Why Relevate?
The story behind a company’s name can be telling of its values and mission. For us, “Lift While You Climb” served as our guiding principle—a philosophy that embodies the spirit of advancing your own success while uplifting those around you. This mindset promotes mentorship, collaboration, and shared growth, emphasizing that success is more meaningful when it is achieved collectively rather than individually.
From this ethos, the concept of “elevate” inspired our name, Relevate. To us, Relevate means to elevate, to restore, and to raise the bar. Our mission is to elevate not only the real estate we work on but also the experience of those we collaborate with. We strive to enjoy the work we do, in partnership with people we respect, to deliver a quality product we can be proud of.
We’re not driven by the need to be industry leaders or win awards. Instead, we focus on delivering dependable results that allow investors, employees, and residents to thrive – to Relevate.
About Relevated:Relevated Development Company specializes in providing tailored affordable housing solutions. We understand that many developers, particularly small and mid-sized firms, often need additional support without the commitment to the overhead of full-time staff. We fill that gap by offering a comprehensive range of services, focusing on development and partnership-level operations.
Our expertise spans both new construction and preservation projects, with services that include real estate acquisitions, sales, partner interest transfers, financing, and syndication. For existing projects, we guide clients through the complex stages of interest transfers and bridge loans before moving into refinancing and re-syndication. We manage every aspect of the due diligence and underwriting processes, from preparing applications to negotiating loan and syndication closing documents. Our involvement extends beyond financing, ensuring smooth execution during construction, overseeing the initial lease-up process, and meeting all equity pay-in benchmarks. We complete our role by ensuring compliance with 8609 requirements and other final close benchmarks, effectively concluding the development process in collaboration with debt and equity partners.
In addition to development services, we offer asset management and disposition expertise. Whether improving portfolio performance or repositioning assets for an optimal exit strategy, we assist developers in unlocking the full potential of their existing assets.
Our Executive Team
Lori L Pung, CPA, NPCC
Co-Founder, CEO
Mark D Amboy, NPCC
Co-Founder, COO
Lori L. Pung, CPA, NPCC
Co-Founder & CEO
Lori is the driving force behind Relevated’s client-facing operations, bringing nearly 30 years of expertise in nearly $1.5 billion of affordable housing. She began her career at Blystone & Bailey, CPAs in Michigan, a public accounting firm specializing in audits of LIHTC and HUD properties, where she advanced to the role of Senior Audit Manager. Lori later transitioned to P.S. Equities, Inc., a for-profit real estate developer, where she served as Development and Asset Manager for a decade. During her time there, Lori was instrumental in the development of over a dozen Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties, overseeing all financial and legal processes from underwriting to final close. She also managed a portfolio of more than 30 properties comprising nearly 2,000 units.
In 2009, Lori launched her own consulting company, which she successfully ran for 12 years before joining Magnus Capital Partners as Director of Development in 2021. There, she contributed to Michigan’s first Income Averaging projects and led housing development in multiple states.
Lori is highly proficient in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits and has extensive experience working with city, state, and federal financing sources. Her specialty is partnering with general partners on portfolio development and management, including the redevelopment of entire portfolios. Additionally, Lori has mentored numerous successful small business start-ups across Michigan and Florida in various industries.
Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Alma College and is a Certified Public Accountant in Michigan. She has presented at the Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing and numerous industry conferences. Lori has also served as a guest speaker for real estate and business law classes at the University of Michigan and Alma College.
Outside of work, Lori enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing at the beach in Ludington, Michigan.
Mark D Amboy, NPCC
Co-Founder & COO
Mark has been deeply ingrained in the real estate industry from the very beginning, thanks to a family legacy rooted in Multi-Family Housing and Property Management. Mark’s venture into real estate is more than just business; it’s the continuation of a family legacy. He brings Relevated a wealth of experience, particularly in affordable housing management, renewable energy credits and operational improvement strategies. His career began at First Housing Corporation, a Michigan-based Property Management firm specializing in HUD properties. There, Mark gained hands-on experience in roles such as; Ground Maintenance and ADA Compliance, ensuring all units met strict guidelines while working directly with active tenants.
At just 21, Mark transitioned into ownership and management when he launched a live-in managed property catering to fellow students at his university. In this role, Mark oversaw the property’s operations, from maintenance to tenant relations, while fostering an environment focused on elevating the living conditions and life skills of his tenants.
After earning his degree, Mark expanded his professional reach across the Midwest, where he became a key player in the manufacturing industry. His expertise in supply chain management allowed him to implement innovative solutions that streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced overall efficiency at world-renowned companies. His strategic vision cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
Mark’s travels through the Midwest revealed the pervasive need for multi-family housing development in many cities, driving him to return to his roots as an Owner/Operator in Jackson, MI. He acquired a 76-unit HUD property, where his leadership transformed the asset, ensuring the property remains financially sound while meeting tenant needs. In addition, he manages eight commercial properties in Michigan, applying his expertise to ensure they run efficiently with positive cash flow.
He is proficient in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Property Management, his specialties include renewable energy credits, management tactics, financial positioning, strategic marketing, and an innovative mindset.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus on Integrated Supply Chain Management from Western Michigan University and is Novogradac Property Compliance Certified. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing hockey and golf, and exploring the beauty of Michigan.