Forum Taps Exchange Veteran to Vie for National DST Dominance

DENVER, CO – March 02, 2026 – In a significant move signaling its national ambitions, Forum Investment Group has appointed veteran exchange specialist Grant Turner as Managing Director for its Forum Exchange platform. The strategic hire poaches a high-producing expert from a market leader and positions the Denver-based firm to aggressively compete for a larger share of the burgeoning tax-advantaged real estate market, a sector seeing record capital flows from investors seeking to defer taxes and transition into passive real estate ownership.

Turner joins Forum from Ares Wealth Management, where he was instrumental in supporting the Black Creek and Ares Real Estate Exchange platforms, completing over $867 million in 1031 exchange transactions. His appointment to the newly created role of Managing Director, Client Portfolio Manager, is a clear indicator of Forum’s intent to bolster its 1031, Delaware Statutory Trust (DST), and 721 exchange strategies, which it formally launched in January 2026.

“Grant brings deep experience in 1031 exchanges, intermediary distribution, and advisor education,” said Lee Beck, President at Forum, in a statement. “We believe his experience scaling exchange platforms and supporting advisors through complex transactions will enhance our ability to grow Forum Exchange nationally.”

Tapping Expertise in a Surging Market

Forum’s move is timed to capitalize on unprecedented growth in the DST market. After raising a record-breaking $9.2 billion in 2022, the sector has shown remarkable resilience and continued expansion. Industry data shows the market raised nearly $5.66 billion in 2024, and analysts from Mountain Dell Consulting have forecasted a potential $7.5 billion capital raise for 2025. Through the third quarter of 2025 alone, the equity raise for DSTs had already surpassed the total for all of 2024, climbing to approximately $5.76 billion.

This explosive growth is fueled by powerful demographic and economic trends. A primary driver is the wave of aging baby boomers who own highly appreciated real estate assets. Many are looking to shed the active management responsibilities—often summarized as dealing with “tenants, toilets, and trash”—in favor of passive, income-generating investments for their retirement years. DSTs provide a turnkey solution, allowing these investors to use a 1031 exchange to roll their equity into a fractional ownership stake in institutional-quality, professionally managed properties like large multifamily complexes or industrial warehouses, all while deferring capital gains taxes.

The appeal extends beyond retirement planning. DSTs offer individual investors access to asset classes and geographic diversification that would typically be out of reach, helping to build more resilient portfolios. With the IRS providing regulatory clarity and the core tenets of Section 1031 of the tax code remaining stable, investor confidence in these structures is high.

The Battle for Advisor Mindshare

A crucial component of Forum's strategy appears to be centered on empowering financial advisors, a group that acts as the primary gatekeeper for high-net-worth client capital. Despite the clear benefits of alternative investments like DSTs for portfolio diversification, research shows many advisors hesitate to recommend them, citing their complexity and a lack of personal confidence in their own expertise. A significant number of advisors find it challenging to explain these intricate structures to clients, creating a barrier to adoption.

Forum is directly addressing this challenge by creating a senior, client-facing role dedicated to education and support. As Client Portfolio Manager, Turner will be tasked with helping registered investment advisors (RIAs), wirehouse representatives, and independent broker-dealers navigate the technical and structural nuances of 1031, DST, and 721 UPREIT exchanges. This focus on simplifying complexity is a strategic differentiator.

“Grant’s ability to simplify complex structures and build trusted advisor relationships will be instrumental as we continue to scale the platform,” noted Harry Alcock, Forum’s Chief Investment Officer. By providing a dedicated subject matter expert, Forum aims to become a go-to partner for advisors looking to incorporate sophisticated, tax-advantaged real estate solutions into their clients' financial plans.

A Strategic Play in a Crowded Field

While the market is large and growing, it is also fiercely competitive. Forum Exchange enters a field dominated by established giants. Turner’s former firm, Ares Real Estate Exchange, commanded an approximate 20% market share through September 2025. Other major players include Inland Private Capital Corporation, widely recognized as the nation's largest DST sponsor, and vertically integrated firms like Capital Square and ExchangeRight Real Estate.

The competition is only intensifying, with major institutional investors like Blackstone entering the DST space, signaling the sector's mainstream appeal and long-term viability. For a firm like Forum, which describes itself as a “Denver-based boutique investment management firm,” scaling up requires more than just a solid product; it requires proven talent and a distinct strategy.

Hiring Turner is a direct raid on a top competitor and a clear statement of intent. His track record and deep intermediary relationships provide Forum with immediate credibility and an accelerated path to market penetration. The move transforms the firm from a new entrant into a serious contender with the expertise to execute complex transactions and build a national distribution network.

“Forum has built a differentiated real estate platform grounded in discipline, collaboration, and long-term value creation,” Turner stated. “I’m excited to join the team and help expand Forum Exchange by supporting advisors and their clients with thoughtful, well-structured 1031 and 721 solutions.” His integration into the team marks a pivotal moment for the firm as it pivots from a regional specialist to a national force, aiming to carve out its own territory in the dynamic landscape of tax-advantaged real estate investing.