The leadership team at MZ Capital Partners brings deep industry expertise, a history of entrepreneurial success, and a shared commitment to excellence. With over five decades of combined real estate investment experience, our principals have led the acquisition, development, and management of multifamily properties across diverse markets.

Our team’s collaborative, transparent approach fosters strong relationships—with investors, partners, and residents alike. We pride ourselves on being responsive, strategic, and focused on generating results without compromising integrity.

We believe great investments start with great people—and we are proud to lead with experience, passion, and purpose.

Founder & Managing Principal, MZ Capital Partners

Michael H. Zaransky is the Founder and Managing Principal of MZ Capital Partners, a nationally recognized real estate investment and development firm. Under his leadership, the firm has earned multiple distinctions, including a spot on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America and recognition as a “Best Place to Work in Multifamily” by the National Apartment Association.

Michael brings decades of deep experience across real estate, banking, and finance. A licensed real estate broker since 1979, he has led the firm in acquiring, developing, and managing award-winning multifamily communities nationwide. His work has been honored by industry leaders, including NAIOP’s Multifamily Development of the Year award.

He is a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO-Gold), National Apartment Association (NAA), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Michael previously served as Chair of the Commercial Division of the Chicago Association of Realtors, as well as on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

An accomplished author and speaker, Michael has written extensively on real estate investing. His best-selling books—Profit by Investing in Student Housing and Purchase, Rehab, and Reposition Commercial Investment Property—were published by Kaplan and remain popular resources among real estate professionals.

Michael holds a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a James Scholar, and a J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael is deeply committed to civic and philanthropic service. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Crown Family Foundation and serves on the Board of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, one of the nation’s largest charities, where he is a former Chairman.

Principal, MZ Capital Partners

Brad Zaransky brings extensive real estate investment and operational expertise to his role as Principal at MZ Capital Partners. A licensed real estate broker since 2005, Brad is deeply involved in the firm’s day-to-day operations, focusing on the acquisition, development, and repositioning of institutional-quality multifamily properties nationwide.

As a fourth-generation real estate entrepreneur, Brad has been immersed in the industry from an early age. He began his career as a college intern at CBRE’s Private Client Group and has since built a diverse background across the real estate spectrum. His experience spans the leasing and management of over 5,000 apartment units, oversight of on-site management teams, and execution of major construction and value-add programs.

Brad plays a hands-on role in every stage of the investment lifecycle, including underwriting, valuation, acquisitions, dispositions, revenue optimization, and strategic asset management. His commitment to innovation and operational excellence continues to drive the firm’s growth and performance.

Brad earned his degree from the University of Iowa and currently serves as a Commissioner on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Highland Park, Illinois. He is also an active member of the National Apartment Association (NAA) and a past board member of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC).