Background

Since 2002, DZL has been on the forefront of restoring and creating best in class structures and transforming neighborhoods. We see development as a powerful tool used to create value and enhance the community where we work and live.

DZL is a visionary company built on the principles of Preservation, Transformation, and putting Community first, all are essential for achieving high-quality outcomes for our partners and stakeholders. The DZL asset portfolio encompasses 16 contiguous acres of prime downtown Nashville including office, retail, residential, hospitality, and mixed-use types.

Leadership

Leadership Team

The organization is driven by a cross-functional team with deep roots in Nashville and other thriving real estate markets. Our leadership offers rich expertise across multiple categories: Development, Design and Construction, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Property Management, Asset and Operations Management, Entertainment and Hospitality. 

owner

Owner

Zach Liff is the owner of DZL, a trusted real estate investment, management and development company, headquartered in Nashville, TN. DZL is an innovator in adaptive re-use neighborhood development with stabilized, long-term holdings, over the past 30 years. This includes landmark assets: Cummins Station, Cannery Hall music venue and event center, and The Baggage Building, in downtown Nashville. The neighborhood campus spans 16 contiguous acres, with numerous core infill sites ready for development. Zach received a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, a B.S. from Wharton School of Business, and participated in Post Bachelor's study in Music at Indiana University.

Executive Team

ray

Ray began his career as one of the first employees of the iconic Opryland Hotel, after rising to the position of Sr. Vice President of the Opryland Hotel and Attractions Group he was responsible for the 2883 room hotel along with the Springhouse Golf Club, General Jackson Showboat, Radisson Hotel and Grand Ole Opry Tour Company. He then became the Managing Director for the Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort and Spa, then assumed the role of regional director for Turnberry Associates the owner operator of the Hilton Nashville, Union Station Hotel, and Sheraton Orlando during his tenure he was responsible for the acquisition and redevelopment of the historic Union Station Hotel before being promoted to the President of Hospitality for Turnberry Associates in Miami overseeing a portfolio of eight hotels including the Turnberry Isle Resort Golf and Beach Club along with Turnberry Marina. In this role he was responsible for the early development of the JW Marriott Nashville. 

He was responsible for the development and operations of the Westin Nashville and the creation of the boutique Bobby Hotel along with the acquisition of the Westin Tampa Bay Hotel.

Waters is past president of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association, and the Tennessee Hospitality Association. He won AHLA’s General Manager of the Year for Large Properties and was recognized as the Hotelier of the year by the Tennessee Hospitality Assn. 

aaronbreeden

Aaron Breeden is the Chief Investment Officer at DZL. Aaron joined DZL in July 2025 after working as the head of Acquisitions & Development for The Hocker Group, a Louisville-Kentucky-based, full-service real estate firm.  Prior to THG, he was EVP, Head of Capital Markets at HUTTON based in Chattanooga, TN where he led efforts in sourcing lending solutions; arranging and structuring venture activities; and lead the multifamily and self-storage development platform for the Firm.  Along with his duties as EVP at Hutton, Aaron served as the CFO of a subsidiary of HUTTON, ModWash, were he assisted in growing that company grow from a handful of “express tunnel” car wash locations to nearly 100 in just a few short years. Aaron began his career in banking, moving up to the market leader positions for Wells Fargo Bank’s office in Nashville, TN, then moved into the private development side when he began working with Nicol Investment Company as its Director of Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Finance.

Aaron attended Sewanee: The University of the South, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude while playing varsity basketball, then later completed his education at the University of Miami College of Law in Miami, Florida. 

Operations Team

chris

Chris Hornbuckle

Facilities Manager

denae

Denae James

Property Manager

justin

Justin Whitaker

Parking Manager