Our Story
Since our founder, Trent Michels, left Oregon in 2010, every step of his journey has brought him closer to home. From military service to law enforcement officer to real estate developer, Trent is giving back to the community that made him who he is. There’s nothing we love more than our home, and we will do everything we can to ensure these communities and our neighborhoods stay beautiful.
Our Mission
We are family-oriented people passionate about creating a better Oregon. We look to revitalize our Northwestern culture and economic vitality through meaningful real estate development. We know our communities and neighborhoods better than anyone, and we won’t let outside developers dictate the future of the places we love.
We are for the people of Oregon.
Core Values
For decades, developers have put cars first, and eliminated pedestrians from our environment. We’re flipping that on its head and bringing back the foot traffic that makes our communities livable and vibrant. We choose people over cars, any day.
We’re thinking outside the box and tossing out dated single-use spaces. It’s all about mix-use development, and we’re creating dynamic environments that serve a variety of people with a variety of activities. Relationships, community, and social interaction, it’s all coming back.
Our design process takes us back to proven development strategies that have made for strong communities for centuries. We’re building with tried & true elements such as narrow streets, alleyways, front porches, and shared spaces.
Our neighborhoods are in it for the long haul, and that means we prioritize sustainable best practices. Through a bit of technology and intentionality with our resources, we look to conserve materials and minimize our impact on the natural world.
At the end of the day, we’re building vibrant communities that people are proud to be a part of. Our communities are authentic and support subculture. We prioritize amenities, a safe environment, and opportunities for spontaneous social interaction.
Core Values
Walkability
For decades, developers have put cars first, and eliminated pedestrians from our environment. We’re flipping that on its head and bringing back the foot traffic that makes our communities livable and vibrant. We choose people over cars, any day.
Diversity
We’re thinking outside the box and tossing out dated single-use spaces. It’s all about mix-use development, and we’re creating dynamic environments that serve a variety of people with a variety of activities. Relationships, community, and social interaction, it’s all coming back.
Tradition
Our design process takes us back to proven development strategies that have made for strong communities for centuries. We’re building with tried & true elements such as narrow streets, alleyways, front porches, and shared spaces.
Sustainability
Our neighborhoods are in it for the long haul, and that means we prioritize sustainable best practices. Through a bit of technology and intentionality with our resources, we look to conserve materials and minimize our impact on the natural world.
Vibrancy
At the end of the day, we’re building vibrant communities that people are proud to be a part of. Our communities are authentic and support subculture. We prioritize amenities, a safe environment, and opportunities for spontaneous social interaction.
Trent Michels
Principal
Trent Michels grew up in Salem, Oregon and is the founder of FuND. In 2010, he graduated from Sprague High School and left home for West Point in New York. After serving in the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer, and later as a law enforcement officer, Trent found his calling as a real estate developer, bringing core values of Duty and Honor back to the community that made him who he is today.
When Trent isn’t working on his latest development project, you can find him playing with his kids, exercising, reading a good book, or spending time with his beautiful wife, Lindsay. And if there isn’t a cup of coffee in his hand, please ask if everything is alright.
Dan Polanwicz
Development Partner
Dan Polanowicz took an uncommon path into real estate development. A Massachusetts native and 2010 graduate of Algonquin High School, he began his college journey at Loyola Maryland before earning admission to West Point. After graduating, Dan spent eight years as an Infantry Officer, leading teams of 40 to 160 Soldiers and leading operations for a 660-Soldier organization. Following the birth of his first child, he left the Army to pursue a new mission: building lasting communities through real estate development. Dan approaches every project with the same focus, discipline, and mission-first mindset that defined his military service.
When not working, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, grinding through Peloton rides, and hacking his way around the golf course.
Kristina Held
Principal, Held Architecture
Kristina, Principal of Held Architecture, brings architectural innovation to FuND’s portfolio—and to clients across the United States and beyond. With a passion for sustainable design and vibrant urban planning, she enhances our projects—like The Cannery—with thoughtful, tenant-focused solutions. Kristina’s collaboration with Trent and Dan integrates Held Architecture’s design excellence into FuND’s full-service approach, from market feasibility to smart material sourcing.
Work with Kristina: looking for award-winning architectural design for your next project? Kristina and Held Architecture specialize in:
- Sustainable Design Solutions: Crafting eco-friendly buildings with certifications like NGBS, PHIUS and Fitwell.
- Mixed-Use Master Planning: Creating dynamic, community-driven spaces that blend residential, commercial, and recreational elements.
- Wellness-Oriented Architecture: Designing environments that promote health and well-being.
- Custom Project Consulting: From concept to completion, delivering tailored design expertise.
Connect with Kristina at Kristina@HeldArch.com or visit HeldArch.com to explore her portfolio and start your project today.
