Broadstone Announces the Death of Co-Founder Norman Leenhouts

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 09, 2017 -- Broadstone Real Estate, LLC (Broadstone), with profound sadness, today announced the passing of co-founder and senior advisor Norman Leenhouts, known to his colleagues and friends affectionately as “Norm.” Norm passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side on Saturday, January 7, at the age of 81.

Norman Leenhouts

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/17356c7a-f191-4b7a-b254-6d7b5260ba71

“My father will best be remembered by his entrepreneurial spirit, humble generosity, kind heart, and brilliant mind. It was an honor and remarkable experience for me to be able to work with him for over three decades,” said his daughter, Amy Tait, Chairman and CEO. “His legacy will live on with the many, many people that he has mentored and influenced in his lifetime.”

Norm grew up with twin brother Nelson on the family farm in Ontario, New York. In 1967, the brothers founded Home Leasing Corporation, which they grew into a successful real estate development business. Norm and Nelson went on to form and co-lead Home Properties as a public company in 1994, operating as co-CEOs until 2003.

In 2006, along with his daughter, Amy Tait, and her husband, Bob Tait, Norm co-founded Broadstone, where he served as Chief Investment Officer and as an officer and director of the firm’s two private real estate investment trusts (REITs), Broadstone Net Lease and Broadtree Homes (currently Broadtree Residential) from their inception until June, 2015. In the time since, Norm has served as a senior advisor to Broadstone, and as principal of the Sylvanview, LLC family office, his most recent business venture. Norm’s wisdom, vision, leadership, and experience have served to immeasurably shape the success and culture of each company he has touched.

Over the course of his 50-year career in residential and commercial real estate, Norm has served on countless boards, most recently: the University of Rochester, Roberts Wesleyan College, the Free Methodist Church of North America, the Heritage Christian Foundation, the Edgewood Free Methodist Church, and the Charles Finney School, as board chair. Past involvements include the boards of the Strong Museum (The Strong National Museum of Play), Park Ridge (Unity) Hospital, Manufacturers Hanover, and the Financial Executives Institute.  Norm graduated from the University of Rochester, and was also a certified public accountant and licensed real estate broker.

Work accomplishments are only one piece of the puzzle for Norm, who cared deeply for his family and church, and espoused the importance of community service. Along with his wife Arlene, the family’s exceptional (and quiet) generosity touched the lives of many, and benefited a myriad of organizations dear to the Leenhouts family, including those mentioned above as well as several other local community organizations such as the Open Door Mission, the United Way, the Rochester Area Foundation, and Youth for Christ. He also supported Universities in India, Haiti, and Africa, and took mission trips to Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.  Simply put by Norm, “there’s no greater joy than helping others—it’s a great blessing to be able to do that.”

Norm is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, daughters Laurie Leenhouts and Amy (Bob) Tait, twin brother Nelson (Nancy) Leenhouts, sister Martha Leenhouts, grandchildren Jason (Nicole) Tones, Brandon (Michelle) Tones, Alexander Tait and Margaret Tait, four great-grandchildren, and countless dear friends and colleagues.  He loved to travel, fish, golf, garden, jog, and spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate the life of Norman Leenhouts on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 2 pm in the Hale Auditorium at the Cultural Life Center of Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624.  To honor Norm, in lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be made to the Rochester Youth for Christ, (www.yfc.net) or the University of Rochester Comprehensive Stroke Center (www.urmc.rochester.edu/giving/news.aspx) or to any charity of choice.  Please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com for additional information or to leave a condolence message.

About Broadstone:

Broadstone is a sponsor and manager of diversified real estate investment offerings for accredited investors and institutions seeking income-oriented alternatives to the public equity markets. The company currently serves 2,000+ Shareholders of its two private Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Broadstone Net Lease (BNL) and Broadtree Residential (Broadtree). Broadstone’s REITs are extensively utilized by RIAs, Trust Companies, and other wealth management practices on a non-commission basis.  Both offerings remain open for investment by accredited investors on a monthly basis. Shares are offered via private placement.

Please see certain important disclosures regarding BNL and Broadtree at broadstone.com/disclosures.

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