Skip to main content

Our goal is to be one of the most focused, thoughtful and dynamic developers in the area. We will maintain a hands-on approach to the market so we can respond quickly to fast-breaking opportunities.

Fred W. Klein

Founding Partner
Charlotte, NC

Since its inception, Fred has grown Childress Klein into one of Charlotte’s largest and most respected private real estate firms — renowned for developing, owning and managing some of Charlotte’s most prominent landmarks.

Today, Childress Klein is more than 250 employees strong, and continues to develop, manage and provide oversight of 450+ properties, totaling over 51 million square feet. Notable projects include The Duke Energy Center, One Wells Fargo Center, the Charlotte Plaza building, and LakePointe Office Park, as well as millions of square feet of warehouses and other industrial space. Fred’s entrepreneurial spirit, worth ethic and commitment to our community has provided the foundation for the next generation of Childress Klein leadership to continue the company’s growth.

Throughout the last three decades as a Managing Partner, Fred has been responsible for new business activities and investor relationships, as well as leveraging his 45+ years of experience developing commercial real estate across the southeast region to help the firm achieve its long-term strategic goals. Prior to forming Childress Klein in 1988 with Don Childress, Fred was a partner and then a regional partner with the Trammell Crow Company, which at the time was the largest commercial real estate firm in the United States.

A previous lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Fred earned an MBA with distinction from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and graduated summa cum laude in engineering from Lehigh University. An active member of the Charlotte community, he has served in numerous leadership positions outside of Childress Klein, including a current UNC Charlotte Trustee, as well as a Board Member of the North Carolina Railroad.

MBA, with Distinction | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

BSIE, summa cum laude | Lehigh University

Childress Klein
Managing Partner, 1988 – 2021

Trammell Crow Company
Regional Partner, 1987 – 1988
Partner, 1974 – 1987

United States Navy
Lieutenant, 1969 – 1972

UNC Charlotte, Trustee

Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors (CRCBR), Member

North Carolina Railroad Board of Directors, Former Member

YMCA of Greater Charlotte, The Y Mission Leadership Team, Board of Trustees

Did you know?

Fred's house was used in the film 'The Killing Secret.'