Prior to cofounding Poplar Grove, Jim Whelan served as the Vice President of Acquisitions at Broad Reach Retail Partners, where he oversaw all retail acquisitions and dispositions. Prior to his time at Broad Reach, Jim dedicated over 15 years to various executive roles at Chase Properties, Harbour Retail Partners (Atlanta), and BC Wood Properties (Lexington). His responsibilities spanned acquisitions, asset management, leasing, and property management. Jim holds a CCIM designation and is an active participant in ICSC.
A graduate of Transylvania University, Jim resides in Louisville, KY, with his wife, Lauren, and their two children, Charlotte and Graham.
Jonathan Aur is a Partner at Poplar Grove Partners, a real estate investment firm focused on building a differentiated investment platform dedicated to acquiring and transforming underperforming assets into durable, high-performing properties.
Poplar Grove Partners was founded on the belief that consistent value creation comes from disciplined execution, strong local market insight, and a hands-on approach to asset management. The firm partners with investors on a deal-by-deal basis, targeting opportunities where thoughtful leasing, operational improvements, and strategic capital can unlock long-term value.
In addition to his role at Poplar Grove, Jonathan is a Founding Partner of Jones Aur Commercial Real Estate, where he has helped build one of the most active brokerage platforms in the region, overseeing more than 4 million square feet of leasing and management. His experience advising both tenants and landlords provides a unique perspective on how real estate performs at the ground level, informing every acquisition and business plan at Poplar Grove.
Based in Memphis, Jonathan is focused on growing Poplar Grove into a nationally recognized investment platform while staying grounded in the markets and relationships that drive real results.
Dustin Jones is a Partner at Poplar Grove Partners, a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and repositioning retail and mixed-use properties across the United States. He works alongside the firm’s leadership term to source opportunities, execute acquisitions, and create long term value through strategic leasing, operational improvements, and hands on asset management.
Poplar Grove Partners was founded on the belief that durable real estate value is created through disciplined execution, strong market relationships, and a deep understanding of how properties operate at the ground level. The firm partners with investors on a deal-by-deal basis, targeting opportunities where thoughtful leasing strategies, repositioning, and local market expertise can unlock untapped potential.
In addition to his role at Poplar Grove Partners, Dustin is a Founding Partner of Jones Aur Commercial Real Estate, one of the most active retail brokerage and advisory firms in the Mid-South. With more than 20 years of experience in retail and commercial real estate, Dustin has represented local, regional, institutional, and REIT clients including Brixmor Property Group, Realty Income, and Verit. His experience advising landlords, developers, and retailers gives him a practical and operational perspective that directly informs Poplar Grove’s investment strategy.
Before entering commercial real estate, Dustin owned and operated restaurants ranging from local concepts to publicly traded brands. That hospitality background shaped his relationship driven approach to business and established the work ethic and service mindset that continue to define his career today.
Based in Memphis, Dustin is focused on helping grow Poplar Grove Partners into a nationally respected investment platform while remaining deeply connected to the relationships, communities, and operators that drive long term success.
Brandon is originally from Houston, Texas, and is a third-generation graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. As a Partner at Poplar Grove Partners, he is responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and executing commercial real estate acquisitions across the firm’s investment platform. He also plays a key role in debt sourcing and capital structuring.
Prior to joining Poplar Grove Partners, Brandon spent nearly 12 years managing assets for publicly traded companies across the United States. During that time, he oversaw asset management and capital investment initiatives for large-scale portfolios, with responsibilities including operating budget oversight, capital planning, project execution, and long-term asset optimization.
Brandon is proud to call Memphis home with his wife, Alexandra, and their son, Glenn. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid waterfowl hunter, often accompanied by his two black labs, Wallace & Douglas.