Tall Grass Capital, LLC was founded in 2004 by co-entrepreneurs Rhone Bird and Chris Franklin. Since they launched, Tall Grass has experienced phenomenal growth. Today, Tall Grass and their experienced team of real estate professionals manage a robust and diverse portfolio for clients throughout the mid to southwest. The company also gives back to the communities in which it does business through a wide range of philanthropic endeavors.
RHONE BIRD
Co-Founder, Tall Grass Capital
Rhone Bird is the co-founder of Tall Grass Capital, LLC, a commercial real estate investment, development, construction, and property management company founded in 2004. He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1997 with a B.S. in Finance. Mr. Bird serves on the boards of MD Environmental, and Trustmark Title. He resides in Oklahoma City and has one daughter, Bailey.
CHRIS FRANKLIN
Co-Founder, Tall Grass Capital
Chris Franklin is the co-founder of Tall Grass Capital, LLC, a commercial real estate investment, development, construction, and property management company. He was recently appointed to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, representing his alma mater, Oklahoma State University. He serves on the boards of the M&P Foundation, Valor Bank, and Oklahoma Christian Schools, and manages Coffee Creek Cattle Company. Mr. Franklin lives in Edmond, OK, with his wife Melissa and their two sons.
BAKER BURNS
Associate
Baker, an Oklahoma native, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a major in Finance and a minor Sports Business. He joined Tall Grass Realty as an associate in May 2024 and plays a key role in supporting real estate development projects. Outside of work, Baker enjoys attending sporting events such as OU & Thunder games, as well as golfing with friends.
EDDIE COOK
Associate
Eddie, an Oklahoma native, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a major in Finance and a minor in Real Estate Development. He joined Tall Grass Realty as an associate in May 2024 and plays a key role in supporting real estate development projects. Outside of work, Eddie enjoys spending time in the mountains with friends and family.
ETHAN WILSON
Associate
Ethan Wilson joined Tall Grass Realty as an associate in August of 2022. He is a proud Oklahoma native and attended Oklahoma State University where he met his now-wife. Ethan has been working in the Real Estate industry for over 4 years. He enjoys helping create unique solutions for the clients that he works with. Outside of work Ethan enjoys fitness and playing golf with his friends. Ethan is genuinely passionate about helping fellow Oklahomans in need of his expertise.
CARY MANEK
Controller, Tall Grass Capital
Cary Manek serves as Controller for Tall Grass Capital, overseeing accounting for various companies and managing daily accounting tasks. He previously worked for the IRS as a Tax Auditor and Revenue Agent for seven years and as Finance Director at Surgery Centers of America for four years. Cary is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. in Business Management from Oklahoma Christian University. He is
married to Tina Manek, and they have two children.
BLAKE FRANKLIN
Senior Development, Construction and Property Manager
Blake Franklin is a Senior Development, Construction, and Property Manager for Tall Grass Capital. He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999 with a BBA in Business Management. He is married to Jada Franklin. They have two children and reside in Edmond, OK. His hobbies include spending quality time with family, working on the family ranch, and playing & coaching sports with his two boys.
JADA FRANKLIN
Leasing and Management, Tall Grass Capital
Jada Franklin oversees leasing and management for Tall Grass Capital, having joined the team in 2019. Originally from Sweetwater, Texas, she graduated from Southwestern University in 2001 with a B.A. in Behavioral Sciences. She is married to Blake Franklin, and they have two children and reside in Edmond, OK. Jada enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and staying active.
HOPE BIRD
Executive Assistant
Hope Bird is an Executive Assistant for Tall Grass Capital and Nichols Hills Executive Suites. After 13 years of owning her own business, she now oversees and assists 40 offices with companies ranging from one to six employees. Her passion is her love for her three grandkids, exercising, reading, her faith, and her dog Annie.