Our Team

Spencer Dryer | Partner

CEO, Master Recon Expert

Spencer is a master of financial analysis, operational strategy, and property reconnaissance. Prior to joining DDP, he served as a financial analyst at a premier publicly traded company with a $50 billion market cap, overseeing financial operations across five major corporate business units.

A seasoned mobile home park (MHP) operator and partner in multiple MHP ventures, Spencer combines high-level financial acumen with boots-on-the-ground operational expertise. He is a true Recon expert — adept at analyzing communities from sweeping aerial drone surveys down to the intricate realities of underground sanitation systems. Spencer’s curiosity, precision, and relentless attention to detail drive every project he leads, setting a high standard for excellence in property analysis and due diligence.

Outside of work, he enjoys being outside in the garden tending to his world record pepper plants or enjoying time with his family and kids.

Chris Buono | Partner

CFO, Engineering Expert

Chris is a Naval Officer who blends deep financial expertise with hands-on operational leadership. A former nuclear submarine officer turned structural engineer and property developer, Chris built his career at the intersection of engineering, finance, and execution.

He served as VP of Finance in the telecommunications sector before stepping into real estate as Managing Director of a fast-growing MHP (manufactured home park) portfolio. Chris holds an MBA, is a licensed General Contractor, and brings a rare combination of technical precision and financial strategy to every venture DDP leads.

Outside of work, Chris loves spending time with his family, dogs, and reading new building techniques.

Tim Nikolaev | Partner

CRO, Strategy & Relations Expert

Tim is a builder — of companies, people, and ideas. Raised in Moscow during the fall of communism, he made his first profit at age 10 washing cars and moved to Kansas at 16 to pursue bigger dreams. With a background in mathematics and a natural drive for sales, Tim rose quickly, founding Be Humble, leading Golden Rule Practices as CEO, and serving as Director of Sales at Ultra International.

Today, as Chief of Revenue, Tim blends sharp business instincts with a passion for helping others uncover their “why.” Tim also brings his entrepreneurial spirit to youth sports, combining technology and coaching philosophy to develop the next generation of leaders.

Taylor Bradford | Recon Analyst

Taylor thrives on digging deep and finding smarter solutions. With a background in communication, psychology, customer service management, and industrial operations, Taylor knows how to read both people and environments — seeing every situation as a source of critical intelligence.

Whether analyzing a site or solving complex challenges, Taylor’s methodical approach ensures no detail is overlooked. Outside of work, he’s an avid skydiver, guitarist, car enthusiast, and outdoor adventurer who values time with friends, family, and his dogs.

Taylor brings a hands-on, thoughtful edge to every project, delivering sharp insights that drive better decisions.

Steve Edel | Founder

Steve Edel became an entrepreneur in his mid 20s after working for companies of all sizes in the information technology field. Steve’s first business was a successful IT business. Soon to follow was an INC 500 awarded website marketing company that Steve began with one employee. It is also this marketing expertise that makes it frankly ‘easier’ to find the right information online. Steve’s most recent success was starting another business in 2013 that was again INC 500 awarded, ranking #142. This business involved owning manufactured housing communities, and from that venture, the biggest industry shortcoming became very apparent – the need for Due Diligence! Steve is still a shareholder in this business but has moved on to focusing on what he is passionate about and has fun advising Due Diligence Partners.