Build real value.
At The Upland Group, we combine a community-focused approach with innovative investment strategies. Our expertise in residential real estate development and management - and commitment to leveraging technology - allows us to build sustainable value for both families and investors. By focusing on ethical, data-driven decisions and fostering meaningful relationships, we ensure that every project not only meets financial goals, but also creates thriving communities.
Our Expertise
Kris Van Meter
Founder & CEO
Kris has spent his career at the forefront of residential real estate innovation, playing a pivotal role in the institutionalization of the Single-Family Rental (SFR) and Build-to-Rent (BTR) asset classes. He served as the Vice President of Strategic Client Operations at Darwin Homes, where he helped grow the platform from 2,500 to over 14,000 homes under management; there, he also launched adoor, a property management joint venture with Rithm Capital, as well as Darwin and Rithm’s first Build-to-Rent initiatives - developing new communities from concept to execution.
Prior to Darwin, Kris founded the Strategy and Analytics team at Sylvan Road Capital, where he helped institutional investors deploy more than $4.87B in SFR acquisitions. Additionally, he optimized portfolio stabilization strategies and led key initiatives that increased occupancy rates and decreased expenses by reducing maintenance and turn costs.
Beyond institutional investment, Kris serves as an advisor to emerging startups in cohabitation, property management, and investment management, helping new ventures align operational excellence with sustainable growth strategies. His passion lies in uniting people, ideas, and resources to create lasting, meaningful impact.
When he’s not researching the next deal or finding operational efficiency, Kris enjoys spending time with his wife, raising their son, cheering on the Dawgs, golfing, hunting, and fishing while carrying forward his family’s legacy of integrity and community.
Todd Van Meter
Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor
Todd Van Meter is a real estate entrepreneur, builder, and investor with nearly four decades of experience in shaping the residential housing landscape. A pioneer in Build-to-Rent (BTR) before it became an institutional recognized class, Todd began building and holding rental properties as early as 1994.
As a former licensed real estate agent turned custom home builder, Todd founded Van Meter Construction, Inc. and Van Meter Properties in the early 90s, leading the firms through multiple market cycles while remaining committed to affordable, high-quality housing and long-term community impact. In addition, he served as President of the Homebuilders Association of Hall County (1998-99) and was a board member for six years, actively shaping local housing policy and best practices. A tenured member of the Georgia Real Estate Investors Association (GAREIA), he has been a mentor and group leader for its Gainesville chapter since its inception, guiding countless investors in real estate wealth-building strategies.
At The Upland Group, Todd brings his decades of experience, deep market knowledge, and hands-on operational expertise to guide investment strategy, asset management, and long-term portfolio growth.
Aside from his passion for real estate, personal finance, and tax mitigation, Todd enjoys spending time exercising with his wife, weekly park dates with his grandson, and hopping around the world for adventures with his daughter, who lives abroad in Luxembourg.
Interested in connecting with The Upland Group?
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What Drives Us
We build lasting value through a focus on single-family rentals (SFR) and innovation, empowering families to thrive and investors to achieve meaningful returns.
Our Mission
We strive to be a trusted platform for investment and advisory services by uniting people, ideas, and resources. Our goal is to shape sustainable communities that deliver enduring impact for families and investors.
Our Vision
We operate with honesty, accountability, and trust, leveraging ethical business practices that build confidence among all stakeholders.
We create opportunity and space for families to grow, thrive, and build enduring legacy.
We strengthen communities through partnerships and collaboration, focusing on long-term relationships that drive shared success.
We are The Upland Group.