Each year, Columbus Business First publishes its annual list of the region’s most influential business leaders, recognizing the people shaping the trajectory of Central Ohio’s economy.

From boardrooms to job sites to classrooms, the Power 125 highlights leaders who are helping Central Ohio sustain its momentum.

The list of those who fit that description in a growing area such as Columbus is extensive. The region is blessed with a surplus of public and private leaders who care about their community. We could easily publish a list of 250 influential people, so getting the list down to 125 is a difficult task each year.

Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 is back for 2026, highlighting the region’s best and brightest upcoming leaders.

Nominees were judged on their career accomplishments, level of community involvement and letters of recommendation, among other factors.

We’ll publish more about the honorees in our May 22 issue and online that week at columbusbusinessfirst.com.

Columbus Business First's annual recognition of excellence in corporate leadership includes many executives beyond the CEO this year.

The 2026 class of Executives of the Year includes 30 honorees across a range of industries. The awards program was rebranded and refocused this year, replacing the long-running C-Suite Awards.

Coastal Ridge Real Estate has purchased two dozen apartment buildings and rental homes near Ohio State University for $6.75 million – less than the $8.5 million asking price.

An affiliate of the Columbus multifamily developer and operator closed the deal through several transactions on Jan. 14, according to Columbus Business First's tally of records from the Franklin County Recorder and Auditor's offices.

When Netflix’s hit dating series Love Is Blind filmed in Columbus, the cast called Jaeger Square — a new apartment community located in the heart of German Village — home. Chosen for its luxury living and resident-focused amenities, Jaeger Square is just steps away from nearby dining, shopping, and entertainment. The modern units and picturesque location made it the perfect backdrop for contestants navigating new connections — and an appealing option for renters looking to live in one of Columbus’ most popular neighborhoods. Here’s what the complex has to offer.

Coastal Ridge just closed on three new housing properties totaling just under 1,600 beds combined and a gross asset value of approximately $90 million. These purchases mark the firm’s initial deployment of capital from the Coastal Ridge Value-Add Student Housing Fund, LP, the firm’s inaugural institutional commingled fund.

In today’s multifamily market, operators are juggling an increasingly complex set of challenges. Operating costs are climbing, insurance premiums are rising, and resident expectations continue to evolve. At the same time, investors are demanding stronger transparency and measurable results. In this environment, traditional property management tactics are no longer enough to preserve healthy margins.

Columbus Business First announces the 45 companies that polled best in private reviews from their employees.

Standout design, community impact, and providing a top-notch resident experience were key themes of the 2025 MFE Awards winners.

Colleges across the U.S. are back in session, and with that return comes the annual scramble for student housing operators. Move-in week is their busiest and most stressful time of year, when thousands of students, many living away from home for the first time, arrive in a matter of days. Getting everyone moved in, settled, and satisfied is an enormous logistical effort. Unlike conventional multifamily housing, student housing presents a unique set of challenges. Owners have increasingly turned to technology to help streamline operations, reduce risk, and limit the inevitable chaos of managing student renters.

Pizzuti Cos. announced a new leasing manager for the company's Columbus multifamily portfolio.

In this episode, Joe McDiffitt, Managing Director of Property Management at Coastal Ridge Real Estate, joins MHN’s Denile Doyle to share lessons from overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes student housing and traditional multifamily properties.

What’s driving growth in student housing? Patrick McBride unpacks market shifts, risk mitigation and resident satisfaction.

This year marks the seventh time that Columbus Business First has put together a list of the community and business leaders making an impact on the economic development of the region.

As property sales have faltered for traditional multifamily, a Coastal Ridge executive notes that off-campus property sales have remained healthy.

Many Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to afford a traditional home, prompting many to opt for the more affordable alternative of renting. More specifically, build-to-rent (BTR) homes are a residential segment offering a different experience. While renters in those assets won't get equity in return, they will be met with vibes similar to owning a home if the landlord can provide the right setting.

Columbus-based Coastal Ridge looks to continue to grow its offerings in 2025, as well as double down on sectors it is already in.

Higher borrowing costs, political uncertainty, bank failures, and booms and busts in asset classes — this year had a lot to get through.

Coastal Ridge, a real estate giant with $5.1 billion in assets, has purchased a building in Walnut Hills to house the team charged with managing its growing Cincinnati scattered-site portfolio.

Columbus, Ohio — Coastal Ridge has hired Laura Formica to the role of managing director of corporate operations. In her new role, Formica will lead and oversee various corporate teams at the Columbus, Ohio-based firm’s home office. The new leadership position was designed to enhance performance and streamline operations across Coastal Ridge’s platform, which includes investment, development and property management.