The People Behind Freedom Commercial Real Estate

Zane Schartz

President

Connect on LinkedIn · Subscribe on YouTube

Zane Schartz is the President of Freedom Commercial Real Estate. With over 10 years of experience in private equity real estate investing, Zane has managed a portfolio of more than 80 properties spanning six commercial real estate funds. He directly oversees and manages more than $200 million in commercial real estate assets.

Freedom CRE is a private equity real estate investment firm that sponsors and manages commercial real estate funds focused on acquiring cash-flowing properties backed by leases with multibillion-dollar corporations such as Starbucks, Bank of America, Sherwin-Williams, 7-Eleven, and other financially stable, large-cap companies. The firm’s investment strategy focuses on acquiring high-quality commercial real estate that generates consistent cash flow while providing investors with the opportunity to build long-term wealth. Before founding Freedom CRE, Zane served as the Chief Investment Officer of a private equity firm with more than $700 million in assets.

Zane’s approach focuses on using innovative investment strategies to maximize investor returns and build lasting wealth. A former professional hockey player, Zane graduated from Liberty University with a degree in business marketing and management. After graduation, he played professional hockey for three years in North America and Europe. Zane attends Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas. His biggest goal in life is to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding Christian missionaries around the world.

Ron Meador

Financial Management Expert

Ron Meador brings over 40 years of financial management experience to Freedom Commercial Real Estate. A seasoned CPA, Ron has held leadership roles as a CFO in the real estate, technology, and nonprofit sectors. His expertise ensures efficiency and precision in all aspects of the investment process.

With a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record, Ron plays a pivotal role in providing investors with confidence in their financial strategies. His rich background and proven track record make Ron a critical asset to our team, where his expertise increases the efficiency of the investment process.

Bethany Runnels

Operations and Asset Management

Bethany Runnels is an asset management professional with 5 years of experience overseeing commercial real estate portfolios. Before joining Freedom Commercial Real Estate, she managed a $200 million portfolio of 75+ commercial properties, developing skills in reporting, tenant relations, and project management.

Bethany’s background in business development enhances her ability to foster strong relationships and drive value for investors. When she’s not managing assets, Bethany enjoys sports, game nights, and serving her community through Austin Ridge Bible Church.

Derrek Schartz

Marketing

Dr. Derrek Schartz DBA brings over 35 years of expertise in sales and marketing to Freedom Commercial Real Estate. His extensive experience in growing revenue and corporate visibility positions him as a key contributor to the firm’s success.

With a vast network of industry connections, Derrek identifies opportunities to expand our firm’s reach and enhance its offerings. His strategic vision and proven track record in marketing help the firm remain a leader in the commercial real estate space.

Jocelyn Copko

Property Management

Jocelyn brings more than 10 years of commercial real estate property management experience to Freedom Commercial Real Estate. Before joining Freedom, she worked at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) where she managed diverse portfolios spanning retail, office, luxury, and mixed-use properties. She has managed portfolios exceeding $200 million in asset value, with responsibility for property operations, budgeting and financial reporting, tenant relations, vendor management, capital projects, lease administration, and new-property transitions.

Known for her hands-on leadership and solutions-focused approach, Jocelyn excels at bringing structure to complex operations, improving efficiency, and building strong relationships with clients, tenants, and service partners. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and baking, spending time in nature, exploring wellness through movement, and serving her community.

Elijah Freeney

Analyst / Acquisitions

With over 4 years of real estate experience, Elijah has held acquisitions and asset management roles across multifamily, office, and industrial assets. Prior to joining Freedom Commercial Real Estate, he served as Lead Analyst at Reserve Capital Partners, focusing on their office and industrial portfolios.

While at Exponential Property Group, he supported over $115MM in multifamily acquisitions and developments. Outside of work, he is an active member of The Blessing Church in Carrollton, TX and is a self-proclaimed coffee snob.