife and three daughters.
Michael Willard
Founding Partner
Michael Willard is a Founding Partner of GKH Partners, where he is involved in acquisitions, capital formation, and the development of new joint venture relationships.
Michael founded GKH Diversified LP and GKH Limited LP (collectively GKH Partners) in 1995 to manage family-owned real estate and business investment partnerships. Prior to GKH Partners, he founded and operated Michael E. Willard & Associates, a real estate investment and financing firm.
Over his career, Michael has successfully overseen the entitlement and development of more than 1,000,000 square feet of apartment, office, R&D, and self-storage space, as well as over 7,800 residential units across Southern California, Central Texas, and Arizona.
Earlier in his career, Michael founded Corporate Benefit Planners, Inc. and co-founded Charter West Companies, an early provider of insurance and financial products for small businesses and high-net-worth individuals. He holds CLU and ChFP designations.
Michael grew up in Southern California and attended California State University, Fullerton. He is married and has 8 children and 14 grandchildren.