Michael Hanschen is a property development and investment professional based in Dallas, Texas. As Chief Operating Officer he leads a team of land development and home building professionals to acquire, plan, and develop large scale residential and commercial projects in the region. Michael works closely with local government, project consultants, and joint venture partners to carry out complex development plans. Before to joining Risland, Michael was Director of Investment and Development for Matthews Southwest, a Dallas based international development firm with projects in the US, Canada, and the UAE. Prior to returning to the United States he was based in Melbourne, Australia where he played in key role in starting Point Polaris, a Capital Solutions, Development Advisory, and Project Management firm that grew to have over $1.3 billion under management. Before moving to Australia, Michael lived in mainland China for 10 years where he managed a full service office for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). In his capacity as Managing Director of the Qingdao branch his office provided investors, developers and occupiers with real estate advisory and agency representation services.Michael is a graduate of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design AMDP, holds a degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Qingdao University, and a Diploma of Building and Construction Management. He has undertaken Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Estate Master Development Feasibility training courses. Residing with his wife and three children in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, Michael frequently travels throughout North America, Australia and Asia. He speaks fluent Mandarin, is conversant in Spanish and never tires from the thrill of learning new markets, cultures and languages.