August 20th, 2026

Freehold Capital taps veteran executive to lead Florida and Georgia expansion

Original article by James Cannon at Jacksonville Business Journal >

Freehold Capital Management has tapped a veteran Florida real estate executive to lead its growth efforts in two of the Southeast’s most active development markets.

Jacksonville-based Freehold announced Aug. 20 that Johnny Lynch has joined the land management and real estate development company as regional president for Florida and Georgia, putting him in charge of identifying new development opportunities and shaping the company’s strategy across both states.

Lynch brings nearly 30 years of real estate experience, including senior leadership roles with D.R. Horton, GreenPointe Communities, CalAtlantic Homes, Minto Communities, Lennar and Firethorn.

“Joining this team at such a pivotal moment for this region is a privilege. I’ve spent years getting to know this diverse and complex market and I’m thrilled to hit the ground running and help lead our expansion efforts across Florida and Georgia,” Lynch said in a statement.

In the new role, Lynch will focus on evaluating land and development opportunities, building relationships with homebuilders and identifying markets where Freehold sees the strongest opportunities for growth.

His appointment comes as Freehold continues expanding its Florida portfolio, including a major Clay County project that recently moved into residential development.

Freehold and Ryan Homes recently opened Sagebrooke 55+, the first neighborhood at Saratoga Springs and what the company describes as Clay County’s first agrihood.

Saratoga Springs is planned around working farms managed by professional on-site staff. Residents will receive shares of seasonal harvests and have access to you-pick orchards and a social garden, along with planned resort-style pools, fitness and wellness facilities, parks, playgrounds, open space and trails.

Nine model homes have opened at Sagebrooke, according to Freehold.Construction has also begun on amenities that will serve both the active adult community and Silos, a future neighborhood at Saratoga Springs, with delivery scheduled for 2027.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Johnny Lynch to the team. Florida remains one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country, and Lynch’s deep-rooted relationships and proven track record across this region make him the ideal leader to drive our next chapter of growth,” said Andrew Smith, executive vice president, East of Freehold Capital Management, in a statement.

Lynch is a Florida native and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University.

Founded in 2013, Freehold Capital Management invests in and develops residential mixed-use and master-planned communities, land, infrastructure and rental communities. The company said its portfolio encompasses nearly 20,000 acres, almost 4 million square feet of commercial space and more than 38,200 residential and rental units completed or under development.

Read the original article by James Cannon at Jacksonville Business Journal >