The future of housing lies in merging technology with sustainability to create modern living environments that enhance the lives of its residents. We're changing the way the world thinks about housing.

MODUS COMPANIES

Nationally recognized as a premier developer of Net Zero Energy (NZE) homes, MODUS is a real estate investment and development company known for sustainable and award-winning multifamily projects.

Our Mission

MODUS TEAM

Ed Gorman, President

As President of MODUS Companies, Ed Gorman brings deep expertise in green building, real estate, and technology to lead one of the country’s premier Net Zero Energy developers.

  • Ed Gorman is President of MODUS Companies, one of the nation’s leading developers of Net Zero Energy (NZE) homes and award-winning multifamily neighborhoods and communities. Founded in 2006 in Scottsdale, Arizona, MODUS’s vision is to build communities of the future with minimal impact on the planet.

    To achieve this, the company thinks outside of the box design-wise and deploys the highest level of green industry standards. Gorman has completed numerous modern, green-living residential and multifamily projects in Arizona and California and currently has over 1,000 multifamily units in various stages of development throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.

    Ed holds Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and computer science from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Arizona State University. His extensive background in technology and real estate development includes site acquisition, design, construction, and financing, as well as LEED accreditation. He is a member of the Green Chamber of Commerce, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the U.S. Green Living Council (USGBC).

Madelyn Kretlow, Office Production Coord.

Madelyn supports company-wide efficiency at MODUS Companies by overseeing daily operations, cross-functional communication, and back-office systems.

  • Madelyn oversees daily operations to ensure seamless workflow and effective communication across all departments. In addition to supervising office logistics, she ensures compliance with legal requirements and the smooth operation of IT services, resulting in a well-organized and responsive work environment.

    Her entry into the commercial real estate sector started a decade ago at global leaders Cushman & Wakefield and later Marus & Millichap where she revolutionized the new agent and support staff onboarding program and became the key liaison for complex out-of-state legal requirements for the multitude of different US states’ contracts and business initiatives.

    Madelyn relocated to Arizona in her teens and began her modeling career with MTM, Model Talent Management, gaining early exposure to networking and personal brand development. This experience cultivated confidence under pressure while establishing valuable professional relationships.

    She earned a sports scholarship (tennis) to Scottsdale Community College and later a BA of Art Studies from Arizona State University. While Madelyn has a keen sense for business, she also has a creative side and before the age of 21 showcased her first solo art exhibition, “Lydia: Exhibit in Red” in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ, a vibrant hub of art galleries.

    Outside of her professional work, Madelyn continues with her art passion through private commission projects, exploring creative expression while also experimenting with new artistic mediums on her own personal pieces.  Madelyn cherishes time with her best friend of thirteen years, her husband. Together, they share a love for discovering new foods and spending quality time with their beloved dogs.

Deena Harms, Operations Manager

Deena oversees operations, finance, and HR at MODUS Companies, drawing on decades of leadership in municipal project management and community-focused administration.

  • Deena’s extensive experience with budgets, accounting, contracts and human resources ensures confident management of all of the operational details of a busy development company. Her professional experience is rich in creating a better community for all to enjoy.

    Deena worked for the City of Scottsdale for 39 years, including 11 as the Office Manager for Capital Projects Management, which manages all city-owned property projects including new construction, remodels and infrastructure such as streets. Additionally, she dedicated 25 years as the Scottsdale Public Library Volunteer Manager where she oversaw a program of 450 volunteers across 5 facilities, managing all marketing, budgeting, human resources, training and daily supervision. She also served as a Youth Sports Coach and Facility Manager. Deena served on many city improvement committees over the years and has completed numerous leadership training courses.

    She holds a BS in Exercise Science and Physical Education from Arizona State University.

    Deena’s passions outside of work are spending time with family and friends and traveling.  She grew up appreciating all genres of music which led to a love of jitterbug and country dancing.

Josh Holmes, EVP, Acquisitions & Finance

With over $1.5B in career transactions, Josh brings two decades of multifamily and commercial investment expertise to MODUS Companies’ acquisition and finance strategy.

  • Josh leads all acquisition and finance functions for the company. He is responsible for identifying land sites, including existing multi-family & build to rent (BTR) investment opportunities, securing the underwriting and completing operational proformas with 3rd party management partners.

    He enjoys negotiating the purchase and sale agreements, sourcing debt and equity and managing the escrow and closing processes.

    With over 20 years of commercial and multifamily real estate expertise, Josh has transacted $1.25 billion in multifamily acquisitions/dispositions, and $250 million in office & industrial investment sales throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida.

    Josh began his commercial real estate career in 2004 at Sperry Van Ness as an office & industrial investment sales advisor, followed by Stearns Bank, heading the Appraisal Review Department overseeing the Western United States. At Clear Sky Capital, he spearheaded the acquisition of a substantial portfolio of multi-family assets and various businesses and was then recruited to Western Wealth Capital to be their Director of Multi-family Acquisitions. He joined MODUS in 2021 and commenced acquiring development sites.

    Josh attended John A. Logan College and also the University of Southern Illinois where he was a Classical Guitar Performance major. He holds an active Arizona Real Estate License and is a member of the Phoenix Realtors Association.

    In his personal life, he devotes much of his time to his wife and young family; 10-year-old twin daughters and a 9-year-old son. They love hiking, traveling, sports, and camping. Josh is also an accomplished musician, with years of study in classical guitar performance, and playing professional since he was 16. He currently has a popular hard-rock band, Chasing Poppies playing venues throughout the region in metropolitans of Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas.  

Gerda Kauks, Marketing & Hospitality Strategist

Gerda blends two decades of luxury hospitality and marketing leadership into her role at MODUS Companies, driving brand growth through experiential design and strategic execution.

  • With over two decades of experience in high-impact marketing and luxury hospitality, Gerda brings a refined and intuitive approach to creating unforgettable experiences. Her career spans iconic names like Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Colliers and Sotheby’s International Realty.

    A dynamic leader in luxury travel advising and short-term rental operations, Gerda curates elevated guest experiences marked by exceptional service, detail-driven comfort, and personalized hospitality. Equally influential behind the scenes, she has directed a full-service design and marketing agency, transforming complex business goals into visually captivating, results-driven campaigns.

    Her portfolio includes everything from branding and advertising to web design, email marketing, and high-conversion sales materials. Gerda has provided critical marketing support to high-profile real estate and hospitality clients across the U.S., enhancing departmental efficiency, building brand visibility, and driving consistent client referrals and five-star reviews.

    Whether crafting bespoke itineraries, refining guest communications, or launching destination properties, Gerda merges creativity with strategy—delivering luxury experiences and powerful marketing that leave a lasting impression.

Accolades & Highlights

  • 1st LEED-H Project in the U.S. Pioneered the nation's first LEED for Homes certified multifamily project.

  • 1st Net Zero Energy Apartment Building in the U.S. Built an apartment complex where every unit and common area earned a 0 or lower HERS rating.

  • >25% Average IRRfor Investors. Delivering strong, above-market returns across our portfolio.

  • 5-20% Higher Rentper Sq. Ft. Achieving a premium vs. competitive multifamily communities.

  • MHN Excellence Award in the Development & Design: Single-Family Rentals (Arcadia Views)

  • Multi Family Executive BTR Grand Award (Arcadia Views)

  • Real Estate Development (RED) Award (Arcadia Views)

  • Home of the Year, Green Builder Magazine, Special Focus Award (The Galleries at Turney)

  • 300+ Features in Media & Press. Recognized across publications, books, and national TV shows.

  • 9 Industry Awards Earned. Honored for design excellence and sustainable innovation.

Milestones & Innovations

  • 2025 - The Future Unleashed
    Construction to begin for coveted Scottsdale location comprised of 94 new BTR units.

  • 2024 - Net Zero Luxury Villas
    Production underway on the most exclusive and unique upcoming eco-luxe Scottsdale villas.

  • 2022 – Net Zero BTR with Hercuwall
    Built the first Net Zero Build-to-Rent product using innovative Hercuwall technology.

  • 2021 – First Net Zero Podium Building
    Introduced the first Net Zero Energy podium apartment building in Arizona.

  • 2021 – Record-Breaking Sale
    MZ Scottsdale set a new market record for highest price per unit in Arizona.

  • 2017 – First 100% Net Zero Energy Apartments
    Delivered a groundbreaking complex with a total Net Zero energy footprint.

  • 2015 – Arizona’s First Net Zero Multifamily Project
    Each unit in the community earned a 0 or lower HERS rating.

  • 2013 – California Expansion
    Launched Parc Riviera, our first Southern California project in San Diego.

  • 2009 – First LEED-H Project in Arizona
    Set the standard by delivering Arizona's first LEED for Homes certified multifamily development.