EB5 Investors Magazine Volume 7, Issue 2 | Page 95

TOP BUSINESS PL AN WRITERS TOM MARTIN BAKER TILLY Tom Martin is the managing director with Baker Tilly and currently leads the EB-5 U.S. consulting practice. With over eight years of EB-5 experience, Martin works within the EB-5 practice areas to structure EB-5 offerings for qualifying projects and businesses. He has personally overseen the completion of more than 700 economic impact reports and 1,000 business plans as well as the creation of hundreds of source of funds analysis for EB-5 investors. He serves as a strategic advisor to regional centers, developers and project owners utilizing EB-5 financing. Prior to Baker Tilly, he worked in education and sales. WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY? I enjoy working with groups and individuals to help meet their needs and I saw an incredible opportunity to help people navigate through the complex environment of EB-5. The role of consultant is to help clients reduce complicated matters and avoid making costly mistakes. I am proud of the role we have had in helping hundreds of our clients be successful in achieving their EB-5 goals. WHAT NEW TYPES OF PROJECTS AND TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY AFTER THE NEW REGULATIONS TOOK EFFECT? There is still a strong interest in EB-5 and we are seeing the industry looking for great projects that remain in TEA eligible areas. Projects that are in rural areas are highly desirable right now. We continue to see projects utilizing smaller EB-5 raises, under $30 million, that focus on multi-family housing and mixed- use projects as well as hospitality. However, we are increasingly helping clients that are working to develop restaurants, technology and manufacturing projects. With pending legislation likely to pass soon, it is anticipated that more projects will qualify for TEA and we could see a significant increase in projects seeking EB-5 funding. EB5INVESTORS.COM 95