Bruce Jones

Broker / Team Leader Exceptional Living Group

Bruce's real estate career started when he flipped his first house at age 19. Years later he obtained his license and sold hundreds of homes with a 20-year career at RE/MAX. He developed a team (ExceptionalLivingGroup) of seasoned agents which were recruited to Compass in 2019 and are recognized as one of the top teams in the country. With over 25 years of experience, Bruce brings a vast knowledge of real estate coupled with middle Tennessee knowledge/geographics. In addition to selling residential real estate, Bruce has developed, designed and financed the build out of dozens of homes. He has led his own venture capitalist group to develop and built a large array of successful projects in the area. Bruce has a strong background of insurance / claims experience with years of corporate experience. He has closed hundreds of millions in area transactions since obtaining his real estate license in 1996 with a Broker's license since 2007.

Bruce enjoys and promotes a healthy lifestyle through fitness and personal responsibility. He enjoys helping people achieve their goals and who are willing to work hard. He also has created a large wealth portfolio for his investors over the years and has several luxury real estate projects in the Nashville area. When presented with the opportunity to work on the Legends View project with The Innovations Group, he immediately knew this project would be heavily sought after with a rare opportunity for individuals to be able to live and work in Franklin. He cannot wait to see the finished product.

Eric Powers

CEO / The Innovations Group

Eric Powers Practiced Architecture in the Private Sector working for Edwards & Hotchkiss Architects. He worked on projects throughout southeast and eventually went to work for a well-known Restaurant Company, O’Charley’s Restaurants. Eric worked in their Development Division supporting the Design and Development of their new restaurants all over the southeast. By the time he left to open The Innovations Group, LLC they were opening a new $3.5 Mil Restaurant every 2 weeks.

Using this extensive expertise, he Founded The Innovations Group, LLC as an Architectural Design and Development Company. He now shares his skills with clients doing traditional Architectural Projects, Full Development Projects, Fee Based Development Management Services, Property Management Services, and Real Estate Services. His understanding of Real Estate, Development, and Architecture allows for a comprehensive approach to projects for his clients which includes projects in excess of $1.2 Bil.

Eric also enjoys giving back to the community and helps with a number of great organizations. He is on the board of The Franklin Noon Rotary, Baptist Children's Home, Progressive Directions, and has had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Board at Nashville State Community College and as Chairman of the Board for Tuckers’s House.

Armando E. Estrada

Director of Development / The Innovations Group

Armando earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Duke University in 2004. Over the last 15 years he has operated and sold real estate development projects in the Southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. He is considered a bilingual expert in the financial planning, sales, operational aspects and overall delivery of real estate and construction investment projects.

Armando grew TriStar Asset Management from a Puerto Rico based operation to a regional firm known for its leadership and management of diversified commercial and residential real estate portfolios on behalf of its investors. Highlights of past projects include a 35-unit high rise luxury condominium in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the lease and sale of 30,000 SF office building in Santurce, PR, assembling and sale of large single family and marina rental portfolio and the land development of 140 residential and 5 lot commercial mixed-use community in Gallatin, TN.

Since moving TriStar to Middle Tennessee in 2016, Armando joined The Innovations Group, supporting new project development initiatives and construction management. The ability to identify, analyze and budget investment & construction opportunities to meet established financial and schedule targets allows him to approach every project with an adaptable mindset. He collaborates with experts in each field to engage in site selection, land planning, financial planning, financing, lead contractor selection, and asset management and disposition.

Armando received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy from Duke University and was a recipient of the William J. Griffith Service Award. He also received a Certificate in Construction Management from South Dakota School of Mining and Technology and a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University He serves on the MTSU Land Development and Residential Building Board, is the Treasurer and Past Board Member of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club. Armando lives in Franklin, TN with his Wife of over 10 years and two children.

Joshua Powers

Director of Real Estate & Property Management / The Innovations Group

Josh earned his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Williamson Christian College in 2019 . He joined The Innovations Group in 2014.

Josh’s experience and deep roots in the Middle Tennessee community provide a consistent supply of real estate opportunities for the company’s development pipeline. His focus also includes land development management with expertise in the acquisition and entitlement process. Josh directs the property management division managing over 125,000 SF of commercial space and a portfolio of residential rentals.

He supports and volunteers with the Franklin Noon Rotary at the Franklin Rodeo and Great Americana Barbeque Festival. He lives in Franklin with his wife, Brooke.

Laret Casella

Interior Designer

Laret has thirty years of experience developing innovative designs for a wide variety of clients. Her experience includes managing projects ranging from institutional buildings to large corporate office spaces, and high-end residential. She is accustomed to working on projects with cost and responsibilities ranging from high-rise condo and apartment buildings to custom offices and work-out facilities for the Multi-National Championship Winner, Vanderbilt Commodores Baseball Team. Every project brings opportunities with it. Recognizing the opportunities and taking advantage of them in a manner that is appropriate to the client's needs and budgets is Laret’s strength.

Laret is as passionate about design as she is the Tennessee Titans! After graduating from Auburn University’s esteemed School of Architecture with a Bachelor of Interior Design (War Eagle!), Laret left her hometown of Montgomery, Alabama and moved north with her Southampton, NY sweetheart, making Nashville their home. Laret is a fitness enthusiast, artist, art lover, and avid sports fan. She loves spending time with friends and hanging out with her husband, Jeff, and their son, Finn.

Steve Akers

Director of Architecture / Integrous Architecture

Steve joined The Innovations Group Team in 1998. He serves as our Director of Architecture, contributing to and overseeing all design and documentation of projects. His nearly 30 years of architectural experience across a broad spectrum of use types serves us well in delivering projects for in-house development projects, as well as multiple individual clients.

Steve contributes to community service through his local church and by serving on the Board of Trustees for Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville TN. He has also spent many years as a local Boy Scout leader.