AREAA President Elect 2027

Wyn Group: Founder Marshall Nguyen, alongside Co-Founder Stas Manchik, leads Wyn Group and the Asian Center Real Estate Fund (ACRE Fund), specializing in commercial real estate investment, brokerage, development, and the transformation of traditional retail properties into Asian-themed lifestyle shopping centers across the United States, collectively co-own and managing nearly 2 million square feet of commercial real estate. Their work includes pioneering some of Minnesota’s most recognized Asian retail destinations, including the first Asia Mall in Minnesota, the brokering Asia Village in Blaine, and the revitalization of Burnsville Center Regional Mall. The company focuses on creating culturally driven developments that generate economic growth, community impact, and long-term value through bold vision and strategic execution.

AREAA Commercial Vice Chair

GJG Commercial

Chris Missling began his real estate career in 2011 as an analyst for the first SFR REIT, where he played a key role in over 400 transactions. By 2015, he had expanded his impact as an aggregator for another Fund, closing another 100 properties. In 2020, he began advising clients on commercial transactions. Mr. Missling and his partners currently have $65M of AUM. He has raised millions in capital formation, bringing firsthand experience to his role. A Minnesota native, he is a member of the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Realtors (NAR), St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR). He is also an Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Board Member for 2026 and a designated candidate pursuing CCIM accreditation.

Premier Event Sponsor

YB Construction is a company in the commercial construction and roofing specializing in commercial remodels, tenant build outs, restaurant construction, roofing and renovation projects. We focus on delivering high quality craftsmanship, efficient project turnaround, and hands on construction management while helping businesses bring their vision to life through reliable and detailed work.

Steven Thao is a Minnesota-based commercial real estate developer, broker, and entrepreneur specializing in development, redevelopment, and adaptive repurposing. He serves as CEO & Developer of ScaleUp CRE, CEO & Broker of Creative Results, and General Partner of Pan Asian Center.

Armed with a Master's in Entrepreneurship and dual broker licenses in residential and commercial real estate, Steven combines business strategy, design vision, and construction knowledge to lead transformative projects across Minnesota and Wisconsin. He is also affiliated with the CCIM Institute.

Through ScaleUp CRE, Steven guides clients and partners through every stage of a project — from market analysis and site planning to capital formation, negotiations, and joint-venture execution. His portfolio spans commercial development, assisted living, apartment communities, tenant build-outs, wellness spaces, and large-scale mixed-use redevelopment.

His flagship project, the Pan Asian Center, reimagines former retail anchor space into a vibrant cultural and commercial destination — home to restaurants, retail, entertainment, wellness, and community experiences — with a mission rooted in economic growth, small business support, and cultural connection.

Known for his hands-on approach, Steven collaborates directly with architects, contractors, investors, lenders, and city officials to bring projects from concept to completion. Beyond development, he actively supports the next generation of professionals through career fairs, educational events, and community-focused initiatives.

COO/CFO & Co-Founder Wyn Group

Real Estate Brokerage, Investments, Property Management.